Birkenstock’s Debt Ratings Upgraded
S&P Global Ratings raised its debt ratings on Birkenstock following debt repayments using proceeds from its recent initial public offering.
EXEC: Kamik CEO Talks 125 Years of Fighting Bad Weather
The Montreal-based boot maker is celebrating its 125th anniversary of protecting feet from wet, chilly, slushy, and icy conditions. CEO Gillian Meek talked with SGB Executive about the company’s roots, the benefits of Canadian manufacturing, the brand’s strength in kid’s boots, and more.
Comfort Ones Shoes Acquires Saxon Shoes
Comfort Ones Shoes, the independent footwear chain based in Alexandria, VA., has acquired Saxon Shoes, based in Richmond, VA.
EXEC: YTD Footwear Shipments Fall Nearly 25 Percent at Yue Yuen
Year-to-date revenue attributable to footwear manufacturing activity, including athletic/outdoor shoes, casual shoes and sports sandals, decreased by 20.4 percent to US$3.50 billion as average selling prices rose in mid single digits.
Camping World to Acquire Sixth Missouri RV Dealer
Camping World Holdings, Inc. announced that the company will acquire Youngblood RV in Springfield, MO. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024, increasing the Camping World’s Missouri locations to six.
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Falls to Six-Month Low
Consumer sentiment fell for the fourth month, according to a preliminary report published for the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index. The Index came in at 60.4, down 3.4 points, or 5.3 percent, from the October final.
Vans Settles Trademark Infringement Lawsuit Against Walmart
Vans settled a trademark lawsuit against Walmart that accused the retailer of copying the designs of “virtually all” of Vans’ sneakers, including its Old Skool low-top and Sk8-Hi high-top shoes.
Garmont Names New CEO
Italian outdoor footwear brand Garmont International hired Andrea Nalesso as CEO. Nalesso takes over from Pierangelo Bressan, who remains chairman of the board and a Garmont shareholder.
Foresight Sports Hires Digital Content Consultant
Revelyst, Vista Outdoor’s Products segment, reported entering a consulting agreement with Andrew Stalbow. Initially, he will lead digital content and gaming for its San Diego-based golf brand, Foresight Sports.
Traeger’s Q3 Sales Climb 26 Percent
Traeger, Inc. slightly raised its guidance for 2023 as sales grew 26 percent in the third quarter ended September 30, led by a 45 percent jump in grills. The company attributed the improvement to more normalized replenishment rates following its inventory destocking efforts.
Turtle Fur Hires VP of Sales
In June, outdoor headwear and accessories brand Turtle Fur hired Dan Miller as VP of sales, expanding its executive team.
EXEC: Inside Wolverine’s Plan for the Future—and the New Realities of 2023
New CEO Chris Hufnagel said WWW continues to reshape its portfolio, reduce inventory and redesign the company to become consumer-obsessed brand builders, focused squarely on building compelling products and telling amazing stories.
Zanders Sporting Goods Hires Sales Manager
Zanders Sporting Goods, a national distributor in the hunt and fish channel located in Sparta, IL, hired Jeff Krieg as sales manager following the promotions of Danny Siegler to president and COO and Lucas Poston to director of procurement.
Amer Sports Recalls Ski Bindings
About 4,250 Armada, Atomic and Salomon ski bindings are under a recall. The toe component of the recalled ski bindings could fail, causing the ski boot to disconnect from the ski, posing fall and injury hazards.
Kohl’s Lays Out Board of Directors Transition Plan
Board Chair Peter Boneparth will retire from Kohl’s at the end of his current term in May 2024, and Michael Bender will become Board chair upon Boneparth’s retirement. The Board also appointed Adolfo Villagomez as a new independent director, effective November 7
