SGB Update Footwear
CNBC/NRF Retail Report Again Sees Strong Sales Growth in Key Active Lifestyle Channels in September
The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that retail sales slowed on a month-over-month (m/m) basis in September after a busy summer, but year-over-year (y/y) sales increases remain strong as retailers prepare for the Holiday selling season, according to data compiled in the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor report.
Toms Names Crocs Veteran Jessica Alsing as CEO
Most recently, Jessica Alsing served as chief digital officer for four years at Grendene Global Brands, the sandal manufacturer with brands including Melissa, Ipanema and Ryder. Previously, she spent 8 years at Crocs, where her last role was VP of International Digital Commerce.
New Balance Opens Salt Lake City Distribution Center
The company expects to support faster delivery times and streamline service across its wholesale, retail, and digital channels, with the 80 employees it has onboarded at the DC to manage all West Coast inbound and outbound volume.
OIA: Outdoor Holiday Sales Expected to Expand 3 Percent
OIA advises “Campaigns that target high-income households with premium offerings, while simultaneously framing outdoor experiences and gear as affordable, high-value gifts for cost-conscious families, will best capture the breadth of consumer demand this season.”
Costco’s September Comps Grow 6.0 Percent x-Gas; E-Commerce Jumps 26 Percent
Excluding gas, Costco’s same-store sales were up 5.1.percent in the U.S. and 5.7 percent overall. E-commerce sales advanced 26.1 percent.
DSW Parent’s CFO to Depart
Designer Brands, Inc. announced that Jared Poff has decided to resign as EVP, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer to pursue a new professional opportunity, effective October 31. Mark Haley, the company’s SVP, controller and principal accounting officer, has been named interim principal financial officer, effective November 1.
The Buckle’s Same-Store Sales Increase 7 Percent in September
The Buckle, Inc. announced that comparable sales for the 5-week period ended October 4 increased 6.9 percent year-over-year. Net sales climbed 7.8 percent to $108.4 million from $100.6 million a year ago.
Bob Drbul Joins BTIG as MD and Research Analyst Covering FW, Apparel and Retail
Drbul is a well-known analyst in the active lifestyle market, with a long career covering the top publicly traded brands and retailers in the space. Prior to BTIG, he held similar roles at Guggenheim Securities, Nomura Securities, Barclays Capital and Lehman Brothers.
NRF: Monthly Imports Expected to Drop Below 2 Million TEU as Tariffs Increase
With most holiday merchandise on hand and tariffs continuing to rise, as a result, monthly import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to fall below 2 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) for the remainder of the year, according to the Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.
CEP Running Appoints National Specialty Sales Manager
The designer and manufacturer of compression socks, sleeves, tights and clothing to increase oxygen to the body, promoted Marc Sylvester to national specialty sales manager. Sylvester will lead a team of internal and independent sales reps nationwide to support the running specialty business
KPMG Sees U.S. Consumers Spending 4.6 Percent More for Holiday 2025
Most attribute increased spending to higher costs rather than having more discretionary funds or their financial situation improving this year. Eight in 10 believe tariffs will result in price increases.
ICSC Forecasts 3.5 Percent to 4 Percent Holiday Sales Growth
Retail sales are expected to grow 3.5 percent to 4.0 percent this holiday season to more than $1.7 trillion, according to the ICSC’s 2025 Holiday Shopping Forecast report. The firm’s data also” signals a selective shopper, putting pressure on retailers to connect with in new ways and offer memorable shopping experiences that entice them to spend.”
Adidas Partners with Glo Brands to Enter Safety Footwear Market
The first safety footwear model, aimed at construction, maintenance and logistics workers, will be launched under the Adidas Pro Work brand in the second quarter of 2026.
L.L.Bean to Open Second Store in Minnesota
The store will be located in The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove, MN, marking its second location in the Twin Cities. The outdoor retailer opened a store at the Mall of America in 2014.
Wolverine’s Debt Ratings Upgraded by S&P on Debt Deleveraging
S&P Global Ratings raised the debt ratings of Wolverine World Wide due to the company’s smaller revolver commitment and repayment of its term loan.
