
Report: UK Holiday Spending Increase Will Fall Short of Inflation Growth
The 3.4 percent growth for the holiday selling period, driven by 9.3 percent inflation for the year, still falls short of last year’s increase and marks a second quarter of slowing growth in 2023.
Thor Industries Increases Quarterly Dividend
Thor Industries, Inc. reported that its Board of Directors approved an increase in the amount of its regular quarterly dividend to 48 cents per share from 45 cents, an increase of approximately 7 percent.

NRF: Import Volumes Slowing Heading Into Holiday Selling
Import cargo volume at the major container ports in the U.S. has hit its expected peak for the year and should gradually slow moving into the holiday season, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation(NRF) and Hackett Associates. Ports have not reported September numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 1.94 million TEU, down 4.3 percent year-over-year. October is also forecasted at 1.94 million TEU, down 3.1 percent year-over-year.

Birkenstock Holding Makes Debut on Wall Street Today
Birkenstock Holding is set to list its U.S. initial public offering at $46 a share, slightly below the midpoint of its projected range between $44 and $49. The stock is set to begin trading Wednesday morning at the open of the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BIRK.

EXEC: Report Sees Crocs, Hoka, New Balance, and On Increasing Teen Appeal
Crocs, Hoka, New Balance, and On were among the brands in the active lifestyle space that increased their appeal with teens in Piper Sandler’s 46th Semi-Annual Taking Stock With Teens Survey. Nike dominated teen mindshare in footwear and apparel but lost brand appeal in the performance category, while Adidas, Converse, Under Armour, and Vans ost ground with teens. Lululemon had a mixed performance.
Denver’s Echo Mountain Acquired
Jogan Inc., a Denver-based holding company, acquired Echo Mountain, a ski area located near Evergreen and Idaho Springs, CO. Terms were not disclosed.

Gatorz Eyewear Hires New Head of Marketing
The performance eyewear manufacturer, appointed industry veteran Scott Sorensen as head of marketing, overseeing consumer and product marketing strategies, strengthening the brand’s positioning and executing growth initiatives.

REI Opens Distribution Center In Tennessee
REI Co-op started fulfillment from its new state-of-the-art distribution center in Lebanon, TN, supporting its steady growth in the Midwest and Southeast.

Oboz Footwear Adds Representation in South Central and Great Lakes
Oboz Footwear retained Powers Pedersen Sales Group and High Plains Outdoor Group for sales representation in the Great Lakes and South Central regions, respectively.

Clarus Acquires Tred Outdoors
Clarus Corporation reported acquiring Tred Outdoors Pty Ltd., the Australia-based outdoor and recovery gear manufacturer, from Venlo Holdings. Terms were not disclosed.

Rupert Campbell Leaving Adidas North America
The president of Adidas North America will step down to pursue other opportunities, effective October 27. Executive board member Arthur Hoeld, who leads global sales, will oversee the region until a successor is found.

OIA Elects New Board Members
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) members elected four new and three incumbent members to its Board. New members include Diana Seung, Troy Sicotte, Jahmicah Dawes, and Keith Carrato. Three returning members include Jennifer McLaren, Kevin Winkel and Alison Hill.

Hyosung Textiles Adds to Global Marketing Team
The company hired outdoor industry professional Laura Nilo as its U.S. marketing manager, West Coast, and marketing strategist Christiane Rauch as a senior consultant in Northern Europe for Hyosung Spandex.

NRI Opens New Distribution Center In Nevada
NRI, the third-party logistics provider supporting apparel, footwear and accessories sellers, opened a new distribution center in Henderson, NV.

Walmart Names VP, Walmart GoLocal
Walmart hired Rina Hurst as vice president of Walmart GoLocal, the retailer’s delivery service platform. Hurst joins Walmart from Shipt, where she was chief business officer.