SGB Executive Footwear

Shoe Carnival Planning Bigger Athletic Business

Said CEO Cliff Sifford on a conference call with analysts, “Athletic is and has been for the last three maybe four years the hottest category we have and we do look for athletic to grow at a higher rate than non-athletics.”

Eastern Outfitters Faces Objections Over Sports Direct Bid

In defending the stalking horse bid, Eastern Outfitter’s lawyers noted that the alternative to accepting Sports Direct’s proposal was a liquidation. Indeed, the retailer said it was “fully prepared” to liquidate ten days before the bankruptcy petition date.

Acushnet Q4 Boosted By Robust Golf Club Sales

While the bankruptcy and liquidation of Golfsmith impacted U.S. sales, Acushnet Holdings Corp. still managed to show a modest gain in sales in the fourth quarter while improving profitability.

Nike Grapples With Promotional North American Climate

Said Andy Campion, EVP and CFO, on the company’s third-quarter conference call with analysts, “Digital disruption and other dynamics are resulting in more aggressive promotional activity than we expected 90-days ago. So we are going to remain tight, with respect to the supply that we are putting into the North America market in the short-term.”

Nike Accelerates Efforts To Reach Digital Consumers

Said Mark Parker, president and CEO, “The consumer has decided digital isn’t a just part of the shopping experience. Digital is the foundation of it. This and other factors have shifted consumer patterns, especially in North America, impacting traffic, the economics of brick-and-mortar retail and is driving a more promotional environment in the near term.”

Nike Q3 Boosted By International Gains

Beyond double-digit gains in double-digit growth in Western Europe, Greater China, the Emerging Markets as well as DTC overall, Nike’s better-than-expected earnings were helped by expense leverage, higher other income and a lower effective tax rate.

SIMA Study Reveals Online’s Disruption Of Surf Retail

In its first consumer study, SIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturers Association) found that nearly one-third of Americans are inspired by surfing. But it also showed how Amazon and online shopping have completely disrupted the marketplace for surf-inspired consumer access to surf industry brands.

L.L.Bean Weathers Boycott Threats

Apparently skirting any major impact from calls for a boycott over political contributions, L.L.Bean was able to deliver sales in 2016 that were flat against the prior year.

Jeff Phillips Out At Fleet Feet Sports

Jeff Phillips has stepped down as president and CEO of Fleet Feet Sports. In a statement, Joey Pointer, CFO of Fleet Feet Sports, said he will be partnering with the Fleet Feet Sports board of directors “to lead the company through this change.”

Caleres’ Stock Sinks On Weak Outlook         

Caleres Inc. reported a healthy profit gain in the fourth quarter on adjusted basis. But those earnings still reached the low end of guidance with a significant drop in profits at Famous Footwear, its net results were dragged down by a number of impairment charges, and a soft near-term outlook was given for the current year.

DSW To Add Under Armour

While reporting fourth-quarter earnings that were well above year-ago levels due to improved margins and expense controls, DSW Inc. said it was adding Under Armour to its mix in time for back-to-school season.