Allbirds Names Three Additional Distributors
With the completion of the three agreements, Allbirds has now signed distribution deals with 16 companies globally since shifting its primary distribution strategy from direct-to-consumer to wholesale distributors.
USTA Hires Chief Growth Officer
Mike McGoohan, former president and chief growth officer of Solo Stove, was appointed to the newly created role of chief growth officer for the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Reporting into McGoohan are Play & Competition, USTA Coaching, Marketing, Digital Strategy, Strategy & Innovation, and Industry & Sales departments.
Columbia Sportswear Opens Largest Store in Japan
The flagship store in Harajuku, Tokyo, marks the brand’s largest retail location in Japan to date, spanninb roughly 2900 square feet across two levels.
NRF: Import Cargo Levels Drop Again After Tariff Delay Ends; Rebound Expected in July
Ports have not yet reported numbers for June, but Global Port Tracker projects the month to climb 5.9 percent from May but down 3.7 percent year-over-year. July cargo volume is expected to increase 2.1 percent year-over-year, but then fall 10.4 percent in August and 19.9 percent in September as previously paused tariffs take effect.
Saks’ Debt Ratings Lowered On Proposed Restructuring
S&P Global Ratings lowered the credit ratings of Saks Global Enterprises, LLC, due to the luxury chain’s $600 million financing package, which it views as “tantamount to default.”
EXEC: Asics’ Onitsuka Tiger Business to Get Dedicated Facility in Japan
Sanin Asics Industry Corporation, a Japanese domestic shoe manufacturing facility, is being renamed Onitsuka Innovative Factory Corporation and will become a dedicated production base for Onitsuka Tiger.
Decathlon Acquires French Cycling Team
The French sporting goods chain has agreed to become the sole owner of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale UCI World Tour, the French cycling team with UCI WorldTeam status, at the close of 2025.
EXEC: Le Coq Sportif Sold in Bankruptcy Proceedings
A group led by Franco-Swiss entrepreneur Dan Mamane, have committed to investing an initial €70 million (US$82.1 million) into the company to revive its growth. Alexandre Fauvet, a former executive vice president at Lacoste and previously the chief executive of skiwear brand Fusalp, will serve as Le Coq Sportif’s new CEO.
EXEC: Former Brooks CEO Jim Weber Highlights Key Leadership Traits
At a keynote session held during Switchback Spring, which took place from June 16-18 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, Jim Weber, former CEO of Brooks Running, listed focus, curiosity and trust as his “winning” trifecta formula for leadership success.
Varsity Brands’ Debt Ratings Upgraded
Moody’s Ratings upgraded Varsity Brands, Inc.’s debt ratings due to improving EBITDA margin, stronger free cash flow generation, and declining leverage, supported by momentum in both its BSN and Varsity Spirit businesses.
NRF Sees Economic Growth Holding Steady but Market Uncertainty is Still Pervasive
With President Trump moving the goalposts once again by continuing the pause in increased tariffs until early August, and perhaps later, importers, manufacturers, exporters, retailers, brands, and consumers all seem to be walking around with a big question mark above their heads.
Wolverine World Wide Adds Two Board Members
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. appointed Cheryl Abel-Hodges, current CEO of Tommy John, and Jack Boyle, the former head buyer for Fanatics, to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2025.
Mountain High Outfitters Opens First Store in South Carolina
Tthe outdoor retail chain based in Birmingham, AL, opened its first South Carolina location at the Columbiana Centre in Columbia. The company now has 28 stores, including stores in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and Utah.
Imbox Protection Acquired by PE Firm
Altor Fund VI, a Swedish private equity firm, has acquired a majority stake in Imbox Protection A/S, a Danish company specializing in footwear protection technology, while entering into a partnership with the company’s former founder and owners, Réné Marker and the Grundtvig family.
Rack Room Appoints Chief Merchant and Chief Digital Officer
The company promoted Brian Burnett to senior vice president, chief merchandise officer and Molly Hartney to chief digital officer, a newly created role. Burnett has been with Rack Room Shoes for nearly nine years, having previously served as general merchandise manager. Hartney joined the company as chief marketing officer in 2021.
