DSW Inc. significantly raised its guidance for the year after reporting second-quarter results that came in well above Wall Street’s targets. Chief executive officer, Roger Rawlins stated, “We are thrilled to report record sales and earnings results this quarter as our merchandise strategy and marketing investment fueled strong customer engagement, traffic and transaction activity, resulting in a 10 percent comp.”
Category: Footwear
Bruce Fendell Memorial Scholarship Supports Two Scholars
The Two Ten Footwear Foundation, the national charitable foundation of America’s footwear industry, said the Bruce Fendell Memorial Scholarship will be supporting two new scholars, Mariah Dorn and Michelle Verastegui, in their educational pursuits.

REI To Hold Instagram Contest Around HBO’s Camping Series
REI Co-op partnered with HBO to launch a nationwide Instagram contest, #CampingHBOContest, to celebrate the release of HBO’s new, original comedy series Camping, starring Jennifer Garner. Advance screening parties at will be held at three REI flagship stores across the country.

Moosejaw Brings Premium Outdoor To Walmart.com
In an interview with SGB Executive, Eoin Comerford, general manager of Outdoor, Walmart U.S. e-commerce and CEO of Moosejaw, said Wal-Mart’s “whole strategy” in acquiring several specialty e-tailers was to bring a “wider assortment” to the Walmart.com platform. A curated website distinct from the Moosejaw.com website was eventually seen as the best path for both businesses.

Canaccord Genuity Downgrades Hibbett On Q2 Miss
Canaccord Genuity on Monday downgraded shares of Hibbett Sports following the retailer’s wide miss of second-quarter estimates due to sluggish sales and rising operating costs.

U.S., Mexico Reach Preliminary Agreement To Restructure NAFTA
The Trump administration and Mexico have reached a preliminary accord to end the North American Free Trade Agreement and replace the agreement with a deal that the administration wants to be more favorable to the United States, according to the Associated Press.
Bob Dickman And Ronny Flowers Elected To NSGA Hall Of Fame
NSGA’s Hall of Fame Committee elected Bob Dickman, BSN Sports, Richmond, Ind., and Ronny Flowers, Athletic Supply, Inc., Odessa, Texas, to join the organization’s Hall of Fame in 2019.
SIMA Appoints New Board President And Vice President
Kelly Gibson is stepping down as CEO of Rip Curl position to pursue new opportunities and is therefore also stepping down as SIMA president. SIMA’s board of directors appointed Shannan North of Billabong to fill the vacated president position.
Under Armour Returns As 3M Half Marathon Presenting Sponsor
High Five Events announce the return of Under Armour, Inc. as the presenting sponsor of the 3M Half Marathon in Austin.

Walmart Introduces Premium Outdoor Site Curated By Moosejaw
Walmart.com on Monday opened a Premium Outdoor Store curated by Moosejaw. This marks the first time that Walmart is creating an online store on the company’s flagship site for one of the company’s acquired specialty retailers.
Stage Stores Widens Q2 Loss
Stage Stores Inc. reported that for the second quarter, comparable sales decreased 0.2 percent. Loss before income tax was $16.8 million compared to a loss before income tax of $9.6 million in the second quarter 2017, driven by investments in the growth of the off-price business, additional supply chain costs, and increased promotional markdowns.
Ross Stores Lifts Store-Growth Targets
Ross Stores reported net earnings in the second quarter rose 22.7 percent as same-store sales grew 5 precent. The off-pricer also increased its long-term store growth potential.
The Buckle’s Earnings Climb
The Buckle Inc. reported net income improved 36.5 percent to $15.7 million, or 32 cents per share, compared with $11.5 million, or 24 cents, for the second quarter of fiscal 2017.
L.L. Bean Makes Multi-Million-Dollar Commitment To National Parks
L.L. Bean is extending its support of the national parks community with a multi-year, $3 million premier partnership with the National Park Foundation for the Find Your Park/Encuentra Tu Parque movement.
Sneaker Week 2018 Hosted First-Ever Consumer Summit
Organizers of Sneaker Week 2018, which will take place August 26 – September 1, announced the first-ever Consumer Summit, wherein executives of major footwear brands and organizations will have an open dialog with sneaker “super-consumers” to help shape the future of the brands going forward.