SGB Footwear

NRF: Holiday Sales Grew 5.5 Percent

Holiday sales during November and December increased 5.5 percent over the same period in 2016 to $691.9 billion as growing wages, stronger employment and higher confidence led consumers to spend more than had been expected, the National Retail Federation said.

Will Puma Be Better Off On Its Own?

On a call with media, Bjørn Gulden, CEO of Puma, said the spinoff from Kering will enable Puma to “continue with our current business strategy that has started to show some good results. We would be able to carry on to invest in becoming the fastest sports brand in the world to create value for our retailers, to improve performance for outlets and, of course, excite consumers.”

Sam’s Club To Close 63 Locations

The company will convert up to 12 of the impacted clubs to eCommerce fulfillment centers in a move that will speed delivery of online orders, with the balance of the facilities closing over the next few weeks.

Vail Resorts Sees Challenging Start To Ski Season

Vail Resorts Inc. reported season-to-date total skier visits for the company’s North American mountain resorts were down 10.8 percent compared to the prior year season-to-date period, impacted by low snow levels in the western regions.

Shiekh Shoes Battles Over DIP Financing Replacement

Shiekh Shoes, in bankruptcy proceedings since November 29, is seeking court approval for a new $5 million term loan on more generous terms from the owner’s brother to replace its debtor-in-possession facility. However, Comvest, a junior secured lender, has objected to the new financing and is pushing for a liquidation.

Columbia Sportswear Names Ethan Pochman VP Of Marketing

Ethan Pochman joins the brand from Performance Health, a private health and wellness consumer products company, where he served in several leadership roles since 2008, including vice president of sales and marketing, and vice president of global marketing.

Tough Mudder Unveils 2018 New Obstacles

Tough Mudder Inc., announced a new twist on obstacles for the 2018 event season by unveiling the biggest structure to ever hit the obstacle course racing industry, Happy Ending, presented by Merrell, and Kong Infinity, the first obstacle in company history to be designed by members of the global tribe of more than 3 million Mudders.