Superfeet Signs Sales Agency to Focus on Workplace Safety and Performance
LineDrive, a solutions-based sales agency that matches large-scale businesses with workplace safety tools to enhance workplace safety and productivity in the U.S. and Canada, will introduce Superfeet insoles to employers, to enhance workplace productivity and safety
Rural King to Open New Store in Conover, NC
The Conover store will host a grand opening from September 20-22. The retailer sells a wide variety of premium brands, including Carhartt, Blackstone, Big Green Egg, Ariat, Under Armour, Black Rifle Coffee Company, Walnut Creek Foods and Henry Rifles.
Report: Second Quarter U.S. E-commerce Sales Outpaced Total Retail Trend
The Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce reported that the second quarter of 2024 e-commerce estimate increased 6.7 percent (±1.2) from the second quarter of 2023, while total retail sales increased 2.1 percent (±0.4) in the same period.
Famous Footwear Parent is Latest Footwear Retailer to Lower 2024 Guidance
Caleres, Inc. became the latest retailer to lower fiscal full-year guidance after reporting second-quarter fiscal 2024 sales and earnings. A top-line miss was driven by a 5.1 percent decline in Brand Portfolio sales and Famous Footwear comps down 2.9 percent.
EXEC: Designer Brands CEO Digs Deeper into DSW Results as August Comps Turn Positive
The parent of the DSW, The Shoe Co., and Rubino retail brands, and Topo Athletic, Keds, Le Tigre, Hush Puppies, and other footwear brands, also had to come to terms with the impact of the economy on their customers and cut guidance for the full year.
Air Jordan V El Grito Pays Homage to Mexican Culture and Global Influence
The brand’s latest footwear release, the Air Jordan V El Grito, pays homage to Mexican culture, both in the U.S. and abroad, through nods to Mexico’s city streets, colors, textures, and community.
DSW Parent Cuts FY Guidance as Q2 Profits Shrink
The company saw sustained pressure on challenged categories such as dress and seasonal in the second quarter, but was able to partially mitigate the impact through providing a greater selection of athletic and athleisure brands in the assortment.
Ross Stores Inc. Makes Merchandising Leadership Changes
Karen Fleming was promoted to president and chief merchandising officer at Ross Dress for Less and Karen Sykes was promoted to president and chief merchandising officer at DD’s Discounts, with both moves effective December 1.
EXEC: Academy Shares Get Lift as Positive Comps Returned in August
With some major negative events behind it, Academy looks to new store growth as the primary sales driver. The stores opened in 2022 are all comping postive despite the challenging economic backdrop and remain pleased with the 2023 and 2024 new stores.
Hockey: Faster Than Ever to Open at The Henry Ford
Hockey: Faster Than Ever, an interactive traveling exhibition on ice hockey’s science, history and culture, will open at The Henry Ford on October 13 through January 5.
Gold’s Gym Builds Out Existing Markets with Summer 2024 New Gym Openings
By the end of 2024, Gold’s will have opened eight new U.S. gyms, including in Milpitas, CA; Thornton, CO; Silver Spring, MD; and New Bern, NC. The brand also has franchise agreements to grow in Long Island, NY; Miami, Fl; and San Jose, CA.
Jimmy Gabriel Named President and Chief Brand Officer at Aerosoles
Parent company American Exchange Group said Gabriel, a veteran with almost 50 years of experience in the footwear industry, brings his deep expertise and visionary leadership to Aerosoles.
EXEC: Backcountry Sold as TSG Closes Deal with CSC Generation Enterprise
CSC acquired the company from TSG Consumer Partners, which acquired the business in July 2015. CSC also owns the Sur La Table, One Kings Lane, Touch of Modern, DirectBuy retail brands, in addition to others.
EXEC: August Footwear Factory Shipments Show Mixed Trend Lines
Yuen Yuen, one of the largest active lifestyle footwear manufacturers, saw growth trends improve in August, increasing over 21 percent y/y, while Feng Tay, one of the longest-tenured makers of Nike footwear, saw shipments decline for the month.
Nate Smith Named CEO of Huk and Nomad Outdoor Parent
Smith brings 20 years of executive leadership experience working for consumer-branded omnichannel organizations in apparel, footwear and accessories. He has held senior executive roles at Patagonia and Oakley and, most recently, was president at Boardriders,
