SGB Update Footwear
Shoe Carnival Announces New $50 Million Stock Buyback Program
Shoe Carnival, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for up to $50 million of its outstanding common stock, effective January 1, 2026.
Costco’s Fiscal Q1 Profits Climb 11 Percent
Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net profits grew 11.3 percent in its fiscal first quarter ended November 23, topping Wall Street targets. Sales increased 8.2 percent, to $65.98 billion.
Survey Finds 54 Percent of SMB Online Retailers Impacted by Tariffs
A survey of 170 U.S.-based small to medium-sized e-commerce business owners (SMB) found that over half (54 percent) made significant changes due to tariffs. Among all respondents, 39 percent raised retail prices, 29 percent shifted suppliers and 19 percent cut the number of products they sell.
Apparel & Footwear M&A Fell in 2025; Multiples Sink
Capstone Partners said in its latest report for December 2025 that the Apparel, Footwear & Accessories sector is expected to face a challenging near-term sales backdrop amid headwinds to consumer spending.
Report: Golden Goose on Brink of Sale
Private investment firm HSG, formerly Sequoia Capital China, is in advanced talks to acquire Italian luxury sneaker brand Golden Goose in a transaction that could value the company at over €2.5 billion ($2.9bn), according to reports.
Norda Secures Second Investment From Ermenegildo Zegna Group
Ermenegildo Zegna Group has executed a second round of investment in Norda, the Montreal-based technical trail-running shoe brand. The Italian luxury group initially acquired a minority stake in Norda in January 2023.
Authentic Brands Group Partners with Pattern Group to Drive Online Sales
Authentic Brands Group announced that it has selected Pattern Group, Inc. as its global e-commerce marketplace accelerator and TikTok Shop partner.
OrthoLite Appoints Country Manager in Indonesia
Marco Grott brings over three decades of international business management, supply chain management and innovation in footwear manufacturing, including the establishment of Tier 1 manufacturing facilities from Mexico to Vietnam to the role.
Shoe Carnival Names New Controller
Shoe Carnival, Inc. promoted Patrick Edwards, SVP, special projects and treasurer, to SVP, controller and treasurer. Edwards joined Shoe Carnival in 2021 as VP and controller.
L.L.Bean to Open Eight Stores in 2026
L.L.Bean announced plans to open eight stores in 2026, including its first locations in Alabama and Tennessee. In 2027, it plans to add eight to 10 storefronts, including in new markets for the company in the Midwest and Southeast.
The Buckle Hires VP of Human Resources
The Buckle, Inc. named Ashley Andreas, a seasoned HR leader with experience at Bass Pro, Cabela’s, and Environmental Works Inc., as its new vice president of human resources.
Academy Sports and Outdoors Narrows Guidance on Profit Metrics Outperformance
The nationwide sporting goods retailer reported that earnings on an adjusted basis rose 9.6 percent in the third quarter, slightly ahead of analyst targets. Comparable-store sales dipped 0.9 percent, narrowing its sales and gross margin guidance on improving profit metrics.
Caleres, Inc. Q3 Profits Tumble on Margin Pressures, Stuart Weitzman Acquisition
Caleres, Inc. reported earnings on an adjusted basis fell 69.3 percent in the third quarter as same-store sales slipped 1.2 percent and gross margins shrank at both Famous Footwear and its Brand Portfolio segments. Third-quarter results and full-year guidance came in sharply below analyst targets.
Cincinnati’s Arrow Adventure to Reopen in a New Location
The new location will reopen in Pleasant Ridge, a neighborhood in Cincinnati, at an undisclosed location, and continue to sell new and consignment gear.
Global Port Tracker: Tariff Impact on Imports Continuing Into H1 2026
Hackett Associates, the producer of the Global Port Tracker, sees the effects of the tariffs in weakening cargo demand from the fourth quarter of this year and likely into the first half of next year.
