GU (pronounced as the letters “G” and “U”) was founded in 2006 as a sister brand of Uniqlo and operates approximately 470 stores in Asia, mainly in Japan; this is the first official opening of a store outside of Asia.
Category: Footwear
The British Footwear Association Appoints New CEO
The BFA tapped Richard Shetliffe as its new chief executive officer, effective May 14, bringing a reported depth of experience and knowledge to lead the association.
Nike Basketball Adds A’ja Wilson to Signature Athlete Roster
Wilson, the WNBA pro player for the Las Vegas Aces, has worked with Nike for over a year to create a signature collection, including a shoe.
EXEC: Key Footwear Factory Report Sees Flat Q1 and Unsettled Market for 2024
The Group believes the global footwear industry will remain unsettled in the near term amidst the uncertain macroeconomic environment driven by persistent inflation, high interest rates, regional conflicts, and its impact on shipping lanes.
EXEC: Asics Corp Boasts Record Profit Margins in Q1 as All Regions Post Growth
Reported net sales growth of 21.9 percent, or 14.3 percent in constant-currency (CC) terms, to ¥174.1 billion in the quarter, led by double-digit CC sales growth in Japan, South & Southeast Asia, Greater China and the North America.
Ecco Golf Offers ‘New Flavour of Golf’ Collection
The golf shoe manufacturer released a special-edition capsule collection “celebrating different, and sometimes unexpected, flavors of golf.”
Rally House Opens 19th Store in Michigan
The new store, the first in the state’s southwest region, is located at Mall Drive and S. Westnedge Avenue in Portage.
Superfeet Hires New CFO
As chief financial officer, Kathryn McKenzie is expected to have a key role in “activating Superfeet’s expansion into medical and industrial/work communities, supporting its mission to be the life-changing shape under every foot.”
Puma Introduces Genderless Collection with Palomo Spain
The collection celebrates “queer identities, ’80s athletic culture and the glitz of ’70s roller disco, marrying Palomo’s essence with Puma’s heritage of sportswear.”
Big Peach Running Co. Celebrates 20th Anniversary
The business started with one running store. Today it has ten located throughout the Metro Atlanta area, one store in Melbourne, FL, that opened earlier this year, and a mobile shop, Big Peach On Wheels.
EXEC: Havaianas owner Alpargatas Shows Modest Growth In Q1
Alpargatas, the Brazilian parent of the Havaianas, Rothy’s and Ioasys brands, reported net revenue reached Brazil Real (R$)931.8 million in the first quarter, climbing 3.2 percent compared to the same period in 2022. For the flagship Havaianas brand, strength in Brazil offset declines in the U.S. and Europe.
EXEC: Xtep Intl Divests K-Swiss Brand to Focus on Merrell and Saucony in China
The move is designed to carve out the consistently underperforming segment from Xtep’s portfolio, allowing the company to concentrate its resources on developing its highly profitable brands – core Xtep brand, Saucony, and Merrell.
Adobe: U.S. E-Commerce Spend Expands 7 Percent Through April
Adobe released its online shopping data for the first four months of 2024, showing sales rose 7.0 percent year-over-year to $331.6 billion. The company’s research found that consumers have traded down to less expensive goods across major e-commerce categories.
Crocs Expands Takeback Program Across U.S.
Crocs retail and outlet stores in the U.S., excluding Hawaii and Puerto Rico, now have collection boxes for customers to drop off Crocs shoes in any condition and receive a one-time 10 percent discount on Crocs products in-store or online.
EXEC: Vista Outdoor Sees Another Tough Year Ahead
Vista Outdoor, Inc.’s fourth-quarter results met expectations with sales at its Kinetic Group ammunition segment reaching the lower end of guidance while the Revelyst outdoor segment grew organically for the first time in nine quarters. However, conservative guidance was provided for the new fiscal year as market conditions in both the hunt and outdoor channel remain challenging.
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