SGB Executive Footwear

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.

Gander Mountain Details Liquidity Crisis

In an affidavit urging the U.S. Bankruptcy Court District Of Minnesota to support its financing needs, Gander Mountain indicated that it has accumulated “substantial operating losses over the past two fiscal years” as a result of many of the challenges faced by other chains entering bankruptcy proceedings over the last year.

Tilly’s Shares Slide On Weak Outlook

Said Ed Thomas, president and CEO, “We made progress but need to keep finding ways to drive sales and improve profitability in the absence of significant store growth.”

Camping, Firearms, Classic Footwear Drive 2016 Sporting Goods Revenues

Camping, firearms, classic footwear, soccer and lacrosse were among the strongest selling categories for the sporting goods industry last year, according to the just-released 2017 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Manufacturers’ Sales by Category Report.

Gander Mountain Files For Chapter 11

Gander Mountain Co., as expected, filed for bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota. The hunt & fish specialist plans to close 32 of its approximately 160 stores in coming weeks but is in active discussions with a number of parties interested in a going-concern sale.

Hibbett’s Q4 Dragged Down By Legacy Sports Categories

Said Jared Briskin, SVP and chief merchant, ”The continued declines of some of our legacy businesses such as performance apparel and footwear, licensed products and equipment continue to reinforce our direction, focusing on sports-inspired fashion products for our stores.”