October Retail Sales Increased 5.6 percent
Retail sales in October increased 0.4 percent over September on a seasonally adjusted basis and were up 5.6 percent year-over-year unadjusted, according to calculations released by the National Retail Federation. The numbers exclude automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants.

SGB Executive Q&A: Scarpa North America CEO Kim Miller
Scarpa North America CEO Kim Miller sat down with SGB recently to discuss a wide range of topics, from the changes he’s seen in the footwear business over a long career to Scarpa’s success as a family-owned boot and shoe maker for 80 years to how the industry can raise its voice on such issues as public lands.
Tony Hawk Establishes Brand Consultancy
Tony Hawk announced the launch of D/CAL, a hybrid brand consultancy and creative agency, with co-founders Adam Wilson (Carhartt, McGarryBowen), Jared Prindle (Tony Hawk Inc., 900 Films), and Ryan Maconochie (Arc, Leo Burnett, Trisect).

Foot Locker To Hold Seventh-Annual Week Of Greatness
Foot Locker announced its highly-anticipated, annual “Week of Greatness” campaign by dropping #BecauseSneakers, a global sneaker anthem.
Nike Announces 10 Percent Increase In Quarterly Dividend
Said Mark Parker, chairman, president and CEO of Nike Inc. “This is our 17th consecutive year of increasing dividend payouts, and combined with the new four-year $15 billion share repurchase program announced this summer, this commitment shows our continued confidence in Nike’s ability to deliver sustainable, profitable, capital-efficient growth over the long-term.”

Nordstrom Lifts Guidance On Improved Q3 Earnings
Nordstrom said its third-quarter earnings excluding a special charge slightly exceeded the company’s expectations, reflecting continued top-line strength across its Full-Price and Off-Price businesses. Comparable sales increased 2.3 percent in the third quarter.

Shoe Carnival Raises Outlook On Strong Q3
Shoe Carnival Inc. raised its fiscal 2018 outlook after reporting earnings per diluted share increased 15 percent to 76 cents and comparable store sales increased 4.5 percent in the quarter ended November 3.
Newton Running Supports National Runner’s Safety month
Newton Running announced that it will be supporting National Runner’s Safety month with a focus on women’s safety.
Reef Sold For $139 Million
VF Corp. received cash proceeds of $139.4 million from the sale of Reef to The Rockport Group, according to VF’s third quarter report filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission.
Ron Parham Joins Cura Cannabis Solutions
Cura Cannabis Solutions, a provider of cannabis oil to both consumers and premium edible brands, has hired Ron Parham, a former VP at Columbia Sportswear, as VP investor relations.
Dillard’s Q3 Misses Wall Street’s Guidance
Dillard’s Inc. reported earnings in the third quarter came in well short of Wall Street’s targets as margin pressures offset a 3 percent gain in same-store sales.

JCPenney Withdraws Profit Outlook For Year
JCPenney lowered its sales outlook after reporting a shortfall in revenues in the third quarter. The department store also withdrew its guidance for earnings due to the hiring of a new CEO and an interim CFO.
New Balance Expands Program With Pensole
Pensole Design Academy announced registration is now open for its 2019 expanded joint program with New Balance.

Canada Goose CEO: Baffin Is ‘Dream Acquisition’
Canada Goose Holdings Inc. President and CEO Dani Reiss couldn’t hide his excitement on Wednesday morning’s conference call with analysts when discussing the company’s recent addition of footwear maker and fellow Canadian and cold-weather brand Baffin Inc. “This is a dream acquisition for me as I’ve been watching and admiring Baffin for many years and I know them very well,” Reiss said.

Nike To Open Nike NYC On Thursday
Nike Inc. will open its newest Nike House of Innovation, on Thursday as Nike NYC: a 68,000 sq. ft., six-level, cross-category premium Nike store located at 650 Fifth Ave. Nike NYC is “the pinnacle expression of modern retail, representing the best of Nike global product, experiences and sport innovation.,” according to a statement.