EXEC: Nike Putting the Band Back Together as Elliott Hill Named CEO, Effective Oct. 14
The Nike, Inc. Board and current CEO John Donahoe have decided he will retire from his role as president and CEO and from the Nike, Inc. Board of Directors effective October 13.
Merrell’s “Wander Wheel” Brings the Trail to the Heart of Manhattan
Urbanites can trek around the world at Studio 525 in Chelsea in New York City and “experience the wonders of nature without leaving the city” on Merrell’s “Wander Wheel” pop-up art installation from September 27-29.
EXEC: OR Throws in the Towel on November Event, Will Focus on June 2025
Most in the outdoor industry expected the news from OR’s parent company today that it canceled the November show and the venerable and iconic Outdoor Retailer Winter Market is no more.
EXEC: The 2024 Holiday Retail Calendar Adds Twists, Turns and Speed, According to BCG
In 2023, consumers completed over 50 percent of their Holiday shopping before Thanksgiving. However, the peak Holiday period (after Cyber Monday through Christmas Eve) was still the busiest, with 36 percent of shopping. This year that period will only have 27 days.
Macy’s Names Senior VP, Creative and Production
Jason Holzman brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Macy’s. Before his nearly seventeen-year tenure at NBCUniversal, Holzman served as creative director at Euro RSCG. He also held creative roles at BBDO and Ammirati & Puris and, recently, co-authored a graphic novel to be published by the publishing house, Humanoids.
New Backcountry Owner Taps Schottenstein Affiliates for $112M Financing Support
Schottenstein affiliates Second Avenue Capital Partners, SB360 Capital Partners and Ares Commercial Finance have closed on a $112 million Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan for Backcountry.
Report: Strong Mall Traffic in August Reflects Strong BTS Season
Research and data analytics firm Placer.ai said that malls ended summer with a bang. College students and families with children were overrepresented among end-of-summer mall hoppers – though not for all mall types, the company suggested.
EXEC: Gartner Expects 32 Percent of Consumers to Shop Early for Holidays
Gartner suggests that 32 percent of consumers will begin holiday shopping between July and October and only 14 percent of U.S. consumers plan to spend more year-over-year, with 21 percent of consumers reducing their holiday spending.
The Athlete’s Foot Opens HQ, Flagship and Community Center in Atlanta
TNF held a grand opening this week of its new corporate headquarters, flagship store and community center in Midtown Atlanta, and partnered with Black-owned businesses in its development.
Report: Companies are Lowering the Talent Bar and Modifying Job Requirements
Companies are challenged to find both best-fit outside candidates and identify and cultivate existing talent,” Betterworks observed in the survey summary report.
Go Sport Expanding into Baghdad, Iraq
The international sports retailer’s expansion into Iraq is part of Go Sport’s broader growth strategy, following the brand’s acquisition by Al Mana in April 2023.
Report: August Retail Sales Growth Slowed Sequentially from July Trend
August’s core retail sales, as defined by the NRF, are based on census data, excluding auto dealers, gas stations and restaurants, were reportedly up 0.3 percent m/m seasonally-adjusted and up 3.3 percent y/y unadjusted.
EXEC: Bain Sees E-Commerce Driving 90 Percent of Holiday Growth (updated)
Bain said a potential rate cut this week could spur consumer confidence and sales may also benefit as some consumers feel wealthier from rising disposable income and strong stock market gains this year. Deloitte and Bain both see e-commerce up in the high single digits for Holiday 2024 versus Holiday 2023.
Akusoli Insoles for Healthy Feet, Back and Body
Leveraging acupressure cushions and magnetic technology placed in pressure points corresponding to specific body parts, the company’s insoles offer wearers a “gentle massage for relief and relaxation.”
NRF Names Jill Dvorak as Senior VP of Content
Dvorak previously served at the NRF as vice president of content and retail strategy from 2017 to 2022. Before returning to the NRF, Dvorak was the chief content officer at CommerceNext.