SGB 2024 Year In Review: Active Lifestyle M&A – Part One
While the active lifestyle industry again saw a number of smaller to medium-size acquisitions during 2024, major deals for the second year in a row were few and far between due to a combination of higher interest rates, an uncertain economy, and fewer consolidators. A roundup of M&A action in the industry for the first half of 2024.
Nordstrom Family and Mexico-Based Partner Acquire Nordstrom Business for $6.25B
The company has signed a definitive agreement under which Erik Nordstrom, Pete Nordstrom and Jamie Nordstrom, and other members of the Nordstrom family will own 50.1 percent and El Puerto de Liverpool, S.A.B. de C.V. (Liverpool), will own 49.9 percent of Nordstrom, Inc.
Sqairz Forms Medical Advisory Board to Elevate Brand
The formation of a Medical Advisory Board brings together accomplished doctors of sports medicine, biomechanics and physical therapy, whose insights will “allow us to continue to set new benchmarks for athletic footwear.”
Scholastic Sports Sales Owner Jeff Miller Passes Away
Miller owned Scholastic Sports Sales, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in April 2024 and is in its third generation of family ownership. He was a member of the NSGA Board for two terms from 2015 to 2021. He unexpectedly passed away on December 19 at age 69.
EXEC: New Nike Inc. CEO Lays Out Pain Points Ahead and Plans to Re-Focus on Sport
The new CEO did not ride in on a white horse or a chariot as a conquering hero, but as a janitor, not unlike Mr. Earl, who realizes he has a big job to do but also has a clear mind on what must be done.
EXEC: Nike’s NA Q2 Footwear Down 14 Percent; Reduces Classics Share of Business
In North America, Nike Direct declined 15 percent, with Nike Digital down 22 percent and Nike stores down 3 percent.
Wholesale declined 1 percent. Nike said it took another step forward shifting the product portfolio by reducing the proportion of our business driven by the Classic Footwear franchises.
Shoes For Crews Taps Board Director to Serve as CEO
Chris Quinn will assume the CEO role beginning January 1, 2025. He has served as a director of Shoes For Crews since August 2024.
EXEC: Nike Inc. Q2 Reaction May Be More About the CEO’s Plan – Not Key Metrics
That plan has to include boosting innovation in a market that has embraced On, Hoka and a number of other nascent running brands that have taken share in the “technology as fashion” column, as well as brands such as Adidas and Asics that are taking share on the lifestyle side.
Big 5 Sporting Goods Renews Five-Year Credit Facility with BofA
The company has entered into an agreement to amend and extend its credit facility with Bank of America, N. A., as administrative agent and lender.
EXEC: Bata Brands Appoints Italy-Based Chief Design Officer
Miguel Esquide’s career highlights include co-founding the luxury brand 1Concept as well as leading footwear design and strategy at Inditex for Lefties, Zara and Pull&Bear.
Skechers Opens New Flagship in Prague, Czech Republic
Skechers now has eight retail locations in the Czech Republic, including five additional stores in Prague, Modřice and Ostrava.
EXEC: UK Retail Sheds 225,000 Jobs in Five Years but Pay Growth Up 25 Percent
Pay growth at retail was said to be well above the national average at 8.5 percent in 2024, and up over 25 percent since 2021. The October Budget increases the National Living Wage by a further 6.7 percent, adding over £2.7 billion to retailer wage bills from April 2025.
ICSC Makes Final Argument for Brick & Mortar Holiday Shopping in New Survey Report
The membership trade organization serving the commercial real estate and retail industries reported physical stores remain an important part of holiday shopping, as 84 percent of surveyed respondents intend to shop in-store or visit a store to pick up an online order.
EXEC: Clothing and Footwear Are Key Contributors to UK’s Growing Inflation
November’s figures were driven primarily by increased inflation rates of fuel, clothing, and footwear, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Nordstrom Sets Plan to Open Rack Store in Nashua, NH
The 30,000-square-foot store will be located in Royal Ridge Center, a shopping center that includes Marshalls, Sierra Trading Post, HomeGoods, PetSmart, The Paper Store, and other retailers.
