SGB Executive Footwear
SGB Media Revises Holiday Publishing Schedule
In observance of the end of year holidays, SGB Media is taking time to be with family and friends and will adjust its Morning and Evening Update Newsletter publishing schedule
SGB 2023 Year In Review: Active Lifestyle M&A Activity Remains Quiet —Part I
While the active lifestyle industry again saw a number of smaller to medium-size acquisitions during 2024, major deals for the second year in a row were few and far between due to a combination of higher interest rates, an uncertain economy, and fewer consolidators. A roundup of M&A action in the industry for the first half of 2024.
EXEC: New Nike Inc. CEO Lays Out Pain Points Ahead and Plans to Re-Focus on Sport
The new CEO did not ride in on a white horse or a chariot as a conquering hero, but as a janitor, not unlike Mr. Earl, who realizes he has a big job to do but also has a clear mind on what must be done.
EXEC: Nike’s NA Q2 Footwear Down 14 Percent; Reduces Classics Share of Business
In North America, Nike Direct declined 15 percent, with Nike Digital down 22 percent and Nike stores down 3 percent.
Wholesale declined 1 percent. Nike said it took another step forward shifting the product portfolio by reducing the proportion of our business driven by the Classic Footwear franchises.
EXEC: Nike Inc. Q2 Reaction May Be More About the CEO’s Plan – Not Key Metrics
That plan has to include boosting innovation in a market that has embraced On, Hoka and a number of other nascent running brands that have taken share in the “technology as fashion” column, as well as brands such as Adidas and Asics that are taking share on the lifestyle side.
EXEC: Bata Brands Appoints Italy-Based Chief Design Officer
Miguel Esquide’s career highlights include co-founding the luxury brand 1Concept as well as leading footwear design and strategy at Inditex for Lefties, Zara and Pull&Bear.
EXEC: UK Retail Sheds 225,000 Jobs in Five Years but Pay Growth Up 25 Percent
Pay growth at retail was said to be well above the national average at 8.5 percent in 2024, and up over 25 percent since 2021. The October Budget increases the National Living Wage by a further 6.7 percent, adding over £2.7 billion to retailer wage bills from April 2025.
EXEC: Clothing and Footwear Are Key Contributors to UK’s Growing Inflation
November’s figures were driven primarily by increased inflation rates of fuel, clothing, and footwear, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
EXEC: The Athlete’s Foot Opens Store in Rotterdam
TAF said the retail space represents a new “TAF 3.0” concept that has been “successfully tried and tested in the USA, now tailored to meet the unique cultural landscape and consumer demands of Rotterdam.”
PwC’s 2025 M&A Outlook Sees Arrows Pointing Up for Deal Flow
PwC’s analysis of PitchBook Data, Inc., found that several thousand PE exits were delayed over the past two years. The company said some of these exits are more likely to happen now that more certainty has returned to the market — meaning more potential targets for corporate acquirers.
EXEC: Inside Under Armour’s First Investor Day in Six Years
CEO Kevin Plank underlined the brand’s underdog positioning and attitude by describing the company as a “$5 billion start up.” Senior executives provided an in-depth qualitative overview of the company’s product, brand, and commercial strategies and other key initiatives being executed.
EXEC: Authentic Partners with Ares Holdings to Support Ted Baker Brand in South Africa
Ares, with exclusive distribution rights for Crocs, Birkenstock, Under Armour, Vans, Hey Dude, and Teed Baker, supports partner brands through over 65 owned-retail stores, a network of over 2,500 wholesale doors and six owned e-commerce sites.
EXEC: November FW Factory Shipments Soar as Key Nike Factory Posts DD Growth
Yue Yuen’s manufacturing business, which boasts Adidas, Merrell, Asics and many others as key customers, posted a 17.0 percent increase in November, while Feng Tay, a major Nike supplier, returned to positive territory delivering 10 percent growth year-over-year.
EXEC: Authentic Partners with Orbico Group to Manage Champion Brand in EMEA Region
Orbico has focused on and successfully operated in the Sports Style category, becoming an exclusive distributor for leading footwear brands in Central and Eastern Europe, including Converse, Dr. Martens, Merrell, and On.
EXEC: Puma Opens New Creative Hub at Global Headquarters in Germany
Studio48 is a new creative hub at its headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany where Puma’s designers and creatives can come together to freely develop new ideas and create concepts for new performance and Sportstyle products as well as campaigns.
