SGB Update Footwear
JD Sports Acquires Balance of Shares in Poland-Based Sports Retailer
JD exercised its rights under a call option to acquire the outstanding 40 percent minority stake of Marketing Investment Group S.A. (MIG) to become MIG’s 100 percent sole owner.
Report: Small Businesses Report Significant Hiring Decline in July
The CBIZ Small Business Employment Index (SBEI) reported a seasonally adjusted decrease of 2.1 percent in July. This month’s reading is a dramatic reversal from the strong hiring reported in June.
Hanesbrands Faces Activist Investor Calling for Leadership Changes
Barington Capital, an activist shareholder group, issued a letter calling for changes in the Board of Directors of Hanesbrands, possibly the CEO and other operational changes to reduce debt. In response, Hanesbrands highlighted progress under its Full Potential strategy and said it remains committed to driving shareholder value.
Under Armour Limits Fiscal Q1 Downside with Strong International Growth
Total net revenue was down 2.4 percent (-1.3 percent currency-neutral) year-over-year to $1.32 billion in the fiscal first quarter ended June 30. Wholesale revenues declined 6.3 percent while DTC increased 4.5 percent.
NRF Sees Cargo Volume Hitting Yearly Peak in August
Import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is forecasted to hit its highest level in nearly a year in August as retailers stock up for the winter holidays, according to Global Port Tracker’s report released by the National Retail Federation.
Havaianas Parent Sees 13 Percent Revenue Drop in Q2
Brazil’s Alpargatas reported a loss against a profit in the second quarter ended June 30 as sales fell 13 percent to R$(Brazil Real)926.4 million ($189mm). In the U.S., sales of Havaianas were down 13.9 percent while Rothys’ revenues slid 8.6 percent.
Nordstrom Rack to Open Store in Queen Creek, AZ
Nordstrom, Inc. plans to open a new Nordstrom Rack in spring 2024 in Queen Creek, AZ. Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom, Inc.
NRF Launches Center for Digital Risk and Innovation
The Center is expected to serve as the focal point for NRF’s engagement on technology issues that have significant policy and risk management implications for the global retail industry.
BRC: British Retail Foot Traffic Recovers as Outlets Fuel Growth
The data shows that much of the footfall recovery in July was shored up by strong performance in outlet retail, as shoppers turn to discount formats to make spend go further.
Pentland Brands Simplifying Business Structure; Cutting 90 Jobs
Pentland Brands reported it initiated a new program to “simplify the way its business is organized” to focus on product, digital, consumer data, and analytics; however, it means laying off 90 employees. The second quarter of fiscal 2023 was $400.7 million, a decrease of 1.5 percent, compared to net sales of $406.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022.
Xero Shoes CPO, Dennis Driscoll, Retiring After 44-Year Footwear Career
Long-time global footwear industry veteran Dennis Driscoll is retiring on September 1 after more than 44 years. He has served as chief product officer for Xero Shoes since 2012.
REI Co-op to Open Store in Beaverton, OR
REI Co-op reported it plans to open a store in Beaverton, OR in spring 2024. As the anchor tenant at Walker Center, the store’s footprint will be 39,512 square feet at 2780 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard.
Nike Partners with USA Gymnastics
For the first time, Nike will serve as the official apparel and footwear partner of USA Gymnastics and the USA Gymnastics National Team.
ICSC: Majority of BTS Shoppers Spending More in 2023 Due to Inflation, Higher Prices
While inflation is a partial driver of higher spending, the data found that the consumer remains resilient, but focused on deal-hunting for the best prices in the face of rising costs.
Tractor Supply Names Food Lion President as Newest Board Member
Tractor Supply Company appointed Meg Ham as an independent member of its Board of Directors, effective August 2. TSC said Ham brings a distinguished 35-year career in the retail industry and is the president of Food Lion.