NRF Economist Says Conditions ‘Moving in the Right Direction’ Despite Slower Growth
The U.S. economy did better in the first half of 2023 than early indicators suggested and appear to be “rolling forward” even as the rate of growth slows for the remainder of the year, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.
Report: Birkenstock Exploring IPO
L Catterton, a private equity firm backed by LVMH, is considering strategic options for Birkenstock, including an initial public offering, which could value the German sandal maker at more than $6 billion.
Wolverine Worldwide Amends Credit Agreement
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. entered into a fourth amendment of its existing credit agreement to add near-term financial and operational flexibility.
EssilorLuxottica Inks Eyewear License with Jimmy Choo
EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, Costa, Native Eyewear, and Oakley, among others, signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Jimmy Choo to design, manufacture and distribute the brand’s eyewear worldwide.
Clarks Hires Under Armour Retail Chief as UK Managing Director
Clarks hired Bob Neville, most recently global vice president of retail at Under Armour, as managing director for the U.K. and Ireland, effective August 2023.
Brooks Running Launches Resale Program
Brooks Running launched ReStart, its first re-commerce program to refurbish and resell used Brooks footwear in the U.S.
The Buckle’s June Same-Store Sales Dip
The Buckle, Inc. announced that comparable store net sales, for stores open at least one year, for the 5-week period ended July 1, 2023, decreased 2.4 percent from comparable store net sales for the 5-week period ended July 2, 2022.
Puma Commits To Sourcing Bovine Leather From Deforestation-Free Supply Chains By 2030
Puma reported it signed up for the Deforestation-Free Call to Action for Leather, launched by global non-profits Textile Exchange and Leather Working Group.
Lululemon Launches On Zalando
Expanding on its presence in Europe, Lululemon agreed that Zalando, a European online fashion and lifestyle platform, would be its preferred European online retail seller.
Birkenstock To Take Over Distribution In Belgium
Birkenstock reported it will take over distribution in the Belgian market from Lanaform, an importer of several brands, and serve the market directly.
Adidas HR Chief To Depart This Month
Adidas AG reported that Amanda Rajkumar, executive board member and labor director of Adidas, responsible for global human resources, people and culture, informed the company’s Supervisory Board that she would not renew her contract, which expires in December 2023 and is leaving the company on July 15. Adidas provided no reason for Rajkumar’s decision.
Academy Sports Opens Store In Peoria
Academy Sports + Outdoors opened its first store in Peoria, IL, the second in the state, including the store in Fallon, IL.
Adidas Partners With Roma
Adidas signed a long-term partnership with Roma to become the Italian soccer club’s new kit supplier, replacing New Balance.
MEC Tied For Top Place With Costco As Canada’s Most Trusted Brand
In a tie with Costco, the Gustavson Brand Trust Index recognized Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) as Canada’s most trusted brand. Other brands in the active lifestyle space that made the Index’s Top 50 most trusted brands were Columbia Sportswear at No. 3; The North Face, 12; Patagonia, 15; and Canadian Tire, the parent of SportsChek, 37.
JD Sports Expands To Middle East In Franchise Deal
JD Sports Fashion Plc signed its first franchise agreement with Dubai-based GMG. Under the ten-year agreement, GMG will open around 50 stores under the JD banner by 2028, focused on locations in the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Egypt.
