Amazon Prime Day 2022 Begins July 12

Amazon’s annual shopping event, Amazon Prime Day, will officially kick off at 3AM ET / 12AM PT on Tuesday, July 12th, and run through Wednesday, July 13th, the company announced on Thursday

Fleet Feet To Acquire Marathon Sports

Fleet Feet, the franchisor of locally-owned and operated running stores in the U.S., announced that it has agreed to acquire New England-based running retailer Marathon Sports and its soundRunner and Runner’s Alley brands. 

Timberland Treks Into The Metaverse Via Fortnite

Timberland has stepped into the metaverse with the launch of its semiannual Construct: 10061 design program within Fortnite to engage customers in an updated product design process that blends physical and virtual experiences. 

Caleres’ Debt Rating Outlook Revised Upward

S&P Global Ratings revised its rating on Caleres, Inc. to positive from stable. The rating agency noted that Caleres reported stronger-than-expected sales and margin expansion in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 across its two main brands, with sales returning to about pre-pandemic levels, reflecting the strengthening consumer demand.

Mountainsmith Expands With Three New Hires

Mountainsmith, the Colorado-based gear manufacturer specializing in hiking and camping, announced it appointed Kipp Godfrey as a sales and service rep, Lora Buboltz as an e-commerce marketplace manager and Nirveek Shah as a graphic designer.

Mastercard SpendingPulse Forecasts 7.5 Percent Growth For U.S. Back-To-School Sales

Mastercard SpendingPulse forecasted that U.S. retail sales would grow 7.5 percent year-over-year from mid-July through the Labor Day back-to-school buying period. It anticipates that sales will be up 18.3 percent compared to the pre-pandemic 2019 selling season, with department stores a noteworthy winner as the retail sector continues its recent rebound.

Tecovas Appoints CEO

Tecovas, an Austin, TX-based Western footwear, apparel and accessories brand, announced that David Lafitte is joining the company as CEO effective June 27. Lafitte is currently the chief operating officer for Deckers Brands.

Oberalp Group Makes Hires And Promotions

The Oberalp Group, which owns Salewa, Dynafit, Pomoca, Wild Country and Evolv, has hired Phil Hoffman as sales manager, appointed Mike Sohasky as key account sales manager, and promoted Steve Goddard, Michael Casarrubia, and Eric Poore to new roles within the company.