Hazen has served as the company’s interim CEO since November 2024. In October 2024, Boot Barn reported that then-CEO James Conroy was leaving the retailer to become CEO of Ross Stores.
Category: Footwear
Nike, Inc. Names Amy Montagne Nike Brand President as Heidi O’Neill Retires
Amy Montagne was named president, Nike Brand; Phil McCartney appointed EVP and chief innovation, design & product officer; Nicole Graham appointed EVP and CMO; and Tom Clarke named chief growth initiatives officer.
EXEC: Analysts Offer Take on Skechers USA Going Private in $9.4 Billion Deal
Amid significant uncertainty in the marketplace caused by the President’s trade war, Skechers USA agreed to be acquired by private equity firm 3G Capital for $9.4 billion in a move that will end its 26-year run in the public markets. The sale announcement follows a decision by Skechers not to offer full-year guidance in April due to trade uncertainties with shoe companies highly exposed to President Trump’s tariffs.
EXEC: SFIA State of the Industry Report Reveals Healthy Industry Profits in 2024
Besides tariffs and economic concerns, the SFIA State of the Industry Report outlines that industry executives are pleased with recent performance results and are upbeat about prospects.
Lowa Names New U.S. General Manager as Peter Sachs Plans Retirement
Peter Sachs is stepping down as the brand’s USA general manager, with Lance Taylor, an outdoor industry veteran, assuming the role. Taylor worked at Salomon for 17 years, most recently as head of its Outdoor National Business Unit.
Report: Performance FW Outperforms Total FW Market in Q1; Running Grows 7 Percent
The retail tracking and market advisory firm reported that Sport Lifestyle, or athleisure sneakers, once again was the largest footwear segment, growing almost 1 percent for the quarter. Performance Footwear grew 4 percent during the period, led by Running.
EXEC: Brooks Running Boasts Strong Q1 Gains in Int’l Markets and U.S. Run Specialty
The company did not provide growth trends or volume for U.S. national retailers although it did provide select market research data for the channel. That channel is heavily dominated by On and Hoka in the current environment. A push in lifestyle may give Brooks, like Asics last year, a solid re-positioning in the channel.
Puma Plans to Move London HQ to Manchester
The 20,000-square-foot space will house Puma sales, marketing, merchandising, finance, operations and direct-to-consumer departments.
Kohl’s BOD Terminates New CEO for Cause; Forecasts Q1 Comps Down in Mid Singles
Multiple sources are publishing that Buchanan was terminated after an investigation found that he violated the retailer’s code of conduct by entering into a “highly unusual” business deal.
Justin Boots Adds Ostrich Leather Men’s Boots to Untamed Collection
The company’s new Exotic Lineup, in smooth ostrich leather, includes the Roswell 11″ boot, in Brandy Brown and Cognac Brown, and Conroe 11″ boot in Kango Tobac Brown.
EXEC: Columbia Brand Set to Take Market Share Back in 2025; Q1 Exceeds Outlook
First-quarter net sales and earnings exceeded guidance, driven by late-season demand for winter products and strong early-spring shipments. International markets, which contributed 40 percent of annual sales, performed well, with double-digit growth in the LAAP region and high-single-digit growth in EMEA.
Nordstrom NYC to Host New Balance Pop-Up at The Corner
The corner pop-up will include monthly product drops across shoes, apparel and accessories for men, women and kids. Customers can also access limited-edition collaborations and customization opportunities available only in-store.
Stio Promotes Four Employees, Hires an Associate Creative Director
The company has promoted Sarah Raff to VP of operations, Liz Barrett to senior director of brand marketing, Stirling Cobb to product marketing director, and Chris Ragusa to director of customer experience. John Brown joins Stio as an associate creative director.
Foot Solutions x Pickleball Pro Ben Johns Create Custom Orthodic for Pickleball Play
The product is a result of several months of testing and revisions with Johns working alongside Foot Solutions experts. The result is a 3D printed custom orthotic for customers at the store level.
Report: Sports & Fitness Manufacturers’ Sales Growth Moderated in 2024
SFIA’s latest report found that some key categories, including martial arts gear, tennis balls, pickleball racquets and outdoor/adventure footwear, delivered double-digit growth in 2024 while sales across various categories remained far above pre-pandemic levels.
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