The NPD Group (NPD) and Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) announced the signing of a definitive agreement to merge the two companies. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2022.
Category: Footwear

Nike To Open Technology Center In Atlanta
Nike plans to open a technology center in Atlanta in a major expansion in the area, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

The Buckle’s Comps Drop 10 Percent In March
The Buckle, Inc. announced that comparable store net sales, for stores open at least one year, for the 5-week period ended April 2, 2022, decreased 9.7 percent.

Zappos.com Appoints CEO
Zappos.com announced the promotion of Scott Schaefer to CEO effective immediately. Schaefer, a long-tenured leader in the company, has been acting CEO since December 2021.

A Cleaner Vision For Footwear Manufacturing With Ortholite’s GM and VP, Ortholite Cirql
— Sponsored content — OrthoLite unveiled a new sustainable midsole innovation in March called Cirql, which is the first EVA plastic-free, recyclable, biodegradable, and industrially compostable foam with an end of life solution. General Manager and Vice President of Cirql, Matt Smith, outlines the new business unit and when the industry can expect to see the product in […]
Merrell Launches Takeback And Resale Program
Merrell is launching a multinational product takeback and resale program called Merrell ReTread. The program, which launches in April in the US and Canada in a partnership with ReCircled, allows consumers to give back Merrell footwear.
Skechers Appoints Board Member
Skechers USA, Inc. announced that Yolanda Macias had been appointed to its Board of Directors. The appointment brings the total number of directors to eight, including five independent members.
Brand Finance Ranking Report: Nike Retains Top Spot As Most Valuable Brand
As a result of increased consumer demand for sportswear due to the pandemic, brands in the sector achieved significant value growth over the last year, according to the just-released Brand Finance Apparel 50 Report. Nike retains the top spot as the most valuable brand in the ranking since the rankings were instituted. Skechers and Li Ning were also among those growing significantly in value.
Frasers Group Appoints Managing Director, Cycling
Frasers Group plc announced the appointment of Russell Merry as managing director for cycling. The group currently operates from over 70 Evans Cycles stores and retails a collection of cycling specialty products across its Group portfolio, which spans 22 countries and over 500 stores.
Pacsun Launches Resale Platform
Pacsun has launched “Pre-Loved Pac,” enabling customers to buy and sell pre-owned items for Pacsun credit and shop pre-owned directly through the Pacsun website.

Farfetch Invests In Neiman Marcus
Farfetch, an online retailer of luxury fashion products, is taking a stake in Neiman Marcus Group as part of a broader strategic partnership that will see Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus join the Farfetch platform.

Lululemon Makes Executive Appointments
Lululemon has hired Simon Atkins, who formerly led basketball at Adidas, as SVP of footwear and Phil Dickinson, a Nike veteran, as SVP, global creative director. Both report to Sun Choe, chief product officer.
Hypebeast To List On NASDAQ Through SPAC Merger
Hypebeast, the digital media and e-commerce company with a focus on streetwear, plans to list its shares on Nasdaq through a merger with Iron Spark I Inc. The firm also indicated former Nike brand president Trevor Edwards will join its board.
Burlington Stores’ CFO To Retire
Burlington Stores Inc. announced that John Crimmins woulf retire from his position as chief financial officer on August 31, 2022, or the date his successor commences employment.
Nordstrom Announces Executive Leadership Team Retirements And New Appointments
Nordstrom, Inc. announced the retirements of Scott Meden, chief marketing officer (CMO), and Geevy S.K. Thomas, president of Nordstrom Rack. Nordstrom, Inc. also announced the appointments of Ken Worzel and Jamie Nordstrom to the newly created roles of chief customer officer and chief stores officer.