Alexandra Knezovich has reportedly worked across Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia throughout her career, engaging a broad range of stakeholders including governments, international institutions, corporates, NGOs, donors, and academic partners.
Category: Footwear
Birkenstock’s Debt Ratings Upgraded on Strong Operating Performance, Debt Deleverage
Birkenstock Holding PLC saw its debt ratings upgraded by S&P Global Ratings due to strong sales, improved profit margins, and expectations for continued balance-sheet deleveraging. Under S&P’s revised base case, it expects Birkenstock to maintain adjusted debt to EBITDA of about 2.0x-2.1x in fiscal 2026 (broadly in line with the previous year) and to reduce it below 2.0x starting from 2027.
Univ of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index Shows Strong Recovery in February
U.S. consumer sentiment rose to a six-month high in February, although concern for job insecurity and inflation remained widespread, according to the University of Michigan’s monthly survey.
Michigan’s Rocky’s Great Outdoors to Shutter
Rocky’s opened in 1971, focusing on motorcycle parts and accessories, and later expanded into outdoor categories, including camping, archery, hiking, and fishing in the early 1990s, then later added kayaks and snowmobile parts and accessories.
EXEC: Under Armour Sees NA Business on Road to Stabilization
Under Armour Inc.’s North America sales tumbled 10 percent in the fiscal third quarter ended December 31, but Kevin Plank, president, CEO and founder, told analysts the region is “beginning to turn the corner” and on the path towards its goal of stabilizing in fiscal 2027. He said, “Traffic, yes, remained soft, but underlying indicators are improving.”
Marathon Sports Acquires Six03 Trail Races and Cranmore Mountain Race
Marathon Sports, which operates 28 running stores across New England, acquired the Six03 Trail Races and the Cranmore Mountain Race. As part of the acquisition, Six03 Founder Tom Hooper will join Marathon Sports to lead its Trail Running Initiative.
EXEC: Sports Direct Owner Frasers Group Acquires Control of Italy’s Maxi Sport
Current Maxi Sport owners, Emanuele Sala, Giovanni Sala, Ester Sala, and Giulia Sala, will continue to hold a stake in the business and remain on the company’s leadership team.
Brooks Running’s Revenues Climb 16 Percent in 2025, Boosted by International Gains
Brooks Running reported revenues rose 16 percent in 2025, with 13 percent growth in North America and accelerating growth internationally. Sales advanced 22 percent in EMEA and 66 percent in APLA, led by a 245 percent surge in China.
The Buckle’s January Comp Sales Growth Moderates from Q4 and Full Year Trends
Comparable store sales for the four-week fiscal month ended January 31 increased 1.7 percent year-over-year. Comps for the fiscal fourth quarter increased 3.9 percent year-over-year.
Boot Barn Sees Fiscal Q3 Results Top Guidance, Same-Store Sales Jump 6 Percent
Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. reported earnings in the fiscal third quarter ended December 27 climbed 14.2 percent, driven by a 5.7 percent increase, topping company guidance. The Western-themed footwear retailer expects fiscal fourth-quarter comps to climb 3.0 percent to 5.0 percent.
8AM Golf Acquires Equity Stake in Payntr Golf
8AM Golf, the parent of True Spec Golf, Miura Golf and other golf businesses, has acquired a “significant equity stake” in golf footwear upstart Payntr Golf, marking the company’s first investment in the apparel and footwear space.
AAFA Study: 41 Percent of Counterfeit Products Tested Failed Product Safety Standards
The AAFA reported that of the 39 counterfeit products tested, including clothing, footwear, and other accessories, 16 products (41 percent) failed to comply with U.S. and international product safety standards.
Shoes That Fit Appoints Jared Briskin and Misty Prado to Board of Directors
Shoes That Fit, a national 501(c)3 nonprofit, based in Claremont, CA, has appointed Hibbett, Inc. President and CEO Jared Briskin and Hyundai Capital America Head of HR Misty Prado to its Board of Directors.
Eddie Bauer Retail Operator Speculated to File for Bankruptcy, Close NA Stores
Catalyst Brands Group, the retail operator of Eddie Bauer in North America, is expected to file for bankruptcy under a plan to close all of its stores in the U.S. and Canada, according to multiple reports. Any bankruptcy reorganization will not impact Eddie Bauer’s manufacturing, wholesale, or e-commerce operations, as well as its retail operations outside of the U.S. and Canada.
Repreve Fiber Parent Unifi Sees Fiscal Q2 Sales Slump 13 Percent as Tariffs Slow Orders
Unifi, Inc., the owner of the Repreve fiber brand, reduced its adjusted loss before special items in the fiscal second quarter ended December 28, driven by an aggressive cost-savings program. Sales fell 12.6 percent as U.S. tariffs continue to weigh on order activity.
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