FWV Sells CGPR to Integrated Travel and Recreation Marketing Firm
Off Madison Ave acquired PR Agency CGPR from French/West/Vaughan (FWV), the Raleigh, NC-based marketing agency that acquired the company in February 2020. CGPR is the fifth merger and acquisition by Off Madison Ave since 2005.
EXEC: Stifel Survey Finds Consumers Prioritize Price/Value Over Sustainability
The survey, which was conducted in partnership with Morning Consult, surveyed active/causal lifestyle brand consumers ages 18 to 55 based in the U.S., UK, Germany, France, and Italy. It found that only one-third of respondents “Highly Prioritize” sustainability when making purchasing decisions, compared to other factors like “Good Value” (68 percent) and “Low Price” (57 percent).
Kizik Amends Credit Facility to Support Growth
Kizik secured an amendment of its credit facility with JPMorgan Chase that provides enhanced financial flexibility to support expansion into new distribution channels, including company-owned retail stores, U.S. wholesale and international markets.
Golden Goose’s Debt Rating Outlook Upgraded by Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service changed its debt ratings outlook on Golden Goose S.p.A. to positive from stable due to the Italian luxury sneaker maker’s strong performance in 2023 and its solid credit metrics.
Report: Nike and Lululemon Post Epic Retail Traffic Surges on Black Friday
The Placer.ai data revealed that Nike drew 324.9 percent more retail store visits on Black Friday 2023, Lululemon, for its part, saw a visit bump of 467.7 percent on November 24, bringing the brand closer to its pre-pandemic Black Friday frenzy levels.
Macy’s Names Chief Legal Officer
Macy’s Inc. hired Tracy Preston as chief legal officer and corporate secretary. Previously, she was the chief compliance officer, chief legal officer and corporate secretary of HanesBrands, Inc.
EXEC: Dick’s SG Sees Differentiation Reaping Dividends
Speaking Tuesday at the 2023 Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail Conference, Navdeep Gupta, EVP and CFO at Dick’s Sporting Goods, elaborated on how the retailer’s efforts to further differentiate itself both within product and the store experience is driving market share gains.
EXEC: DSW Sees Seasonal Footwear Weakness Going into Q4; Parent Cuts Outlook
CFO Jared Poff said that based on what they have seen through the fourth quarter to-date, they do not expect the sales pressures to alleviate as they wrap up the year, especially given the ongoing uncertainty in the macro environment.
Nobull Appoints Ex-Timberland President as COO
Nobull appointed Susie Mulder, the former global brand president of Timberland, as chief operating officer, effective immediately.
Dick’s Partners with Notre Dame Athletics
Dick’s Sporting Goods signed a multi-year partnership agreement with Notre Dame Athletics to become its official sporting goods retailer.
EXEC: Wells Fargo Shifts to Nike from Lululemon as Top Defensive Stock Pick
On Monday, Wells Fargo replaced Lululemon with Nike as its “Top Defensive Pick” among its stock coverage in the active lifestyle space. It also downgraded Lululemon and raised its price target on Nike.
DSW Parent’s Shares Fall Sharply After Tough Q3, Guidance Cut
Designer Brands, Inc., the parent company of DSW, Keds and Topo Athletic, reported that fiscal third quarter net sales decreased 9.1 percent year-over-year to $786.3 million. Total comparable sales decreased by 9.3 percent YoY for the period.
The Buckle Appoints Three Execs, Announces Special Dividend
The Buckle, Inc. announced a special dividend of $2.50 per share and several executive appointments, including a VP of Sales; VP, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary; and VP of Marketing.
REI to Close Santa Monica Store
REI confirmed plans to close its store in downtown Santa Monica, CA, due, in part, to higher costs of doing business. The two-story, 32,000-square-foot location will close February 29, 2024.
EXEC: Eddie Bauer’s CEO Discusses Modernized Rebrand
Eddie Bauer introduced a new brand evolution and redesigned its logo in September, including bringing back “the goose.” Tim Bantle, Eddie Bauer’s CEO, talked with SGB Executive about the refreshed look of the 103-year-old brand, re-embracing its outdoor roots and its heightened focus on wholesale.
