Rocky Brands Q4 Profitability Shows Further Improvement

Rocky Brands Inc. reported earnings rose 28.6 percent in the fourth quarter on an adjusted basis. The gains reflect improved gross margins due to segment mix, increased manufacturing efficiencies and improved full priced selling. Wholesale sales increased 3.4 percent.

Kathmandu Announces North American Sales Teams

Kathmandu, the New Zealand travel and adventure brand, announced new sales representation in the Pacific Northwest, Rockies, and Southwest by The Alta Group, Urban Outdoors, and Pacific Crest Trading accordingly.

Tariff Hike Postponed

On Sunday, President Donald Trump delayed the March 1 deadline to increase tariffs on Chinese goods, citing “substantial progress” during a week of trade talks in Washington, D.C. between U.S. and Chinese officials.

RECALL: SRAM Bicycle Gear Hubs

About 7,000 bicycle gear hubs from SRAM are being recalled. SRAM has received five reports of brake failure, resulting in one minor injury to a rider.

Retail Reports Roundup

Retail studies arrived over the last two weeks on the value of in-person customer service, in-app spending growth, mobile payments, virtual assistants, supply chain digitization and more…

Trade Talks Showing Some Positive Signals

Facing a March 1 deadline before tariffs on some $200 billion in Chinese imports rise, Chinese and U.S. negotiators held high level talks Thursday and Friday in Washington D.C. The discussions come amid signs of progress on resolving some issues in the seven-month trade dispute.

Wolverine’s Shares Sink On Cautious Guidance

Wolverine World Wide reported sales came in slightly below Wall Street’s expectations but are expected to accelerate to mid-single digit growth in the back half of 2019 due to an expected turnaround at Saucony and accelerated growth at Merrell and Sperry. EPS guidance for 2019, however, came in below expectations as the company plans to ramp up brand-building efforts this year.

Wolverine’s Q4 Boosted By Momentum At Merrell And Sperry

Wolverine World Wide reported earnings on an adjusted basis grew 27 percent in the fourth quarter, helped by improving margins and a sharp reduction in operating expenses. Revenues inched up 0.2 percent and benefited from accelerated revenue growth from Merrell and Sperry.