SGB Update Apparel
Shoppers Move to Extremes
With the 2008 “How America Shops” study from The SportsOneSource Group now complete, a clear trend has emerged that suggests consumers, now more than ever, are looking for the best price when deciding where and how to shop for footwear…
Aruba Sponsors Hansons Distance Project
Aruba Sport Eyewear has agreed to sponsor the Hansons Distance Project (HDP) through 2012. The Hansons Distance Project is a training facility for elite athletes who aspire to become the best in their fields…
K-Swiss Steps Into Customized Footwear
In a nod to both versatility and performance, K-Swiss is now launching miSOUL, a customizable and interchangeable modular insole/midsole system. The technology will first be offered in performance tennis shoes in January 2009, and in performance running s
ASICS Sues Steven Madden for Infringing its Trademark
ASICS Corporation and its U.S. subsidiary sued Steven Madden for infringing on its stripe design trademark in U.S. District Court in California last week in violation of a confidential agreement reached in 2006. The suit alleges that several of Madden
SGMA Survey: Americans Delusional Over Their Health…
Despite widespread concerns over obesity, diabetes and other health issues, most Americans believe they are in better-than-average health for their age. According to the SGMA’s “2008 State of the Industry Consumer Survey,” the industry faces an uphill bat
Golfsmith’s Thompson to Steer Performance, Inc.
Bicycle retailer Performance, Inc. has named Jim Thompson—who previously guided Golfsmith International Holdings Inc. through its IPO—as CEO. Performance’s annual sales are an estimated $225 million, and Thompson sees substantial growth ahead for the mult
Horny Toad Acquires Nau Assets
Lifestyle apparel maker Horny Toad has acquired the Nau outdoor brand, including its trademark, URL, and all intellectual property such as product designs. In addition, the company acquired the physical assets of Nau’s design offices for an undisclosed su
Timberland Sells GoLite to Former Exec
On June 13, New England Footwear LLC closed a deal to acquire the GoLite footwear business from Timberland. Douglas Clark, who was previously VP of Timberland’s Invention Factory, formed Portsmouth, NH-based New England Footwear two weeks prior to the dea
Lands’ End Exec Named Under Armour President
David McCreight, most recently president of Lands’ End, was named president of Under Armour Inc. He is expected to join Under Armour in September and will be responsible for developing and executing long-term growth strategy, implementing new practices to
The Secrets of Experienced Shoe Fit Experts
Ten Tips for offering top-notch service to footwear consumers.
One of the great forces driving footwear retailing right now is the customer’s quest for comfort. Many people, especially Baby Boomers, are no longer willing to wear shoes that they find uncom
Brine Relocates to Warrior Facilities
New Balance is closing its Brine operations in Milford, MA, to help consolidate operations and better utilize resources within its two lacrosse divisions…
Pre-registration 12% Ahead for Health+Fitness Expo
Health+Fitness Business (HFB), a division of Nielsen Business Media, announced that preliminary figures for its mid July fitness trade show indicate individual store pre-registration is ahead by 12 percent compared to the same time as last year. In additi
Alleson Athletic and Under Armour Sign Six-Year Team Uniform Deal
As part of its strategy to seek new business opportunities in niche team markets, Rochester, NY-based Alleson Athletic has signed a six-year agreement to make Under Armour branded custom uniforms for youth, high school and collegiate teams…
Yue Yuen Reports Second Quarter Revenues Jump 23.5%…
Yue Yuen Industrial Ltd. reported second quarter sales jumped 23.5% to $1.66 billion from $944.5 million a year ago. For the period ended March 31, athletic footwear sales, its largest category, climbed 23% to $668.1 million. Also seeing strong growth wa
Finish Line Starts New Year with Better Than Expected Results…
After a tough year maligned by the botched acquisition of Genesco Inc. as well as sluggish footwear sales, The Finish Line finally delivered some good news last week with better than expected results for its fiscal first quarter ended May 31. A surge in
