SGB Update Footwear
Play It Again Parent Sees Q4 Revenues Climb 7.9 Percent
Winmark Corp., the parent of Play It Again Sports, reported that revenues in the fourth quarter rose 7.9 percent to $21.1 million from $19.6 million in the same period a year ago. Net income was up 3.9 percent.
PGA Tour Superstore to Open Store in Northbrook, Illinois
PGA Tour Superstore has entered into a new lease for a 30,000-square-foot store in Northbrook, IL, to serve the North Shore and the greater Chicago region.
FDRA Sees Shoe Prices in January Climb at Fastest Rate in Three Years
U.S. retail footwear prices in January climbed 2.0 percent, the most since 2022, according to the latest data from the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA). The increase comes as the average landed, duty-paid cost of footwear imports rose at a double-digit year-over-year rate for the ninth straight month.
OS1st Taps Cape Capener as VP to Explore New Categories with Initial Eye on Golf
Capener will lead the development and expansion of new product categories and market opportunities, with an initial focus on golf, performance accessories, and strategic footwear adjacencies.
New Hampshire’s Stateline Sports Changes Ownership, Relocates
Stateline Sports in West Lebanon, NH has been acquired by Tracy Pelletier, one of the store’s first employees, and has relocated to a larger location at 22 Bridge Street.
NRF: Retail Sales Inch Up in January for Fourth Consecutive Monthly Gain
Retail sales saw a moderate monthly increase in January, marking the fourth consecutive month of sequential growth, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. Strong year-over-year gains were again seen.
Fleet Feet Names Jenny Simpson First Chief Running Officer
As chief running officer, Jenny Simpson, a multi-medal Olympian, “will serve as a national spokesperson for Fleet Feet, working closely with brand partners to better leverage athletes and shared resources.”
Darn Tough Vermont Socks Owner Appoints President
Cabot Hosiery Mills, the maker of Darn Tough Vermont socks, promoted Angelica Taylor to president, becoming the first non-family member to hold the position.
Bass Pro Plans New Destination Retail Location for Paducah, Kentucky
The new Bass Pro Shops location will be a 70,000-square-foot space adjacent to the Kentucky Oaks Mall, a commercial hub situated along I-24, north of Highway 60. It is expected to open late 2026 or early 2027.
SGB Media Schedule for President’s Day Weekend
The SGB Morning Update, delivered every Friday, will feature an interview with Hydrapak CEO Matt Lyon and include the most-read SGB Executive articles for the week. There will be no SGB Morning Update or SGB Evening Update newsletters published on Monday, February 16, due to the holiday.
Birkenstock’s Fiscal Q1 Sales Jump 18 Percent; Americas Up 14 Percent
Birkenstock Holding plc’s net earnings more than doubled in the fiscal first quarter ended December 31. Revenue grew 11 percent on a reported basis and 18 percent in constant currency, ahead of the company’s fiscal 2026 guidance and driven by strength across segments, channels and categories. The Americas benefited from gains at trendy youth retailers and sports specialty stores.
Alabama’s Mark’s Outdoors Changes Ownership
The family-owned hunting, fishing and outdoor retailer operating in Vestavia Hills, AL, in the greater Birmingham area since 1980, transferred the business to Day 21, LLC, led by CEO Russell Watts.
DSW and Topo Athletic Parent Designer Brands, Inc. Appoints CFO
Sheamus Toal, most recently at The Children’s Place, has accepted the role as EVP, CFO and principal financial officer at Designer Brands, effective February 16, 2026. Mark Haley, who has served as interim principal financial officer, will return full-time to his role as SVP, controller and principal accounting officer at the company.
Asics Acquires Two Running Race Registration Platforms
Asics reported its recent acquisition of the race registration platform “GetMeRegistered” from SPay, Inc. and signed an asset purchase agreement with another undisclosed company, in which it will provide a similar race registration platform for U.S. consumers, furthering its Mid-Term Plan 2026.
Saks Global to Close Nine Stores
Saks Global, which filed for bankruptcy protection on January 14, plans to close eight Saks Fifth Avenue stores as well as its Neiman Marcus Boston store, as it focuses on its “most profitable businesses.” Closures are based on performance and lease economics.
