EXEC: Dennis Driscoll Looks Back on Nearly 45 Years in the Footwear Business
Long-time global footwear industry veteran and chief product officer for Xero Shoes, Dennis Driscoll, is retiring on September 1 after more than 44 years in the business. Driscoll talked with SGB Executive about the insights he gained over his career, including having worked for Avia and Converse and what he will miss.
Study: Luxury Retailers Brace for Rise in Losses to Theft and Security Issues
A new global research survey asked luxury retailer senior executives with a total annual turnover of $3.1 billion across the U.S., South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia revealed that 62 percent expected a rise in losses to theft over the next three years.
Blain’s Farm & Fleet Names New President
Blain’s Farm & Fleet, a family-owned company for 68 years, promoted Mark Hasting to president, the first time a non-family member has held the position, in addition to his chief commerce and operating officer role. Jane Blain Gilbertson, the owner of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply, Inc., will remain CEO.
Tapestry, Inc. Acquires Capri Holdings in $8.5 Million Deal
This acquisition brings together the Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman brands owned by Tapestry with the Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors brands owned by Capri.
La Sportiva Acquires Majority Stake in Meet Italia
La Sportiva reported it acquired a majority stake in the Veneto-based company Meet Italia, a manufacturer that produces Made in Italy mountain footwear and with a strategic partner that has been in place for over twenty years.
Asics North America Delivers Seventh Straight Quarter of Double-Digit Online Growth
Asics North America reported positive growth in the second quarter was boosted by double-digit growth in Sportstyle and Core Performance Sports categories across the region and marked by the region’s seventh consecutive quarter of double-digit e-commerce growth.
EXEC: Li Ning Gets Brick & Mortar Boost to Post Mid-Teens Q2 Retail Growth
The company’s offline channel, including retail and franchisees registered a high-teens increase, with retail increasing in the high 20s and franchisees increasing in the mid-teens.
Adobe Reports Online Price Declines, Slowing Inflation
Online prices in July 2023 fell 1.6 percent year-over-year (YoY), marking the eleventh consecutive month of YoY price decreases, according to the Adobe Digital Price Index (DPI).
Bob’s Stores To Open Three Locations
Bob’s Stores plans to open a “flagship” store in Norwalk, CT, that will also carry merchandise from sister retailer Eastern Mountain Sports within the next few months. It’s also planning two other Connecticut stores in Hamden and Southington.
Report: Foot Locker Declined Yeezy Restock Sales Over PR Concerns
Foot Locker is reportedly declining to sell Yeezy shoes during Adidas’ sale of its remaining inventory over fears of a public backlash.
Yue Yuen Sees Footwear Manufacturing Decline Accelerate in July
The Manufacturing business tallied a 23.9 percent decrease in July and a 20.0 percent decrease for the seven-month year-to-date period, an acceleration of the decrease posted in the first half reported through June.
Yue Yuen Footwear Manufacturing Sees Pairs Shipped Fall Nearly 24 Percent in First Half
First half revenue attributed to footwear manufacturing activity, including athletic/outdoor shoes, casual shoes and sports sandals, decreased by 18.1 percent to $2.38 billion, compared with the corresponding period of last year.
Dick’s SG Closes Store in Binghamton
Dick’s Sporting Goods closed its store in Vestal, NY, while opening a House of Sport in nearby Johnson City.
EXEC: Wolverine Worldwide Closing Boston Offices; Consolidating Brands to Michigan
The Boston offices have been home to the Saucony, Keds, Sperry and Stride Rite brands. Keds has been sold and the company is seeking a “strategic alternative” for Sperry.
EXEC: New Wolverine Worldwide CEO to Focus on Building Brands After Q2 Results Disappoint
The new CEO said that while he is excited about the future, the company’s financial update that same morning is “well short of expectations.” He said they have seen softness in the marketplace and headwinds impacting the business that they now expect to continue to the second-half of the year.
