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.
EXEC: Yue Yuen’s November Footwear Shipment Trend Best Since February
Footwear manufacturing segment revenue declined 9.6 percent in November, a clear moderation of recent declines and the best year-over-year monthly performance since May 2023
CNBC/NRF: Strong Retail Sales Gain for First Half of Holiday Season
According to CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, the holiday shopping season began with a strong start in November as retail sales with total retail sales, excluding automobiles and gas, up 0.77 percent seasonally adjusted month over month and up 4.24 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
Macy’s Receives $5.8 Billion Buyout Offer
An investor group consisting of Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital made a $5.8 billion offer to take Macy’s private, according to the Wall Street Journal.
EXEC: Craft North America CEO Talks Gaining Traction in Run Footwear
In late November, Craft Sportswear announced plans for a phased relocation of its North American headquarters to Seattle, WA, in 2024 to bolster the brand’s expansion into outdoor and specialty retail and its recent entry into running footwear in the U.S. Craft North America CEO Eric Schenker talked with SGB Executive about Craft Sportswear’s heritage, the run footwear opportunity, and why the CEO has chosen not to move to Seattle.
