SGB Update Footwear
Nordstrom Debt Ratings Outlook Revised To Positive
S&P Global Ratings revised the debt ratings outlook on Nordstrom to positive as the department store’s operating performance for 2025 exceeded its expectations, with same-store sales growing 5 percent at the Nordstrom banner and 8.5 percent at Nordstrom Rack.
Univ of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index Drops to All-Time Low on War Worries
Consumer sentiment has dropped to an all-time low this month (April) as fears mount over rising energy prices and the broader impact of the war in Iran, according to the latest University of Michigan survey.
Fleet Feet Opens Store in Libertyville, Illinois
Fleet Feet opened a store in Libertyville, IL, the nationwide running retailer’s 287th in the U.S. and the 10th operated by Fleet Feet Chicago, owned by franchisees Dave and Lisa Zimmer.
Nike in Talks to Replace Adidas as UEFA Soccer Ball Sponsor
UC3, the joint venture between the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and European Football Clubs (EFC), reported that it has agreed to enter exclusive negotiations with Nike to become the official match ball provider for all UEFA men’s club competitions from 2027 to 2031. The sponsorship includes UEFA men’s Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
Reebok Returns to Hockey Hardgoods via Wholesale Sports Inc. Partnership
Reebok is returning to the hockey equipment category through a new partnership with Wholesale Sports, Inc. (WSI). A line of Reebok Hockey hard goods is set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Oberalp NA Bolsters Marketing Team with Two Strategic Hires
Oberalp. North America has hired Laurel Walker as marketing manager and has promoted Alex Pasmann to marketing specialist after three years working on the company’s service team. Walker’s career began in specialty run retail before advancing to work with leading brands, including Altra Running and Vibram.
Survey: Consumers Favor Multi-Brand Retailing for Sporting Goods Purchases
A new survey published by the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) finds 79 percent of consumers favor shopping at multi-brand stores for sporting goods equipment, while nearly 70 percent prefer multi-brand stores for apparel and footwear.
Costco’s March Comps Climb 9.4 Percent, Digital-Enabled Sales Gain 23.3 Percent
Costco Wholesale Corp.’s sales excluding changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange were up 6.2 percent in th U.S. and in total. Digitally-enabled sales gained 22.5 percent on that basis.
The Buckle Appoints SVP of Stores; March Comps Climb
The Buckle, Inc. has promoted Scott Werth as senior vice president of stores. The casual apparel chain also reported that same-store sales grew 7.0 percent in March.
NRF Sees Rising Fuel Costs Impacting Import Cargo Volume
Import volume at major U.S. container ports is not being significantly affected by the conflict in Iran but ocean carriers are seeing a related increase in fuel costs that could eventually affect retailers and their customers.
Dr Martens Names GMs for Key Markets
Dr. Martens announced the appointment of general managers (GMs) for all major markets as part of its effort to simplify its operating model and align it with its new consumer-first strategy.
Academy Sees First-Quarter Sales Climbing 6 Percent to 7 Percent
Academy Sports + Outdoors reported it expects first-quarter sales to climb between 6 percent and 7 percent, with comparable sales in the range of 2 percent to 3 percent. The forecast was issued ahead of an Analyst Day on Tuesday, April 7.
L.L.Bean Opens First Store in Alabama
L.L.Bean announced the official opening of its first store in Alabama. The store’s footprint in Huntsville, at Bridge Street Town Center, measures roughly 16,000 square feet. The store opening brings the retaiiler’s active store count to 66.
Crocs’ Debt Ratings Upgraded on Healthy Balance Sheet, Turnaround Prospects
Crocs, Inc.’s debt ratings were upgraded by Moody’s, which cited the company’s “solid credit metrics and very good liquidity, including its strong free cash flow generation, as it contends with a challenging consumer discretionary spending environment.”
U.S. Sporting Goods Wholesale Sales Reached $130 Billion in 2025
With standout gains in pickleball, baseball/softball, running footwear, and several other categories, wholesale sales in the U.S. sporting goods industry reached $130B in 2025, a 334.7 percent since 2020, according to SFIA’s 2026 Manufacturers’ Sales by Category Report.
