VF Corp. Promotes Abhishek Dalmia to EVP and Chief Operating Officer
The company’s Board of Directors has named Dalmia as EVP and chief operating officer and principal operating officer, effective April 3, 2025. He has served as EVP and chief strategy, transformation and digital officer since March 2024.
Puma SE Promotes Tara McRae to President of North America Unit
McRae, who previously led Puma’s marketing and brand strategy in North America, will assume the role immediately, replacing Bob Philion, who leaves the company after 20 years, including eights years as North America president.
EXEC: Trump Threatens to Push China Tariffs to 104 Percent Total
At issue was what Trump said was an effort to strike a trade deal with China that would be fair to both sides. China’s latest move on Friday to assess a 34 percent retaliatory tariff apparently lit the fuse as Trump threatened to add another 50 percent to the total tariff.
EXEC: Rip Curl and Oboz Owner First Vendor to Re-Direct Inventory Destined for U.S.
KMD Brands said that until its has more clarity on changes to consumer demand in the U.S., the Group will redirect some U.S. inventory to other key global markets, or hold inventory with existing international 3PL partners.
EXEC: Puma SE Names New CEO and Chair of Management Board; Freundt to Exit
Puma SE’s Supervisory Board has appointed Arthur Hoeld as chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Puma SE, effective July 1, 2025. Due to differing views on strategy execution, Arne Freundt, CEO of Puma SE, and the Supervisory Board have mutually agreed that he will step down as CEO on April 11, 2025.
EXEC: Decathlon’s 2024 Profit Falls as Sales Rise; New CEO Appointed
Javier López has been appointed as chief executive officer, replacing Barbara Martin Coppola who has served in the CEO role since March 2022.
EXEC: Trump Tariffs Hit Active Lifestyle Stocks Hard; Vietnam Hit a Big Surprise
At issue for many in the active lifestyle market, including sporting goods, footwear, apparel, and outdoor, is the impact on goods sourced in Vietnam after many companies invested considerable time and capital in moving production there from China.
BDA Promotes Former Nordstrom Exec to Divisional VP of Program Management
Bensussen Deutsch & Associates, LLC (BDA) is the largest, independently owned branded merchandise agency with operations in over 50 locations worldwide. With a proven record of building large e-commerce solutions, Lisa Battistoni’s expertise will drive innovation and optimize BDA’s digital offerings.
Duluth Trading Welcomes Stephanie Pugliese Back as President and CEO
Pugliese replaces outgoing CEO Sam Soto, who announced last week he was leaving the business. She first joined Duluth Trading in November 2008 as VP of product and merchandising, and was promoted continuosly until assuming the CEO role in 2015, a role she served in until 2019.
NRF: Consumer Spending Not Unraveling; Retail Sales Growth to Continue in 2025
The association’s 2025 sales forecast compares with 3.6 percent annual sales growth to $5.29 trillion dollars in 2024. This year’s forecast also aligns with the 10-year pre-pandemic average annual sales growth of 3.6 percent.
EXEC: Intersport Posts Tepid 2024 Omni-Channel Sales Growth to €14.0 Bn
Despite a challenging business landscape, Intersport saw particularly positive 2024 growth in its French, Italian and Swiss markets, as well as an upward trend in several specific categories, including Sportstyle, Football and Running.
EXEC: Sportsman’s Warehouse Shares Surge as Analysts Buy into Progress
Fishing led all categories for Q4 comp growth, following by Camping. Hunting and Shooting Sports comped down, but outpaced NICS trends. The retailer is estimating fiscal 2025 net sales to be in the range of negative 1 percent to up 3.5 percent over 2024.
Dr Martens Celebrates 65 Years, Drops Limited Edition 1460
To celebrate the 65 anniversary of the 1460, the company has made 1460 pairs of this premium iteration, making it a collector’s item for Dr. Martens aficionados.
Macy’s Advances “Bold New Chapter”; Appoints New Finance Head
Capri Holdings’ finance and operations head, Thomas J. Edwards, will become chief operating officer and chief financial officer at Macy’s, Inc., effective June 22.
Marathon Sports Acquires Fleet Feet Maine Running
Fleet Feet Maine Running, the two-store specialty store based out of Portland, ME, has concluded the sale of its specialty running business to Marathon Sports, a 26 location New England running specialty store brand based in Boston.
