JD Sports Acquires Shoe Palace

JD Sports said it has acquired Shoe Palace for $325 million in a move that will expand its footprint on the West Coast. The U.K.’s largest sneaker chain marked its entry in the U.S. with the acquisition of Finish Line in 2018.

Sports Direct’s Parent Sees 7.4 Percent Sales Drop In First Half

Frasers Group PLC reported revenues declined 7.4 percent in the six months ended October 25, largely caused by temporary store closures due to COVID-19, offset by the strong reopening of stores after lockdown and growth in its online business. Sales at Eastern Mountain Sports and Bob’s Stores in the U.S. saw double-digit declines.

Tecnica Appoints North American Business Unit Director, Tecnica Footwear

Tecnica Group has hired Rob Phillips to the newly created position of North American business unit director, Tecnica Footwear. Responsible for overseeing commercial operations, product and marketing, Phillips joins Tecnica with over 14 years of sales and management experience including seven years with 5.11.

Academy Sports Reports Record Q3 Sales And Earnings

Academy Sports and Outdoors Inc., in its first earnings report since going public, reported earnings vaulted 188 percent on an adjusted basis in the third quarter ended October 31. Revenues jumped 17.8 percent. Results were well ahead of Wall Street’s targets. The retaller marked its fifth consecutive quarter with a comparable sales increase.

Imports Still Strong Though October

Imports remain strong through October after setting new records this fall as retailers stocked up both stores and warehouses for the holiday season and met new demands for quick delivery of online orders, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

REI Elevates Product Standards To Fight Climate Change And Advance Equity

REI is upgrading product standards in partnership with its more than 1,000 brand partners to advance more sustainable and inclusive business practices. The co-up is also committing that, by 2030, all products on its shelves will have a preferred attribute so that every purchase at REI supports a healthier, cleaner, more equitable planet.

Designer Brands Logs Q3 Loss, Continues Athletic Push

Designer Brands Inc. reported a loss in the third quarter ended November 2 on a 30.1 percent revenue decline but the loss topped Wall Street’s expectations. Designer Brands’ officials also called out substantial progress the DSW chain has made expanding athletic and kids offerings.