The collaboration will see LULU launch its first retail store in the country in addition to having a dedicated e-commerce presence on both Tata CLiQ Luxury and Tata CLiQ Fashion platforms.
Category: Footwear
EXEC: Coats Group to Acquire OrthoLite in Move to Reshape Footwear Components Market
The London-based thread manufacturer reached a definitive agreement to acquire U.S.-based footwear insole maker OrthoLite for $770 million, including debt. The acquisition is reportedly designed to accelerate the London-based thread manufacturer’s ambition to become a leading supplier of materials to the footwear industry.
Nike’s Debt Downgraded on Lower Profitability, Tariff Risks
S&P Global Ratings lowered its debt ratings on Nike, Inc., due to recent sales and margin declines that it expects will continue in its current fiscal year as well as ongoing tariff risks. The rating agency said, “We believe it will take multiple years to regain the market share lost to both apparel and footwear competitors and return Nike to historical levels of profitability.”
Rygr Taps Saks, Backbone and TNF Veteran as Company President
Hlidek replaces Brian Holcombe, who co-founded Rygr in 2016 and assumed the role of president in 2023. The company said Holcombe’s nine-year tenure helped shape the agency’s “strong foundation, culture and client portfolio.”
Adidas Extends Contract with University of Nevada
The University of Nevada announced a new five-year agreement with Adidas, continuing its partnership that began in 2020. Adidas will remain the exclusive provider of footwear, apparel and accessories for Wolf Pack Athletics.
Survey: Potential Tariffs and Inflation Jump-Started BTS Shopping
“Consumers are being mindful of the potential impacts of tariffs and inflation on back-to-school items, and have turned to early shopping, discount stores and summer sales for savings on school essentials.” — Katherine Cullen, VP of Industry and Consumer Insights, National Retail Federation
361 Degrees Owned-Retail Posts Healthy Q2 Growth
China-based 361 Degrees International, Ltd. reported that brick-and-mortar retail sales of 361º core-branded products increased by approximately 10 percent year-over-year for the second quarter of 2025, which ended on June 30, moderating slightly after expanding by 10 percent to 15 percent in the first quarter.
Journeys Parent Genesco, Inc. Signs Deal to License Wrangler Brand for Footwear
The agreement covers men’s, women’s and kids footwear, with the first collection expected to launch in fall 2026. The partnership aims to expand Wrangler’s presence in the footwear market while adding to Genesco’s portfolio of licensed brands.
EXEC: L.L.Bean CEO Stephen Smith Sets 2026 Transition Plan for Departure
Stephen Smith, the president and CEO of L.L.Bean, will leave the company in the spring of 2026, capping a decade of leadership at the iconic Maine-based outdoor brand. The L.L.Bean Board of Directors, led by Chairman Shawn Gorman, has initiated a search for his successor.
Lululemon Appoints SVP of Sustainability
Nike’s former chief sustainability officer Noel Kinder was hired as LULU’s senior vice president of sustainability, reporting to Ted Dagnese, the company’s chief supply chain officer. He replaced Esther Speck who served as senior vice president of Sustainable Business and Impact at Lululemon for almost ten years.
EXEC: Fila Brand Delivers MSD China Retail Growth in Q2 for Anta Sports
Retail sales, in retail value, for the Fila brand in China increased in mid-single digits year-over-year in the second quarter, a moderation from the high-single-digit trend in the first quarter.
Puma Renews Partnership with Manchester City
Puma’s 10-year contract extension on its deal with Manchester City will reportedly be worthup to £1 billion (US$1.3bn), in the form of £100 million per year which is a marked increase from its previous agreement of £65 million per year, signed in 2019.
Oboz and Rip Curl Parent KMD Hires Finance VP for North America
Heather Sweeny, a former Adidas executive, was appointed as VP of Finance across all KMD Brands in North America, including Oboz, Rip Curl and Kathmandu.
EXEC: Li Ning Posts LSD Growth in China Retail Sales in Second Quarter
The Offline channel, which includes retail and wholesale, registered a low-single-digit increase. Retail (direct operation) declined by mid-single digits, while Wholesale (franchised distributors) increased by low-single digits. The E-commerce channel registered mid-single-digit growth.
Running USA Executive Director Departs for Leadership Role at USA Track & Field
Jay Holder will support Running USA’s transition efforts until a new executive director is named. Kathleen Titus, president of the Board of Directors, will assume the role of interim executive director role.
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