EXEC: Switchback Spring 2025 Through the Eyes of the Industry
Sights and sounds from the inaugural Switchback Spring event in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring photos from show attendees, exhibitors and Outdoor Industry Association.
JD Sports Opens First Canadian Flagship
The Robson Street store is JD’s first exterior street-front location in Canada and features the largest LED display in JD’s Canadian footprint, a DJ booth, and shop-in-shops for Nike, New Balance and Adidas brands.
Dick’s SG Sees Strong Response to Foot Locker Debt Exchange Offer
The retailer reported that 92.5 percent of Foot Locker’s note holders have agreed to exchange their debt for Dick’s notes as part of an early tender offer. The debt swap supports the retailer’s acquisition of Foot Locker.
Nike Settles Lawsuit with “The Shoe Surgeon” Over Trademark Infringement
The case, which began in 2024, centered on the practice of custom designer Dominic Ciambrone, also known as The Shoe Surgeon, deconstructing Nike shoes and rebuilding them as luxury customizations.
EXEC: Bain Study Sees Luxury Sector Facing Soft Second Half
Luxury consumption is expected to contract 2 percent to 5 percent for the year, according to a recent report from Bain & Company, across key luxury categories, as price fatigue and macroeconomic turbulence continue to weigh on consumers
EXEC: Switchback Spring Brings Energy Back to a National Outdoor Show
While energy was high and attitude was positive, the show, unfortunately, did not escape the usual backroom banter and aisle talk about the venue’s few shortcomings, particularly about timing. Diversified will need to be cautious about whom they listen to and the motives of those pushing in each direction, as the outdoor industry risks a déjà vu event with this new potential gem.
Nike Board Member Plans to Retire from Board
Cathleen Benko, a former leader in Deloitte’s “Digital Giants” practice, plans to retire as a member of Nike’s Board of Directors, effective as of the company’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders.
Tailored Brands Appoints New Chief Executive Officer
John Tighe will become its new CE) and will join the Board of Directors, effective August 5, 2025. Peter Sachse will transition from his current role as CEO to become executive chairman of the company’s Board.
Amer Sports Appoints New Head of Greater China
Jeffery Ma joins the company from his role as CEO of Zhongqiao Sports, a sporting goods company in China. He has previously held executive positions at Topsports, the largest sporting goods retailer in China, and at Adidas.
Fleet Feet Franchise Opens Third Store in Central Texas
The store located in Leander marks the third store in Central Texas operated by franchise owner Mark King. He also operates stores in Georgetown and Round Rock, TX, respectively.
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.
Switchback Spring Posts Healthy Debut; Heads to New Orleans in 2026
Switchback Spring, the nascent outdoor show’s first standalone event, was held this week in Nashville, TN, from June 16 to 18, drawing 194 brands, 290 retailers, and 1,286 attendees. For 2026, show organizers announced that the event will be held in New Orleans.
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.”
Hibbett Launches Back-to-School App Tailored to Kids
Owned by parent company JD Sports, the retailer announced the launch of a new kids e-commerce site, kidshibbett.com, and an app dedicated to selling kids’ product carried by the retailer.
Denver’s Freebird Closing 14+ Stores; Shutters Headquarters
Freebird, a boot retailer based in Denver, has exited its corporate headquarters in Cherry Creek, laid off staff and is closing at least 14 of its 20 stores as it seeks a buyer. Freebird would close another four stores on Monday, June 23, failing to find a buyer.
