SGB Executive Footwear

EXEC: ASOS plc Warns on Fiscal Year Cashflow Issue Due to Timing Effects

The retailer typically receives cash from their sales gross of returns and sales tax immediately. However, the cash outflow from sales tax, returns and variable costs associated with those sales predominantly impacts the following two months. The impact will reverse during September and October.

Studies Show Active Lifestyle Brands Resonate with Gen Alpha

In a recent survey conducted by Beano Brain, Nike ranked #4 in the Top 100 “Coolest Brands” among Gen Alpha in the U.K. and #17 in the U.S. Other vendors making the list in the active lifestyle space included Adidas, Puma, Crocs, Jordan, Under Armour, Champion, and The North Face.

EXEC: Jefferies Downgrades Nike, Foot Locker on Slowdown Concerns  

Analysts at Jefferies downgraded Nike, Foot Locker and Urban Outfitters as survey data shows the resumption of payments on student loans may force families to limit their spending on apparel and sneakers. Nike’s sales are also expected to be pressured by lean inventory disciplines across wholesale channels and macro headwinds facing China.

EXEC: UBS Sees Weaker Softgoods Spending Ahead Tied to Student Loan Repayments

UBS, the global financial services firm, reported it expects the consumer spending environment for softgoods in the U.S. to partly deteriorate over the coming months due to the resumption of student loan repayments in October. Inflation concerns and higher interest rates are among other factors expected to impact consumer spending.

Dick’s to Close Nearly All Moosejaw Stores

Moosejaw, the outdoor specialty retailer acquired by Dick’s Sporting Goods in March, is closing 11 of 14 stores in a realignment of Dick’s outdoor specialty business, including the company’s Public Lands’ store concept. Moosejaw’s headquartered in Madison Heights, MI, is also closing.

EXEC: Nike Retains Top Spot as Most Valuable Global Apparel Brand

Nike ranked as the world’s most valuable apparel brand for the ninth consecutive year, according to Brand Finance’s 2023 Annual Apparel 50 Report.  Other brands in the active lifestyle space that made the Top 50 included Adidas, at #5; Lululemon, #16; Puma, #19; Anta, #26; Under Armour, #27; The North Face, #28; Moncler, #29; Skechers, #32; Fila, #34; Li Ning, #42; and New Balance, #50.

EXEC: HSBC is Bullish on Adidas, Lululemon and Puma; Still Holds on Nike

In a bullish report, HSBC said that despite tough conditions expected to continue in the U.S., sales growth and margins should improve for the global sporting goods sector following its “post-pandemic hangover.” Beneficiaries include Adidas, Lululemon and Puma, all rated “Buys” by HSBC while Nike remains at “Hold” due to its U.S. exposure.

EXEC: Nike Confident In Profit Recovery in FY24

At its annual meeting, Nike officials expressed confidence that profitability would bounce back in the coming fiscal year ended May 2024 after markdowns to clear excessive inventories led to a profit shortfall in the prior fiscal year. Execs were also bullish on the brand’s innovation pipeline, structural tailwinds behind the athletics space and its evolving marketplace strategy.

EXEC: Inside Birkenstock’s Growth Plans

In its IPO prospectus, Birkenstock said it sees “ample whitespace to continue growing the Birkenstock brand” by raising brand awareness, production capacity expansion, core and new product portfolio innovation, and a continued DTC shift.

EXEC: Birkenstock Files for IPO

Birkenstock Holding filed for an initial public offering with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The filing shows revenues increasing to €1.24 billion ($1.33 bn) in FY22 from €727.9 million in fiscal 2020, a 31 percent two-year CAGR (compound annual growth rate).