Foot Locker’s Debt Ratings Lowered by S&P

S&P Global Ratings downgraded the debt ratings of Foot Locker, Inc. following the sneaker giant’s report of weaker-than-expected second-quarter earnings amid elevated promotional activity and weak consumer demand.

EXEC: Nike Confident In Profit Recovery in FY24

At its annual meeting, Nike officials expressed confidence that profitability would bounce back in the coming fiscal year ended May 2024 after markdowns to clear excessive inventories led to a profit shortfall in the prior fiscal year. Execs were also bullish on the brand’s innovation pipeline, structural tailwinds behind the athletics space and its evolving marketplace strategy.

HeyDude Faces $1.95 Million Fine from FTC

HeyDude will pay $1.95 million in fines over allegations they misled customers by only allowing positive reviews to appear on its website. Crocs said the violations primarily occurred prior to the acquisition.

EXEC: Inside Birkenstock’s Growth Plans

In its IPO prospectus, Birkenstock said it sees “ample whitespace to continue growing the Birkenstock brand” by raising brand awareness, production capacity expansion, core and new product portfolio innovation, and a continued DTC shift.

Major League Pickleball and PPA Tour to Merge

The operators of the two major pickleball leagues, Major League Pickleball and the PPA Tour agreed to merge. The companies will remain distinct, but the merger aims to eliminate scheduling conflicts and competition over players.

Report: Online Prices Reach 40-Month Low in August

U.S. online prices in August 2023 fell 3.2 percent YoY, reaching their lowest in 40 months, led by a drop in sporting goods, down 7 percent YoY, according to the latest data from the Adobe Digital Price Index, based on Adobe Analytics. This made August 2023 the 12th consecutive month of overall YoY price decreases.