SGB Executive Footwear
Nike Acknowledges Diversity Shortfalls In FY16/17 Sustainability Report
In the company’s just-released FY16/17 Sustainable Business Report, Nike Inc. stated that leadership representation for women globally and underrepresented minorities (URM) in the U.S. “have not evolved as fast as we would have liked” since the company’s last sustainability report arrived in 2016. The report also lists an extensive number of steps Nike is taking to improve diversity and inclusion efforts.
LL.Bean Chairman Urges UNH Grads To Lead ‘Adventure-Filled” Lives
In his commencement address for the University of New Hampshire’s 2018 graduating class, Shawn Gorman, L.L.Bean’s chairman, called the outdoors “a critical antidote to this hyper-competitive, hyper-stressed, tech-driven world we live in.” While technology powers the world in wonderful ways, “it will never fill your soul like a sunrise in the mountains,” he said.
Kohl’s Delivers Blow-Out Q1 On Active Strength
Led by 10 percent comp growth in its active assortments, Kohl’s Inc. reported first-quarter earnings that easily topped Wall Street’s targets and lifted its guidance for the year. Nike, Under Armour and Adidas led the active gains and the department-store operator is planning a 30-store test that will see square footage dedicated to active expand by 40 percent.
The Running Event Has A New Owner
Oakley Dyer, corporate vice president, strategy & corporate development, Diversified Communications, told SGB Executive, “We always look for industries that have a need for face-to-face interactions for buyers and sellers as well as a need for content and education. The Running Event and Running Insight fit this perfectly.”
U.S.-China Trade War ‘On Hold’ … But Should Companies Remain Wary?
The looming trade war with China that dominated headlines all spring and forced U.S. companies to fear heavy tariffs on their imports is now on hold. But is it really?
Nike’s COO Eric Sprunk Urges Montana Grads To ‘Have A Bias For Action’
Standing in as the commencement speaker for the 2018 graduating class of the University of Montana, Eric Sprunk, Nike Inc.’s COO and former UM alum, urged graduates to “be somebody who actually does something,” “continue learning the rest of your life” and “fail forward.”
Macy’s, Dillard’s Lead Department Store Performance In Q1
Department stores have seen diverging performances in the first quarter. Of the stores that reported earnings in the past week, Macy’s and Dillard’s exceeded Wall Street expectations on income and revenue, while Nordstrom improved income and revenue but missed on comparable sales and J.C. Penney stumbled.
Aisle Talk Week Of May 14
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Boot Barn Tops Guidance On Double-Digit Comp Growth
Boosted by significant improvement in the retailer’s ladies business and the roll out a new performance-boot platform, Boot Barn reported same-store sales grew 12.1 percent in the fourth quarter ended March 31 while earnings came in well ahead of guidance.
The Spring Of Nike’s Discontent
March, April and May should be a time for Nike Inc. to focus on promoting new products and growing North American revenue, but this spring the global footwear giant has instead been stumbling over accusations of workplace harassment, which has led to a host of high-profile executive departures
Adidas Gets Caught In Rockport Bankruptcy
The Rockport Group filed for bankruptcy and cited a complex and expensive two-year transition process separating from the company’s former parent, Adidas, as one of the reasons for the filing. Court filings also show Adidas holds unsecured claims amounting to more than $70 million.
Manufacturing Softness Helps Drive Down Yue Yuen Earnings
Hong Kong footwear manufacturer Yue Yuen Industrial (Holdings) Ltd. saw earnings dip but revenue climb in the first quarter, bringing the supplier mixed signals to begin the year.
Foot Locker’s Dick Johnson Stands Up For Brick & Mortar
Speaking at FDRA 2018 Executive Summit held in Washington, D.C., Dick Johnson, chairman, president and CEO of Foot Locker Inc., said, “Some people think that it’s negative baggage that we have over 3,000 stores around the world. We don’t see it that way. We think it’s very much a positive.”
Aisle Talk Week Of May 7
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week, including Herschel Walker (pictured) being appointed to President Trump’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.
Mizuno Americas Sales Lag, Profitability Recovers
Mizuno Corp.’s sales slid 14.2 percent in the Americas region in its fiscal year ended March 31. But the decline was partly due to efforts to clean up inventories and reduce lower-margin sales that bolstered underlying profitability. Some sales recovery was predicted for the Americas region in the years ahead.
