Foot Locker Inc. saw fourth-quarter earnings that topped Wall Street’s consensus target but same-store sales were down 1.6 percent and were below expectations. Dick Johnson, CEO, said, “While we had leading positions in key on-trend footwear styles, this was not enough to offset softer than expected demand during the compressed holiday season, a very promotional marketplace for apparel, and tougher launch comparisons.”
Category: Footwear

New Balance And NBA Announce Multiyear Global Agreement
The National Basketball Association (NBA) and New Balance Athletics, Inc. announced a new multiyear agreement that will make the global athletic brand an official marketing partner of the NBA.

Columbia Sportswear Warns Of Significant Impact From Coronavirus
In an update, Columbia Sportswear said it its 2020 results “to be significantly affected” by the coronavirus outbreak as the epidemic impacts both its business in the Asia region and its supply chain.

Nearly A Third Of U.S. Firms In China Facing Revenue Hits
A survey of nearly 170 firms by the American Chamber of Commerce in China, or AmCham China, found nearly one-third of U.S. firms with exposure to China are facing increased costs and significantly reduced revenue due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Nike Exec Josh Simon Joins Netflix
Josh Simon, most recently as VP and head of global strategy for product, design, merchandising and categories at Nike, has been appointed VP of consumer products for Netflix, according to a report from Variety.

Modell’s Saves Two More Stores From Closure
Modell’s Sporting Goods said two more stores in Manhattan – located at 150 and 280 Broadway – will not be closing as planned due to negotiations with landlords, according to a Bloomberg report. The spared stores bring Modell’s planned closings to 17.

Report: Stage Stores Closing More Than 70 Locations
Stage Stores, Inc. has reportedly laid off more than 20 percent of its corporate staff and plans to close more than 70 of its approximately 700 stores, according to a report from Retail Dive.

Remington Products Acquires Foot Petals
Remington Products Company announced it has recently acquired the Foot Petals brand from RG Barry Corporation. Foot Petals is a designer brand of foot cushions and inserts including ball-of-foot, back of heel and arch cushions.

Active Ride Shop Announces New Ownership
Active Ride Shop, the skate chain based in Ontario, CA, announced that Bedford Ventures Inc. has acquired its assets from GemCap Lending following an auction process. The new owners plan to re-open three stores this spring.

J. C. Penney’s Q4 Comps Slide 7 Percent
J. C. Penney Company reported earnings on an adjusted basis fell 24.6 percent in the fourth quarter as same-store sales were down 7.0 percent.

VF Corp. Closes Inaugural €500 Million Green Bond
VF Corp. announced the closing of its €500 million green bond offering, representing the first green bond issued in the apparel and footwear industry. The amount equivalent to the net proceeds from the offering will be used to advance programs within the company’s Made for Change Sustainability & Responsibility strategy.

Acushnet’s Earnings Soar In Q4
Acushnet Holdings Corp., the parent of Titleist, reported net income rose 57.0 percent in the fourth quarter on a 7.3 percent sales gain. Net earnings rose 21.2 percent in the year on a 2.9 percent sales increase.

Crocs’ Q4 Revenues Jump 22 Percent
Crocs, Inc. reported earnings in the fourth quarter that topped Wall Street’s targets as sales expanded 21.8 percent to cap off a strong year. Crocs officials, however, warned that sales in the first quarter would be hurt by $20 million to $30 million due to disruptions in Asia from the coronavirus.

Revolve Sees 16 Percent Q4 Growth
Revolve Group, the fashion e-tailer, reported sales in the fourth quarter ended December 31 rose 15.5 percent to $147.6 million from $127.7 million.

Tokyo Olympics May Be Cancelled If Coronavirus Not Contained By Late May
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics are more likely to be canceled than moved or rescheduled if by late May the coronavirus outbreak is deemed too dangerous to go ahead with the original schedule, according to International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound.