A gauge of sentiment among small businesses, rose to 98.8 in May from 95.8 in April, bringing the Index back above its long-term average, represented by a reading of 98. The increase ends a four-month streak of weakening sentiment.
Category: Footwear
Adidas Partners with Spanish Soccer Club, Sevilla
Adidas will provide playing and training kits for the men’s first team, as well as the women’s and academy teams, under an agreement running from the 2025/26 season through the 2034/35 campaign.
Game One Forms Apparel Partnership With University of Indianapolis
The University of Indianapolis announced an exclusive multi-year agreement with Game One and Nike. The deal replaces a supplier arrangement with BSN Sports and Nike.
Authentic Brands Group Establishes APAC Headquarters in Shanghai
The Shanghai HQ will support Authentic’s growing brand portfolio, including Reebok, Champion, Quiksilver, Billabong, and Sperry, as well as its network of partners across the Greater China region and APAC market.
Yonex Appoints President Of North America Operations
LaNiece Douglas’ hire “will support Yonex’s stepped-up plans to expand in the U.S.” She was VP of and head of U.S. retail for Adidas since 2020.
Adidas, Shoe Palace and Skechers Stores Hit by LA Looters
An Adidas store in downtown Los Angeles on Broadway and Shoe Palace on Main Street, were hit by looters Monday night, June 9, as the civil unrest following days of anti-ICE protests continued overnight.
EXEC: Academy CEO Sees Promising Returns from Improved Nike Allocations, Jordan Launch
First-quarter results missed analyst estimates and the retailer widened its full-year guidance due to potential inflationary pressures arriving this year. Management also shared many positive developments, including a healthy response to Nike product expansion and Jordan brand launch.
Orvis to Close Chicago Store
The storefront, located on the Magnificent Mile, will close on July 24, after two decades, “due to the changing retail landscape on the Magnificent Mile.”
Arc’teryx, Atomic, Keen, Vuori, and Gregory Top REI Vendor Partner of the Year Honors
Established in 1993, REI’s Vendor Partner of the Year awards program “honors brand partners that demonstrate remarkable philosophy and partnership with the co-op and that drive impact for the outdoor industry.
EXEC: Asia FW Factories Post Weaker Shipment Volumes in May 2025
Yue Yuen manufacturing revenue growth flattened to only a 0.5 percent year-over-year in May 2025, a sharp deceleration from the April 2025 trend. Feng Tay’s May year-over-year shipment decline cycled against strong double-digit growth in May 2024.
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. Sees Profits Sink on Comp Sales Decline
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. reported first-quarter earnings and sales that came in below analyst targets. The sporting goods chain widened its guidance for the year to account for potential additional pressure on earnings in the second half tied to inflation.
USTA Commits Another $5 Million to Grow Local Tennis Programs
The new program and funding are in addition to $10 million in grant monies earmarked to expand the USTA’s facility grant program, which supports local tennis infrastructure and was announced earlier this year.
EXEC: Topo Leads Parent’s Brands Portfolio on Strong Q1 Growth; DBI’s Brands DTC Fell
The parent company of DSW, The Shoe Co. and Rubino retail brands, and owner of Topo Athletic, Keds, Le Tigre, Hush Puppies, and other footwear brands, reported a “soft start” to 2025 amid an unpredictable macroeconomic environment and deteriorating consumer sentiment.
EXEC: Morgan Stanley Downgrades Lululemon on Weakening U.S. Growth Outlook
Morgan Stanley downgraded Lululemon Athletica to “Equal-weight” from “Overweight” on waning confidence in a recovery in the company’s core U.S. market.
EXEC Q&A: Dan Sheridan, CEO, Brooks Running
Sheridan, who was promoted to Brooks’ CEO last April, talks with SGB Executive about Brooks’ recent momentum, entry into lifestyle footwear category, the tariff playbook, as well as the health of the overall run industry.
SGB Today
Active Lifestyle Market Product and Brand Marketing Stories from SGB PRO PR and SGB Premium PR Partners
Post your Product or Marketing News in the SGB PR Portal