
Report: Retail Industry Continues to be Largest Private-Sector Employer
The retail industry supported 55 million full- and part-time jobs in 2022, accounting for 26 percent of total U.S. employment, according to a new report released by the NRF.

EXEC: Xtep Gives Nod to Saucony Profits, Provides Details on Wolverine IP Deal
The retail partner for the Saucony, Merrell, K·Swiss, and Palladium brands, and now a 40 percent owner of the Saucony IP in China, said 2023 was a landmark year as it celebrated its 15th Anniversary of listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

EXEC: The Buckle Sees Denim ASPs Rise But Profits Dip as Footwear Falls 41 Percent
Fourth quarter comparisons also continued to be challenged with declines in the retailer’s HeyDude volume, particularly on the men’s side. Overall footwear sales were down about 41 percent for the quarter.

Dick’s House of Sport Partners with Former NFL Pro J.J. Watt
“J.J.’s passion for sport and his commitment to the community make him the perfect fit for Dick’s House of Sport.” —Mark Rooks, VP of creative, sponsorships and entertainment, Dick’s Sporting Goods

EXEC: L.L.Bean Approves 9 Percent Bonus for 5,600 Employees Despite a Down Year
The retailer ended the 2023 fiscal year with annual net revenue totaling $1.7 billion, compared to $1.8 billion in the prior year. The Board approved a performance bonus of 9 percent of annual pay for its approximately 5,600 employees, comprised of a 5 percent cash bonus and a 4 percent 401(k) contribution.

Curry Brand Signs South Carolina Guard as First Collegiate Athlete
Under Armour, Inc. signed MiLaysia Fulwiley to a multi-year NIL deal with the Curry Brand.

Caleres, Inc. Hires Liz Dunn for Strategic Planning and Communication Chief
The parent of Famous Footwear and the Naturalizer, Vionic, Allen Edmonds, Blowfish Malibu, and Sam Edelman brands, hired Liz Dunn as SVP of corporate development and strategic communications

Hibbett, Inc. Sees Q4 Net Income Decline as Comp Sales Fall 6.4 Percent
Brick-and-mortar comparable sales declined 9.2 percent, while e-commerce increased 6.9 percent on a year-over-year basis, excluding the impact of the 14th week. E-commerce represented 18.9 percent of total net sales for the Fiscal 2024 Q4 period.

EXEC: Zumiez to Stop Store Expansion to Focus on Profitable Growth, Brand Expansion
In 2023, Zumiez closed 20 underperforming North American stores and expect to close an additional 20 to 25 locations in 2024, should results continue to be challenged. The retailer said it will pivot from new stores to profitable growth in Europe.

EXEC: Tilly’s, Inc. Sees Proprietary Brands Outperforming Vendor Brands in Q1
Total comparable quarter-to-date net sales through March 12, 2024, have decreased by 13.4 percent relative to the comparable period last year and the company is forecasting a comp store sales decline in the range of 14 percent to 7 percent for the quarter.

EXEC: Dick’s Sporting Goods on Path for Biggest Expansion Since 2017
After a strong finish to the fiscal year and posting its largest Q4 ever, the company has already put its stake in the ground for the next chapter (or chapters) in the story of the 75-year-old sporting goods retailer.

Amazon’s Inaugural Big Spring Sales Event Begins March 20
Amazon’s first Big Spring sale kicks off on March 20 and runs through March 25. Free Prime shipping applies during the sale with free same-day or one-day delivery.

Fleet Feet Strengthens Leadership Team; Expands Roles To Fuel Growth
With a network of almost 200 franchise stores, Fleet Feet continues its commitment to nurturing and supporting the success and health of its franchisees.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Sees Q4 Comps Up 2.8 Percent As Net Grows 26 Percent
Dick’s Sporting Goods expects fiscal 2024 full-year comparable store sales growth to be in the range of 1.0 percent to 2.0 percent and net sales in a range of $13.00 billion to $13.13 billion.

EXEC: The Footwear Brands Bringing the Brand Heat in 2024
The third annual Brand Heat Index from L.E.K. Consulting reveals the brands that are gaining in popularity, or increasing their brand “heat,” across major product categories and generations in women’s and men’s footwear and apparel.