Inov-8 Opens First U.S. Store
Inov-8 opened its first U.S. store in Meridian, ID. The U.K.-based footwear manufacturer’s stores now number three, with the other two in England.
Burlington Stores Sees Weakness in Low-End Consumer but Exceeds Q2 Guidance
Burlington Stores, Inc. reported second-quarter earnings that came in well above guidance but still reduced its earnings outlook and narrowed its sales guidance for the year due to pressures facing its lower-income shoppers.
EXEC: On the Call with Foot Locker Execs Talking Q2 Business Trends, Weaker Future Outlook
Foot Locker’s sales trends continue to be a real problem child as total sales and comps both registered high-single-digit declines for the quarter ended July 29. Much of the sales decline came from Champs which comped down in strong double-digits in the quarter on repositioning pain.
Nike CFO of Consumer, Marketplace & Brand Departing for Lysol’s Parent Company
Reckitt Benckiser Group named Shannon Eisenhardt, currently CFO of Nike consumer, brand & marketplace, as CFO of Lysol’s parent company, replacing current CFO Jeff Carr, who is retiring in March 2024. She joins RBG on October 17, 2023.
EXEC: Kohl’s Finds Active Category Continues “Soft” in Second Quarter
On Kohl’s second-quarter analyst call, Tom Kingsbury, CEO, said the overall active category remained “soft” for the retailer in the second quarter, but outdoor and golf trends were encouraging and Nike, Under Armour and Eddie Bauer showed strength.
Puma Makes Leadership Appointments in Europe
Puma has appointed Javier Ortega as general manager Europe, effective September 1. Esteve Planas will succeed Ortega as area general manager for Southern Europe.
Wolverine World Wide’s Debt Ratings Lowered by S&P
S&P Global Ratings reduced the debt ratings of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. as the footwear manufacturer continues to underperform its expectations with “tough industry headwinds to continue to pressure the company’s operating performance at least over the next several quarters.”
Dansko Appoints New President; Fox Transitions to Exec Chair
Dansko promoted Kitty Bolinger to president, effective September 5. Bolinger is currently Dansko’s EVP of sales & marketing. Concurrently, Dansko’s CEO, Jim Fox, will transition to the newly created role of executive chairman.
Urban Outfitters Profit Jumps 75 Percent in Second Quarter
Profits at Urban Outfitters, Inc. surged 75.0 percent in the second quarter ended July 31 as sales grew 7.5 percent and margins benefited from higher initial markups and lower markdowns.
EXEC: Anta Sports Gets Fila Lift in H1 as Sales Growth, Op Profit Margins Jump
The company, which runs retail stores in China for the Anta brand, Fila, Descente, Kolon Sport, and Amer Sports, reported that Fila brand retail sales posted 13.5 percent year-over-year growth in the first half.
EXEC: Under Armour to Return to Macy’s Locations
Macy’s reported that select Under Armour men’s product will be available in 150 stores and online, beginning in February 2024, building on the return of Nike apparel to the department store operator.
EXEC: Xtep Intl Posts Double-Digit H1 Increase Despite Slowing China Growth
The company, which operates retail stores in China for K-Swiss, Palladium, Merrell, and Saucony, in addition to Xtep brand stores, reported that retail sell-through growth in the first half increased nearly 15 percent.
Foot Locker, Inc. Posts Q2 Loss, Cuts Outlook as Sales Fall and Margins Contract
The retailer is pausing its cash dividend payments in the fall after reporting sharp Q2 declines in total sales and comp sales, a loss in GAAP net income, slimmer margins, and a business that reportedly softened further in July.
Kohl’s Q2 Earnings Fall on 5 Percent Comp Decline
Kohl’s reported profits in the second quarter dropped 54.1 year-over-year as same-store sales declined 5.0 percent. Earnings were ahead of analysts’ estimates with the benefit of tight expense and inventory controls and continued growth at its in-store Sephora shops. Guidance was reiterated for the year.
Allbirds Names Canadian Distributor
In-Sport Fashions, a Canadian distributor of specialized lifestyle, athletic and outdoor products, entered into an exclusive partnership with Allbirds, effective September 15.
