SGB Executive Footwear

EXEC: Retail Market Inventory Woes Create New Opportunities for Off-Price

While the industry headlines have been talking about inventory overhang, liquidations, higher promotions, and coining the term “de-stocking,” the floors at TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and Ross Stores did not swell to the levels that many expected. That wait is now over, and it’s global.

EXEC: Walmart’s Robust Q2 Delivers Upbeat Signal for Retail’s Recovery

Walmart, Inc. lifted its outlook for the year after reporting second-quarter results that handily topped guidance due to strength in the grocery but also a better-than-expected performance in general merchandise. The strong results were a relief for the retail sector following sluggish sales reports from Target and Home Depot although Walmart’s CEO Doug McMillon told analysts household budgets remain under pressure.

EXEC: 361 Degrees Gets Lift from Kids in H1 Growth

The 361° Kids business, a major initiative for the company in China, grew 33.4 percent year-over-year and now accounted for approximately 21.1 percent of the Group’s total H1 revenue.

EXEC: On Continues to Gobble Up Share in U.S. Run Specialty

On Holdings once again raised its sales guidance for the year after reporting second-quarter results that topped analyst targets. In the Americas, sales vaulted 59.8 percent in the period, driven by strong full-price selling and share gains within the run specialty channel.

EXEC: Analysts Offer Mixed Feedback on July Retail Sales Increase

Retail sales reversed their downward trend in July as Amazon Prime Day and major promotions prompted increased shopping while wage increases gave consumers more money to spend, but an increase in the July inflation numbers and a year-ago July decline could also be at the core of the increase, according to analysts.

EXEC: Dennis Driscoll Looks Back on Nearly 45 Years in the Footwear Business

Long-time global footwear industry veteran and chief product officer for Xero Shoes, Dennis Driscoll, is retiring on September 1 after more than 44 years in the business. Driscoll talked with SGB Executive about the insights he gained over his career, including having worked for Avia and Converse and what he will miss.