SGB Executive

Johnson Outdoors Hopeful Outdoor Enthusiasm Sticks Through Tougher Times

In a presentation at Sidoti & Co.’s Micro-Cap Conference, David Johnson, CFO and VP at Johnson Outdoors Inc., said the company is still working down elevated inventories but remains hopeful its outdoor enthusiast customer will continue spending despite a potential downturn in 2023.

NRF Big Show: Gymshark’s Journey To Becoming Customer-Obsessed

At the 2023 NRF Big Show, Steve Hewitt, executive chairman and the former CEO of Gymshark, discussed the challenges the cult U.K. activewear brand faced in establishing a foothold in the U.S. and elevating its “customer proposition.”

NRF Big Show: Reebok On Path To $10 Billion In Retail Sales

In an interview at the 2023 NRF Big Show, Nick Woodhouse, president and chief marketing officer, Authentic Brands Group described Reebok as a “super brand” that is expected to reach $10 billion in retail sales in a few years.

Rvelocity Files For IPO

Rvelocity filed an S-1 to raise approximately $10 million through an initial public offering.

Adidas Targeted By Fake News Hoax

Adidas had to deny it appointed a former Cambodian union leader as its new Co-CEO and launched a Derelicte-style collection of apparel pre-worn by factory workers. The Yes Men, an activist group that has a history of creating spoofs to draw attention to how corporations respond to social issues, confirmed it was behind the release and the spoof launch event at Berlin fashion week sent confusion around the fashion world.

NRF Big Show: Future Of Stores Is About The Experience

At the 2022 NRF Big Show, Roberto Funari, CEO, Alpargatas, the Brazilian parent of Havaianas sandals, and Giorgio Pradi, president, Sunglass Hut North America, said that with the big shift toward digital over the pandemic, stores have become even more important tools to acquire and engage customers.

2023 ICR: Fitness Chains Resume Aggressive Growth Plans

Speaking at the 2023 ICR Conference, executives from Planet Fitness, Life Time Group and Xponential Fitness indicated that their respective health clubs continue to see healthy recovery post-pandemic while noting stepped-up expansion plans.

EXEC: Dick’s SG Scores Stock Price Upgrades

Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs both raised their price targets on Dick’s Sporting Goods. Morgan Stanley stated the market is undervaluing Dick’s transformation efforts. Goldman Sachs said the retailer, as well as Academy, had a “somewhat mixed” holiday performance but sees healthy growth continuing for both in 2023.

2023 ICR: Journeys’ Holiday Sales Undermined By Promotional Pressures

In a session at the 2023 ICR Conference, Mimi Vaughn, Genesco’s board chair, president and CEO, said the company’s flagship chain, Journeys, delivered lower-than-expected results over the holiday-selling period due primarily to a highly promotional selling environment and weaker store traffic.

2023 ICR: Wolverine Looks To Simplify To Drive Growth

Speaking at the 2023 ICR Conference, Brendan Hoffman, president and CEO, Wolverine Worldwide, elaborated on how the company’s realigned reporting structure and 100-day plan are designed to “move the needle” and prioritize investments into its three biggest growth opportunities: Merrell, Saucony and Sweaty Betty. The realignment also led to its decision to divest Keds

2023 ICR: On Sees Robust Holiday Sales, Bullish On 2023

Speaking at the 2023 ICR Conference, officials at On indicated holiday results came in strong for the Swiss running brand, highlighted by continued healthy demand and full-price selling. Several catalysts were also cited to drive growth in 2023.

2023 ICR: Crocs Expects Newness To Drive 2023 Growth

In a session at the 2023 ICR Conference, Crocs Inc.’s CEO Andrew Rees said the return of significant new product introductions for both the Crocs and Hey Dude brands is expected to stimulate growth in 2023 after innovation efforts were challenged over the pandemic.

2023 ICR: Delta Apparel Still Grappling With Elevated Mass Inventory Levels

Speaking at the 2023 ICR Conference, Delta Apparel Inc. officials said four out of its five primary market channels, including Salt Life and DTG2Go, saw double-digit growth in the fiscal first quarter ended December 31, but elevated inventory levels at the mass channel continue to impact its Delta Direct business to drive a slight sales decline in the fiscal first quarter ended December 31.

2023 ICR: Famous Footwear To Double-Down On Millennial Mom

In a presentation at the 2023 ICR Conference, Jay Schmidt, president at Caleres, Inc., said Famous Footwear plans to sharpen its focus on the Millennial mom to deepen the chain’s connections with the overall Millennial family.