Western Kentucky University (WKU) extended its longstanding partnerships with Nike and BSN Sports under a multi-year agreement.
Category: Footwear
EXEC: Sports Direct Lands Hoka as New Everlast Gyms+ Combo Opens in Dublin
The UK-based retailer opened an 85,000-square-foot integrated Sports Direct and Everlast Gyms+ flagship on Henry Street in Dublin, combining for the first time a retail and fitness format outside the UK. The opening also marks the official launch of Hoka in Sports Direct stores.
EXEC: Unisport Appoints Dick’s E-Com Leader as Chief Marketing Officer
Unisport, the European soccer e-tailer that recently entered the North American market via the acquisition of WeGotSoccer, appointed Denise Karkos as global chief marketing officer. Most recently, Karkos served as chief e-commerce officer at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Genesco Sets Leadership Change at Schuh
Genesco appointed Tomas Petersson, who formerly led Foot Locker EMEA, as president of its UK-based Schuh banner. Petersson succeeds Colin Temple, who is retiring after a 38-year tenure with the business.
Sneaker Politics Opens Sixth Store in Houston
Sneaker Politics has opened a store in Houston, TX, its sixth store nationwide. The retailer, based in Lafayette, LA, plans to open its first Colorado-based store early fall in Denver.
EXEC: Yue Yuen Issues Profit Warning
Yue Yuen Industrial, Ltd. said it expects a decrease of approximately 55 percent to 60 percent in its profit in the six months ended June 30, citing reduced orders due to a pullback in consumer demand, cost pressures and manufacturing inefficiencies.
Bass Pro Scores Debt Ratings Outlook Upgrade on Improving Performance
Moody’s Ratings changed its debt ratings outlook on Great Outdoors Group, LLC (GOA), the parent name of Bass Pro Group,, to “stable” from “negative.” The upgrade was provoked by “improved operating performance and earnings growth, driven by moderately stronger demand, improved efficiencies and productivity initiatives in the boating business, as well as solid performance in the retail and hospitality segments.”
Shoe Show, Inc. Appoints Cathy Pryor as COO, Replacing the Retiring Jay Manning
Pryor replaces retiring Jay Manning after a 40-year career with the company, most recently as COO, effective November 2, 2026. Pryor joined the retailer in 1988 wheer she has built a 32-year career, marked by continuous advancement through the operations side of the business to SVP of Store Operations and Executive Officer. Pryor was inducted into the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame in 2024.
EXEC: Hoka Growth Concerns Cloud Deckers Brands Fiscal Q2
Deckers Brands maintained its guidance calling for Hoka to deliver growth in the low-double-digits in its fiscal year despite the running brand seeing sales slow to high-single-digits in the fiscal first quarter ended June 30 and expected to expand at a similar rate in the current quarter. DECK shares are running down about 4 percent in mid-day trading due to investor skepticism over Hoka’s ability to accelerate growth in the back half of the fiscal year.
EXEC: Ugg’s Fiscal Q1 Growth Boosted by Gains with Males
Deckers Brands reported that Ugg’s 4.9 percent sales growth in the fiscal first quarter ended June 30 largely reflected success reaching male consumers. On an analyst call, Stefano Caroti, Deckers’ CEO and president, said the men’s business “accounted for the largest portion of incremental Ugg revenue.”
Tractor Supply Axes Outlook on Q2 Shortfall, Absorbs Petsense Store-Closing Charge
Tractor Supply Company lowered its earnings and sales guidance for the year after a pullback in discretionary spending led to results for the second quarter, ended June 27, falling below expectations. The farm and ranch retailer also took an impairment charge to cover the closing of 75 Petsense stores.
Nike Closes Stores in Tampa, Louisville, Lexington, Kansas City, The Woodlands
Nike, Inc.. has closed four more Nike Live stores in Tampa, FL; Louisville, KY; Lexington, KY; and Kansas City, KS; according to local reports. The closings add to at least seven other Nike Live store closures over the last month.
EXEC: Nike Found Liable for $7.5 Million in Damages in Sex Discrimination Lawsuit
A Portland jury found Nike liable in a sex discrimination lawsuit brought by a former employee. The jury determined that Nike should pay at least $7.5 million in damages and nearly $20,000 in backpay after it “willfully” violated the Federal Equal Pay Act.
Target Appoints Former 7-Eleven CEO to Board
Target Corporation elected Joe DePinto, former president and chief executive officer of 7-Eleven, Inc., to its Board of Directors.
Williamsburg’s Colonial Sports Finds New Owners
Local runners David and Jessica Anderson have acquired the business from Jim and Geri Elder, who operated the store for the last 32 years. They retain ownership of the screen printing and embroidery operation from the location to support team uniform needs.
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