Castore to Sponsor Hendrick Motorsports in Apparel Deal
Castore has become the official performance sportswear and at-track teamwear provider of Hendrick Motorsports, marketing the U.K.-based sportswear brand’s first NASCAR partnership in the U.S. market.
Nordstrom Rack to Open in Tennessee
Nordstrom, Inc. reported plans to open a new Nordstrom Rack in Franklin, TN, in fall 2024, the Cool Springs Market.
Nike Opens New Store in Tokyo Focused on Running
The purpose for Nike Ginza is to serve local runners at all levels and connect them to one another. In Japan, this is channeled through competitive relay running, a passion that’s visible from late fall through winter during Ekiden season.
Puma to End Sponsorship of Israel’s National Football Team in 2024
Puma will end its sponsorship of Israel’s national football team in 2024, a decision the brand said was made before Hamas’ October 7 attack. Puma has faced boycotts over its sponsorship.
Nordstrom Names Chief Information Security Officer
Nordstrom named Nicole Ford as chief information security officer. Previously, Ford was VP and CISO at Rockwell Automation, with experience guiding security transformation initiatives and developing cybersecurity programs.
Hibbett Inc. and Nike Launch 2023 Sole School Program
Hibbett | City Gear, in partnership with Nike, awarded 103 high schools and more than 2,500 students nationwide with in-kind donations, products, mentoring, and job opportunities, valued at over $650,000.
Fleet Feet Opens Ninth Store in Missouri
Fleet Feet announced a new store was opened in Jefferson City, MO, by owner/operator Nancy Yaeger, who also owns Fleet Feet Columbia. The opening marks the ninth Fleet Feet store in the state.
EXEC: Nike Scores Two Analyst Upgrades
Citi raised its rating on Nike to “Buy” from “Neutral,” while Barclays gave Nike its “2024 Best Idea” recommendation. Both investment firms cited the potential for Nike to have a margin recovery and brand innovation tied to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Vasque Expands Product Team with Development Lead
Vasque Footwear expanded its product department hiring Austyn Dunham to lead footwear development. She is responsible for design intent, managing the construction phase and collaborating with suppliers and manufacturers through product fruition.
Arrive Recommerce Appoints Backcountry Vet as CTO
The company hired Alec Wilkins as chief technology officer. Wilkins was previously head of product and engineering at Backcountry and CPO/CTO at Overstock.com.
New Guards Group Appoints SVP/GM for Reebok Europe
The fashion group owned by Farfetch Limited hired Adidas veteran Markus Kleber as SVP/GM of Reebok Europe and Reebok Ltd. Farfetch recently announced it would not report Q3 results and canceled guidance.
SportsShoes.com Expands Marketing and Design Teams
SportsShoes.com hired ten new employees within its brand marketing, social media and design departments to support business growth and development.
Strava Appoints Former Nike Exec as CEO
The company hired Michael Martin as CEO, replacing outgoing CEO, Michael Horvath. Martin will also join the Strava Board upon assuming the role on January 2, 2024. Currently, Martin serves as the GM of YouTube Shopping.
Kyrie Irving Joins Kicks Crew as Equity Shareholder, Chief Community Officer
Irving’s role as chief community officer is also expected to showcase a “cause-driven, community-centric approach, empowering new brands and collaborations that blend art and basketball in new ways.”
EXEC: Feng Tay Posts First Footwear Manufacturing Increase Since 2022
One of the longest-tenured manufacturers of Nike footwear, reported manufacturing revenues increased 4.3 percent in November to NT$7.33 billion, the company’s biggest year-over-year monthly increase since October 2022.
