BJ’s Wholesale Club to Open in Florida
The new club will open in Brooksville, FL, on February 21, 2025, including an on-site BJ’s Gas location opening on February 6. Club members who shop the store, save of up to 25 percent off grocery store prices.
EXEC: Asics Sees 2024 Lifestyle Footwear Sales Surge 50+ Percent
The company’s SportStyle and Onitsuka Tiger categories each posted growth in excess of 50 percent year-over-year to nearly ¥100 billion each, while operating profits more than doubled for each category versus 2023. SportStyle sales grew 120 percent in the North America region.
Fleet Feet to Open Fourth Franchise Location in Arizona
Billy Preston is opening a new Fleet Feet franchise store in downtown Prescott, AZ, with easy access to over 500 miles of nearby trails and outdoor recreation year-round.
Crocs, Inc. Shares Jump on Strong DTC Gains and Growth Inversion at HeyDude
CROX shares were up more than 24 percent as Crocs Brand revenues increased 4.0 percent (+4.9 percent cc) to $762 million in the fourth quarter, and HeyDude Brand revenues were flat at $228 million, turning the corner from recent declines.
EXEC: Sebago, Superga, K-Way Parent BasicNet Posts Solid 2024 Gains
BasicNet S.p.A., the Turin, Italy-based parent of the Sebago, Superga, Briko, Kappa, K-Way, Jesus Jeans, and Sabelt brands, has reported that full-year consolidated revenues increased 3.1 percent year-over-year to €409.2 million in 2024.
EXEC: On Holding Gets Goldman Downgrade; Nike Sees Analyst Call for Patience
Last week, Nike got a downgrade on its shares from Citibank, and now On Holding is downgraded, which is a tough move for one of the hottest footwear brands in the active lifestyle market to get negative attention.
Bluestar Alliance Acquires Palm Angels to Expand Streetwear Stable
The acquisition follows the company’s September 2024 acquisition of Off-White from LVMH, and is said to underscore the company’s continued expansion into the high-end streetwear and luxury fashion sectors.
Wolverine World Wide Promotes Brett Parent to Chief Strategy Officer
The parent company of the Merrell, Saucony, Wolverine Brand and Sweaty Betty brands promoted Brett Parent to CSO, effective February 3. He will now serve on the company’s Executive Team.
EXEC: Fenix Outdoor Sees Credit Issues and Weather Impact Q4
The parent of Fjällräven, Royal Robbins, Hanwag, and Fenix Outdoor brands reported that the 2024 fourth quarter started promising, but a delay in winter weather meant it slowed down before improving again toward the latter part of the quarter.
Oofos Hires Director of Specialty Sales
The company said Matt Withrow will create, plan and execute sales strategies for the specialty distribution channel including Run, Outdoor, and Other sport-specific specialty distribution.
EXEC: JD Sports Fashion Plc Shifts Leadership at JD Outdoor Segment
Dominic Jordan, the former CEO of Hobbycraft, assumes the top seat held by outgoing CEO Lee Bagnall for the past 12 years. Bagnall has agreed to stay on for a transition period.
Merrell Names Richard McLeod as Chief Marketing Officer
McLeod was, most recently VP and CMO at Champion. Prior to Champion, McLeod was SVP of Brand at Canada Goose.
Bass Pro Shops to Open Outpost in Arkansas
The Fort Smith, AK, store is expected to open in early 2026. The 70,000-square-foot location will be the retailer’s third in the state.
EXEC: Asian FW Factories See Weaker January Trends; Pou Sheng Retail Jumps
Feng Tay Enterprises, one of the longest-tenured manufacturers of Nike footwear, reported manufacturing revenues declined 6.2 percent in January and Yue Yuen’s factory business grew an anemic 1.1 percent increase in December.
Dick’s SG Begins Enrolling Non-Employees as Paid Social Media Influencers
Since launching as an internal program in 2023, Dick’s Varsity Team members have created over 1,000 pieces of social media content, garnering over 38 million impressions, and have been featured in 10 campaigns for both Dick’s and its national brands.
