Walmart Gets Strong Q4 Lift from U.S. and Global E-Commerce Gains
Globally, e-commerce grew 16 percent with penetration up across all segments. Walmart U.S. comp sales up 4.6 percent with positive growth in general merchandise.
EXEC: Birkenstock Beats Fiscal Q1 Estimates on Surging Closed-Toe Business
Close-toe silhouettes reportedly grew at more than double the pace of the Group average and increased the share of business by 600 basis points. Closed-toe, driven by the clog category, accounted for nearly two-thirds of the America region’s revenue in the quarter.
EXEC: Merrell Looks at Life Beyond the Trail; Eyes the Mall for Lifestyle Growth
Merrell is expected to grow mid-single-digits in 2025, building on second-half 2024 gains. The company expects key products, including the SpeedARC Collection, Moab Speed 2 and Agility Peak 5 to continue driving the category.
EXEC: Saucony Tagged For Outsized Growth in 2025 After Strong 2024 Finish
The Saucony business declined 5.2 percent in constant-currency terms to $99.6 million in the fourth quarter but grew 7 percent year-over-year when accounting for the change in its China business model to a licensing and royalty deal.
EXEC: Authentic Appoints New Reebok Licensing Partners for U.S., UK and Europe
In the U.S., Galaxy Universal takes over Reebok’s footwear operation, retail stores and e-commerce, and will lead the brand’s global product creation, design and sourcing. A new JV, GB Brands Europe Ltd., will oversee the brand’s operations across Europe and the UK.
Play it Again Sports Parent Sees Revenues and Profits Dip in 2024
Winmark Corporation reported that revenues for the year ended December 28, 2024, were $81.3 million, down from $83.2 million in 2023, impacting its decision in May 2021 to run off its leasing portfolio.
TSG Consumer Partners Appoints New Head of London Office
TSG’s past and present investments in the active lifestyle space include Backcountry, Corepower Yoga, Nuun, Revolve, Canyon Bicycles, and Planet Fitness. TSG has investment offices in San Francisco, New York and London.
Famous Footwear Parent Caleres Acquires Stuart Weitzman as a New Lead Brand
Caleres CEO Jay Schmidt said Stuart Weitzman will be the company’s lead brand, and, with this combination, the Brand Portfolio segment will generate nearly half of its total revenue and continue to generate over half of its operating profit.
EXEC: Wolverine Worldwide Shares Fall 17 Percent as 2025 Forecast Disappoints
Fourth quarter revenue fell 5.8 percent year-over-year but rose 3.3 percent to $494.7 million when tallying the company’s ongoing business. The company posted big improvements in gross margin and operating margins in Q4, leading to a positive earnings result.
EXEC: Adidas Basketball Chief Eric Wise is Leaving the Company
Wise joined Adidas in 2016 as director of merchandising for Foot, Inc. He moved to LA in 2021 to head up a new office for Adidas focused on the company’s basketball business.
EXEC: Nike Inc. Launching Co-Branded NikeSkims Effort with Kim Kardashian
The co-branded effort to find a pathway to more women consumers runs counter to the company’s efforts to connect with core female athletes that were the clear focus in its Super Bowl LVIII advertising and recent comments from the company’s new CEO, Elliot Hall.
Tenaya Inks U.S. Distribution Deal
The manufacturer of performance climbing shoes, has signed an exclusive U.S. distribution agreement with Liberty Mountain aimed at streamlining operations and delivering quick product turnaround times to retailers and climbing gyms while making the brand more accessible to outdoor enthusiasts nationwide.
EXEC: European Outdoor Group and Messe München Cancel OutDoor 2025
European Outdoor Group (EOG), along with trade show organizer Messe München, have jointly decided not to hold the OutDoor 2025 as scheduled in May.
Steve Madden Board of Directors Approves Deal to Acquire Kurt Geiger
Steve Madden has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire UK-based Kurt Geiger from a group led by international private equity firm Cinven for an enterprise value of approximately £289 million in cash.
BJ’s Wholesale Club to Open in Florida
The new club will open in Brooksville, FL, on February 21, 2025, including an on-site BJ’s Gas location opening on February 6. Club members who shop the store, save of up to 25 percent off grocery store prices.
