
EXEC: Mizuno Posts Strong Fiscal Q1 Results; Footwear Jumps 46 Percent
The company reported sales grew in strong double-digits in the fiscal first quarter ended June 30, driven by double-digit growth across all categories. The Japan-based company is maintaining its forecast for sales of ¥225 billion in fiscal full-year 2023.

Hanesbrands Faces Activist Investor Calling for Leadership Changes
Barington Capital, an activist shareholder group, issued a letter calling for changes in the Board of Directors of Hanesbrands, possibly the CEO and other operational changes to reduce debt. In response, Hanesbrands highlighted progress under its Full Potential strategy and said it remains committed to driving shareholder value.

EXEC: Asics Corp. Increases Full-Year Guidance on Strong H1 Results
For the first half ended June 30, net sales were ¥290.0 billion, recording the highest for the six month period and increased year-over-year in all regions and categories.

Under Armour Limits Fiscal Q1 Downside with Strong International Growth
Total net revenue was down 2.4 percent (-1.3 percent currency-neutral) year-over-year to $1.32 billion in the fiscal first quarter ended June 30. Wholesale revenues declined 6.3 percent while DTC increased 4.5 percent.

NRF Sees Cargo Volume Hitting Yearly Peak in August
Import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is forecasted to hit its highest level in nearly a year in August as retailers stock up for the winter holidays, according to Global Port Tracker’s report released by the National Retail Federation.

Havaianas Parent Sees 13 Percent Revenue Drop in Q2
Brazil’s Alpargatas reported a loss against a profit in the second quarter ended June 30 as sales fell 13 percent to R$(Brazil Real)926.4 million ($189mm). In the U.S., sales of Havaianas were down 13.9 percent while Rothys’ revenues slid 8.6 percent.
Nordstrom Rack to Open Store in Queen Creek, AZ
Nordstrom, Inc. plans to open a new Nordstrom Rack in spring 2024 in Queen Creek, AZ. Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom, Inc.

EXEC: Analysts Gaining Confidence in Adidas’ Turnaround
While some still see an uphill battle for Adidas to regain share in the competitive landscape, the majority of analysts covering the stock were encouraged by the progress the company made in the second quarter toward a turnaround, including building momentum in its underlying business on the back of the “terrace” trend.
NRF Launches Center for Digital Risk and Innovation
The Center is expected to serve as the focal point for NRF’s engagement on technology issues that have significant policy and risk management implications for the global retail industry.

BRC: British Retail Foot Traffic Recovers as Outlets Fuel Growth
The data shows that much of the footfall recovery in July was shored up by strong performance in outlet retail, as shoppers turn to discount formats to make spend go further.

EXEC: Titleist Parent Sees Continued Benefit from Golf’s Pandemic Boost
Acushnet Holdings Corp.’s second-quarter results topped analyst estimates as the momentum in Titleist golf balls and golf clubs offset weakness at FootJoy. David Maher, president and CEO, told analysts, “Supporting the company’s first half results, we are enthused by the golf industry’s overall health and stability with participation remaining vibrant even as golfers return to many pre-COVID activities.”

Pentland Brands Simplifying Business Structure; Cutting 90 Jobs
Pentland Brands reported it initiated a new program to “simplify the way its business is organized” to focus on product, digital, consumer data, and analytics; however, it means laying off 90 employees. The second quarter of fiscal 2023 was $400.7 million, a decrease of 1.5 percent, compared to net sales of $406.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022.

Xero Shoes CPO, Dennis Driscoll, Retiring After 44-Year Footwear Career
Long-time global footwear industry veteran Dennis Driscoll is retiring on September 1 after more than 44 years. He has served as chief product officer for Xero Shoes since 2012.

EXEC: L.L.Bean Expands Wholesale to Dillard’s, Moosejaw and Select Independents
L.L.Bean is adding Dillard’s and Moosejaw to its roster of U.S. wholesale key accounts, as well as ten independent specialty retailers in the southeastern U.S. The Maine-based retailer also plans to open four stores, with two in Quebec.

EXEC: Nike Declares Dividend; 22 Percent of Proceeds Go to Knight Family, Foundation
The Nike, Inc. Board of Directors, which is 75 percent controlled by the Knight family, has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 34 cents per share on the company’s outstanding Class A and Class B Common Stock.