EXEC: Rip Curl Inches Up, Oboz Sinks for Parent KMD’s YTD Period
Rip Curl global direct-to-consumer sales continued to grow year-over-year (YOY) through the second half of fiscal 2025 to-date, with strong comparable sales results in North American flagship stores.
EXEC: Yakima to Transition DACH Region Distribution to Grofa Action Sports GmbH
Grofa Action Sports GmbH will serve as exclusive distributor in the Germany, Austria and Switzerland region, effective August 1, 2025. Phobos will transition to a distributor at that time for Czechia and Slovakia and as a Master Distributor for select developing markets in Europe.
EXEC: Nike Faces Needham Price Target Cut on Slow Recovery
Needham analysts trimmed their price target on Nike to $66 from $75 amid ongoing weakness in brand momentum and a slower-than-expected path to recovery. Needham’s Tom Nikic wrote, “NKE still faces headwinds from rationalizing over-supplied product franchises (Jordan, Dunk), brand heat still appears to be lukewarm, and they now have tariffs to contend with as well.”
EXEC: Koroyd, Smith, and Burton Settle U.S. Patent Dispute with Exclusive Patent License Agreements
Under the settlement terms, WaveCel technology is now restricted to use solely by Burton in those licensed, redesigned snow sports helmets, and may not be offered, supplied, or integrated with any other brands or partners in the snow sports helmet market.
EXEC: OIA Study Finds Outdoor Stores Still Missing Emerging Casual Consumers
At a session this week at Switchback Spring being held in Nashville, Kelly Davis, director of research at the Outdoor Industry Association, highlighted new consumer research that shows the outdoor space remains fixated on “Core” consumers at the expense of reaching the more “Active” and “Casual” participants.
EXEC: Bata Group Names Former Ecco CEO to Succeed Outgoing CEO Sandeep Kataria
Bata Group, the Swiss-based multinational footwear manufacturer and retailer, has appointed Panos Mytaros, formerly the CEO of Ecco, as its global CEO, effective September 15, 2025. He will succeed current CEO Sandeep Kataria as part of its succession plan.
EXEC: Havaianas Parent Inks North America Distribution Deal
The company stated that the Distribution Agreement does not foresee any initial cash outflow for either party and will have an initial length of four years commencing from the date of its execution. The agreement may be extended if certain previously agreed-upon metrics are met or by mutual agreement.
EXEC: Academy’s Chief Merchant Talks Jordan Launch, Nike Brand Success, Tariff Disruption
Following the retailer’s first-quarter results report, Academy’s EVP and Chief Merchant Matt McCabe added more highlights from the business, including the promise to introduce the Jordan brand, a strong response to expanding Nike product and market share gains among higher-income households.
EXEC: Trump Announces U.S. and China Have Reached Trade Deal With 55 percent Tariff
President Donald Trump declared the trade war with China “done” Wednesday, while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said tariffs on Chinese goods will be locked in at the current 55 percent rate without additional increases.
EXEC: Trump Tariffs Having Little Impact on Retail Footwear Prices
The May Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in cooler than expected, defying fears that the impact of President Trump’s tariffs would start to show a rise in prices. A separate analysis by the FDRA indicates that footwear prices in May likewise declined year-over-year.
EXEC: Academy CEO Sees Promising Returns from Improved Nike Allocations, Jordan Launch
First-quarter results missed analyst estimates and the retailer widened its full-year guidance due to potential inflationary pressures arriving this year. Management also shared many positive developments, including a healthy response to Nike product expansion and Jordan brand launch.
EXEC: Asia FW Factories Post Weaker Shipment Volumes in May 2025
Yue Yuen manufacturing revenue growth flattened to only a 0.5 percent year-over-year in May 2025, a sharp deceleration from the April 2025 trend. Feng Tay’s May year-over-year shipment decline cycled against strong double-digit growth in May 2024.
EXEC: Topo Leads Parent’s Brands Portfolio on Strong Q1 Growth; DBI’s Brands DTC Fell
The parent company of DSW, The Shoe Co. and Rubino retail brands, and owner of Topo Athletic, Keds, Le Tigre, Hush Puppies, and other footwear brands, reported a “soft start” to 2025 amid an unpredictable macroeconomic environment and deteriorating consumer sentiment.
EXEC: Morgan Stanley Downgrades Lululemon on Weakening U.S. Growth Outlook
Morgan Stanley downgraded Lululemon Athletica to “Equal-weight” from “Overweight” on waning confidence in a recovery in the company’s core U.S. market.
EXEC Q&A: Dan Sheridan, CEO, Brooks Running
Sheridan, who was promoted to Brooks’ CEO last April, talks with SGB Executive about Brooks’ recent momentum, entry into lifestyle footwear category, the tariff playbook, as well as the health of the overall run industry.
