EXEC: Walmart’s Robust Q2 Delivers Upbeat Signal for Retail’s Recovery
Walmart, Inc. lifted its outlook for the year after reporting second-quarter results that handily topped guidance due to strength in the grocery but also a better-than-expected performance in general merchandise. The strong results were a relief for the retail sector following sluggish sales reports from Target and Home Depot although Walmart’s CEO Doug McMillon told analysts household budgets remain under pressure.
Ross Stores Swings to Positive Q2 Comp Store Sales Trend; EPS Increases
Comparable store sales were up 5 percent, partially reversing the 7 percent comp store sales decline in the second quarter of 2022.
U.S. Jobless Claims Fall As Economy Chugs Along
In the week ending August 12, the advance figure for seasonally-adjusted initial claims declined 11,000 to 239,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The previous week’s level was revised up by 2,000 from 248,000 to 250,000.
Walmart Makes Leadership Changes Across Operating Segments
Walmart announced several leadership changes to its core operating units. Judith McKenna, president and CEO of Walmart International, announced her retirement. She will be succeeded by Kath McLay. Chris Nicholas becomes president and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S., and Kieran Shanahan, EVP and chief operating officer of Walmart U.S.
Digital Brands Group Swings to Profit on Q2 Revenue Gain
The company reported that net revenues for the second quarter increased 69.6 percent to $4.5 million. Net income attributable to common stockholders was $5.0 million, or 38 cents per diluted share, in the quarter.
Report: Traffic Report Sees Dick’s and Hibbett Well-Positioned for BTS
With Dick’s Sporting Goods releasing second quarter earnings next week and Hibbett Sports usually close behind in timing of its release, a new report from Placer.ai looks to be rather timely.
Costco Wholesale Corporation Elects New Board Director
Costco Wholesale Corp. elected Helena Buonanno Foulkes to its Board of Directors. Most recently, Foulkes was CEO of Hudson’s Bay Company.
BofA Upgrades Adidas To Buy, Lifts Price Targets for Dick’s and Academy
Bank of America Corp. (BOFA) upgraded Adidas to “Buy” due to its progress in improving margins while lifting its price target on Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy Sports on improving sales trends.
Outdoor Retailer to Unveil New Format at Summer Market 2024
New features will reportedly roll out with Outdoor Retailer Summer 2024, taking place June 17-19, 2024 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT. The upcoming OR Winter show in November will be held in its existing format at the Salt Palace.
AKU Hires New PNW Sales Agency for Outdoor Category
Based in Seattle, The Alta Group will manage specific outdoor accounts for AKU in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.
Oofos President To Depart, New COO Named
Oofos said Steve Gallo, the recovery footwear’s president since January 2018, will be stepping away from Oofos to take on a new opportunity. At the same time, Dave Mischler was promoted to the role of chief operating officer.
DBI Adds Le Tigre Footwear to Owned Brands Portfolio at DSW
The company, which owns retailers DSW Shoe Warehouse and The Shoe Company, said the addition of Le Tigre, along with the recent acquisitions of Keds and Topo Athletic, enables it to grow its brand portfolio in the important athletic and athleisure space.
StockX Report Calls Out On, Salomon and Asics as Top YTD Trading Gainers
Success on the secondary market can be a barometer for consumer demand, and Stockx’s report suggests that, despite a more challenging retail environment, brands continue to break through and demonstrate growth.
OrthoLite Names Cirql VP/GM
OrthoLite hired Matt Thwaites as vice president and general manager of OrthoLite Cirql. He was formerly global sales and marketing director of the Footwear Division for Coats, the industrial thread company.
Sole Technology Adds Familiar Face as ThirtyTwo Design Chief
Will Keegan has re-joined Sole Technology after 12 years as boot designer/merchandiser for the ThirtyTwo brand. Moving forward, he will oversee all design and merchandising for ThirtyTwo boots and all-terrain footwear.
