SGB Executive Footwear
Tilly’s Warns On Sluggish Spring Sales
Tilly’s Inc. reported first-quarter earnings and sales both reached the high-end of guidance. But the action sports chain warned of a down second quarter as spring/summer selling has seen a slow start due to cool and wet weather patterns across much of the country, particularly in California.
Trade War Impact Remains Uncertain
On quarterly conference calls last week, executives at both retailers and vendors said the ultimate impact of the tariff war isn’t clearly known, especially if the fourth tranche on $300 billion of imports that hit apparel and footwear items becomes effective. But most reassured analysts they’re taking or have taken steps to mitigate most of the expected damage. Comments from VF Corp, Deckers Brands, Kohl’s, JC Penney, Target, Hibbett Sports, TJX Cos. and Ross Stores.
Skechers Not Worried About Tariffs
Speaking at the 20th Annual B. Riley FBR Institutional Investor Conference, officials at Skechers USA Inc. said they expect no impact from the latest round of tariffs on Chinese goods and feel comfortable that it will be able to make adjustments if another round arrives.
Snipes Takes On U.S. Market
Earlier this year, German-based streetwear retailer Snipes acquired KicksUSA to mark its entry into U.S. retailing. Sven Voth, founder and managing director of Snipes, talks to SGB Executive about the reason for the acquisition and Snipes’ plans for the U.S. market.
How Asics Plans To Regain Its Stride In Run
Following 13 consecutive quarters of declines, Asics returned to growth in North America in the first quarter, led by the Performance Running category’s return to positive growth. In an interview with SGB Executtive, Richard Sullivan, EVP of sales, categories and marketing, Asics North America, discusses the reason Asics returned as title sponsor of the Los Angeles Marathon and its strategies for regaining its leadership positioning in the run category.
Cause Marketing Platforms Not Breaking Through With Gen Z
Several brands in the active lifestyle space, including Patagonia, Nike and Toms, are being recognized for their purpose-driven ethos and related cause-marketing efforts according to an extensive study from DoSomething.org. But the study still found it’s not easy to break through and create belief among consumers.
Wolverine’s Q1 Sales Slowed By Weather, Conservative Re-Orders
Wolverine World Wide reported earnings topped guidance in the first quarter and four of its major brands – Merrell, Saucony, Cat and Wolverine – exceeded internal sales expectations. Overall sales came in below expectations due to a downturn in the boat shoe market and weak re-orders that particularly impacted Sperry.
Sequential Brands’ Active Portfolio Gains Further Traction In Q1
Sequential Brands Group Inc. reported first-quarter earnings on an adjusted basis came in below plan due to transition challenges of licensing agreements at its Fashion segment. The company’s Active brands, led by Gaiam, And1 and Avia, continue to see strong growth
Bogs’ Bounce Back Continues In Q1
Bogs, continuing on the recovery seen in 2018, saw revenues jump 23 percent in the first quarter. The gains were due primarily to higher sales to outdoor and online retailers.
Crocs Shines In Q1
Crocs Inc. reported first-quarter earnings that handily topped Wall Street’s targets as sales topped expectations. Revenues benefited from its fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit DTC comp growth but growth accelerated overall with demand for Classic clogs in the Americas region exceeding supply.
Adidas Continues Hot Streak In Q1
Adidas AG reported first-quarter earnings that topped Wall Street’s targets as the company benefited from strong growth in China and online as well as significantly higher gross margins. More encouragingly, strong spring launches are expected to set the stage for accelerated growth in the second half and the supply-chain issues slowing growth in North America are expected to be resolved by the end of the year.
Under Armour Believes North America Has Stabilized
Under Armour’s earnings and sales that topped analysts’ expectations due to healthy overseas growth and efficiencies gained from its extensive restructuring efforts and stringent inventory controls. The most encouraging sign, however, was that the North America region is stabilizing.
Gildan Activewear Q1 Dragged Down By Lower Imprintables Restocking
Gildan Activewear reported a steep decline in earnings in the first quarter, as expected, as sales were impacted by lower levels of distributor restocking. Higher raw material and other input cost pressures also pressured margins.
Big 5 Delivers Robust First Quarter But Weak Outlook
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. delivered a strong first quarter as cold weather boosted its winter business. But the California-based sporting goods chain also warned of a loss in the current quarter due to a later Easter this year and also warned that overall sales appear soft.
Modell’s Fight For Survival
In a comprehensive interview with SGB Executive, Mitchell Modell, CEO of Modell’s Sporting Good’s, discusses the retailer’s frantic outreach efforts to save the company following reports of a possible bankruptcy filing. Plans to further stabilize and improve the business were also detailed.
