Birkenstock’s David Kahan Talks About Fan Love

At FDRA’s Footwear Executive Summit, David Kahan, CEO, Birkenstock Americas, discussed today’s rapid pace of change and how change can be “scary.” But he said a large part of Birkenstock’s explosive growth in recent years has been driven by re-focusing on the passionate following – albeit initially small – that had long existed for the brand.

March Retail Sales See Healthiest Gains Since Late 2017

Retail sales were up 1 percent in March seasonally adjusted from February and up 0.8 percent unadjusted year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said. NRF said the numbers could have been better if not for cold weather early in March and changes in the timing of two key religious holidays.

Dutch Bros Coffee Hires Rick Anguilla

Dutch Bros Coffee hired Rick Anguilla as its first chief marketing officer. Anguilla’s previous roles included vice president of brand communications at Nike and senior vice president at Under Armour.

Skechers’ Earnings Decline Slightly In Q1

Skechers USA Inc. reported earnings dipped 7.6 percent in the first quarter. Sales grew 2.1 percent as a 9.3 percent jump in the company’s international business offset a 6.3 percent decrease in its domestic business. Earnings and sales came in at the lower end of guidance but Q2 earnings are expected to improve.

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Announces 2019 Award Nominees 

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, this week announced nominees for their 2019 retailer and vendor awards.  Vendor of the year nominees include Kelty, Lowa Boots, Smartwool and The North Face.

NGF … Golf Seeing Signs Of A Recovery

With double-digit growth in off-course golf participation, improved TV ratings, and a more diverse group of beginners coming to the sport, the National Golf Foundation (NGF) delivered a bullish outlook for the golf industry in its annual study. One encouraging finding was that on-course participation in 2018 marked its first measured increase in 14 years

Anta Sports Sees Robust Sales In Q1

Anta Sports Products Limited reported retail sales of Anta branded products for the first quarter of 2019 increased by low-teens when compared to the same period of 2018.

Adidas Appoints General Manager Of Runtastic

Adidas announced the appointment of the new general manager for Runtastic. Scott Dunlap will head up the company’s leadership team in Linz as of May 27 together with co-founders Alfred Luger and Christian Kaar, as well as Mathis Gerkensmeyer.

JCPenney Makes Executive Hires

J. C. Penney Company appointed Steve Whaley as senior vice president, principal accounting officer and controller; Laurene Gandolfo as senior vice president for home product design and development; and Trish Adams as a strategic advisor to support the company`s transformation.