SGB Update Footwear

Nike Board Member Plans to Retire from Board

Cathleen Benko, a former leader in Deloitte’s “Digital Giants” practice, plans to retire as a member of Nike’s Board of Directors, effective as of the company’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders.

Tailored Brands Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

John Tighe will become its new CE) and will join the Board of Directors, effective August 5, 2025. Peter Sachse will transition from his current role as CEO to become executive chairman of the company’s Board.

Amer Sports Appoints New Head of Greater China

Jeffery Ma joins the company from his role as CEO of Zhongqiao Sports, a sporting goods company in China. He has previously held executive positions at Topsports, the largest sporting goods retailer in China, and at Adidas.

Switchback Spring Posts Healthy Debut; Heads to New Orleans in 2026

Switchback Spring, the nascent outdoor show’s first standalone event, was held this week in Nashville, TN, from June 16 to 18, drawing 194 brands, 290 retailers, and 1,286 attendees. For 2026, show organizers announced that the event will be held in New Orleans.

Denver’s Freebird Closing 14+ Stores; Shutters Headquarters

Freebird, a boot retailer based in Denver, has exited its corporate headquarters in Cherry Creek, laid off staff and is closing at least 14 of its 20 stores as it seeks a buyer. Freebird would close another four stores on Monday, June 23, failing to find a buyer.

Report: Lululemon Laying Off 150 Support Center Jobs

The job cuts come as Lululemon on June 6 reported first-quarter earnings that topped guidance but trimmed its earnings guidance for the year as proposed tariffs threaten the company’s supply chain.

Survey: Golf Getaways and Digital Engagement Key Focus for the Average U.S. Golfer

Over half of U.S. players (approximately 23 million in total) take at least one golf trip per year, with 31 percent taking two or more trips. With an average length of 3.33 days, these trips are common to either Florida and California or to overseas destinations such as Scotland, Ireland and the Iberian Peninsula.

Under Armour Prices Senior Notes

The company has priced the $400 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.250 percent senior notes due 2030. It will will use the proceeds to pay down debt due in 2026.

Authentic Secures Sperry Brand Distributor for UK and Ireland

Authentic Brands Group has established a new partnership with Gardiner Bros for the Sperry brand across the UK and Ireland. Gardiners is reportedly one of the UK’s leading distributors of global footwear and apparel brands and will serve as the official distributor for the footwear brand, catering to both men and women.