SGB Executive Footwear

Timberland Looks To Diversify To Grow

Timberland plans to aggressively push further into women’s footwear, casual footwear overall and men’s apparel to jumpstart growth in the years ahead. Other key growth priorities included direct-to-consumer and China.

The North Face To Ramp Up Segmentation Efforts

Arne Arens, general manager, Americas, The North Face, told the investment community, “Through these segmentation efforts, we will build a differentiated consumer experience across channels and across tiers, maximizing revenues but also assuring a premium positioning across the entire spectrum of distribution.”

How Does Emerald Expositions Make Money?

Emerald Expositions Events Inc.’s initial public offering reveals that its collection of sports-related trade shows, including Outdoor Retailer, Surf Expo and Interbike, are growing at a steady double-digit rate with healthy booth renewal rates. But particularly impressive is its overall robust profit margins and cash flow conversion.

VF Looks To Jumpstart Acquisitions

“History has shown and we continue to believe that M&A is our highest and best use of capital,” said Scott Roe CFO and VP, at the company’s annual Investor Day. “And it remains our first priority.”

Payless Seeks Debt Restructuring In Bankruptcy Proceedings

Among the U.S. firms left with unsecured claims were Fila USA, New York, NY, owed $5.17 million, as well as two licensing partners, Champion Athleticwear, Winston-Salem, NC, owed $1.41 million; and E.S. Originals, Inc., New York, NY, owed $1.25 million.

Where Is VF Corp.’s Growth Coming From?

Hyper-growth online at both its DTC (direct to consumer) and wholesale accounts, continued momentum with Vans and outsized expansion overseas, especially in China, are being counted on to reach its new five-year growth goals.

Gander Mountain Still Hopes For Going-Concern Sale

Despite reaching a deal with a group of liquidators to become the stalking horse bidder in a planned bankruptcy auction, Gander Mountain said it remains in talks with strategic investors interested in buying the retailer on a going-concern basis.

Asics Establishes Boston Base

Said Gene McCarthy, president and CEO, Asics America, in an interview with SGB, “Setting up a global hub in Boston allows us to better align with our strategic initiatives and focus on key areas for growth, including our apparel and digital teams.”

Road Race Finishers Down For Third Straight Year

The 5K distance saw an increase in finishers in 2016, with 8.24 million runners crossing the finish line. However, the 10K, half marathon and “other” distances saw decreases of four percent or greater. The marathon finisher total remained flat.

Yue Yuen Reported 0.5 Percent Sales Growth For 2016

Chairman Lu Chin Chu commented, “We are pleased with the Group’s performance despite the presence of uncertainties and slow global macroeconomic growth. We will continue to seek greater efficiency and provide value added solutions to our brand customers, while balancing the need for sustainable development.”

Finish Line Shares Crash On Q4 Miss

Said CEO Sam Sato, “Elements of our offering didn’t resonate with our customers. This was true in both, running and basketball, our two largest categories where full price selling fell short of forecast.”