Globally, levels of concern among consumers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are moderating slightly, according to the seventh edition of the EY Future Consumer Index. A key emerging trend is the prioritization of sustainability, although the majority of consumers are relying on companies to act as leaders in driving positive social and environmental outcomes.
Category: Footwear

NRF Welcomes Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework
The National Retail Federation said it is encouraged by a bipartisan group of Senators and the Biden Administration finding agreement on a framework for an infrastructure package.

Goat Group Valuation More Than Doubles To $3.7 Billion In Latest Funding Round
Goat Group has closed a Series F funding round of $195 million, reaching a valuation of $3.7 billion, more than double its prior valuation of $1.8 billion following its Series E round announced in September 2020.

Hibbett Changes Corporate Name
Hibbett Inc. announced that it changed its corporate name from “Hibbett Sports, Inc.” to “Hibbett, Inc.”. Mike Longo, president and CEO, said new corporate name better reflects its increased emphasis on athletic-inspired fashion merchandise.

Mizuno Establishes Partnership With LPGA
Mizuno announced a new partnership with the LPGA. The Japanese manufacturer will have a presence at various professional and amateur women’s events in 2021 and produce content for the LPGA’s Women’s Network.

American Express Commits More Than $100 Million To Small Business Campaign
American Express announced that it has launched its new “Let’s Go Shop Small” campaign with more than a $100 million commitment to inspire consumers to support small businesses worldwide through its year-round Shop Small campaign.

Gildan Joins U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol welcomed Gildan Activewear and their portfolio of company-owned brands, including Gildan, Alstyle, American Apparel and Comfort Colors as members.

Under Armour Veteran Joins CEO Coaching International
CEO Coaching International named Matt Shearer, a former executive at Under Armour, as its newest partner and coach.

Izod Sold To Authentic Brands Group
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) has reached an agreement to acquire PVH Corp.’s Heritage Brands business, which includes the Izod, Van Heusen, Arrow and Geoffrey Beene brand trademarks. The cash purchase price for the transaction is approximately $220 million.

Wolverine Worldwide Names Blake Krueger’s Year-End Successor As CEO
Wolverine World Wide Inc. announced that Brendan Hoffman, president and a member of the company’s Board of Directors, will also become chief executive officer at the end of the year. Hoffman will succeed Blake Krueger, who will assume the newly created role of executive chairman.

OBIT: Jimmy Jazz Founder Joseph Khezrie
Jimmy Jazz said its founder Joseph Khezrie has passed away at the age of 90.

Adidas Extends Partnership With Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University Director of Athletics, Kathy Beauregard, announced an extension of the department’s partnership with Adidas, keeping Bronco Athletics in the brand through 2027/28.

NTWRK Appoints First CMO
NTWRK, the livestream shopping platform, announced the appointment of Jason Brown as its first chief marketing officer. Brown joins NTWRK from Foot Locker, where he was VP marketing, North America.

Designer Brands Makes Exec Changes To Further Support Camuto Group’s Integration
Designer Brands Inc. said that in addition to her ongoing role as vice chairman, Debbie Ferrée has been named president of Camuto Group, a role she has held on an interim basis since August 2020. In addition, William Jordan has been named president of Designer Brands.

Supreme Court Rules NCAA Can’t Limit Benefits To Student Athletes
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Monday that the NCAA cannot limit education-related benefits, like computers, musical instruments and paid internships, that colleges could offer their star student-athletes. The ruling opens the door for future legal challenges in the NCAA’s decades-old fight over paying student-athletes.