SGB Update Footwear

Major League Pickleball and PPA Tour to Merge

The operators of the two major pickleball leagues, Major League Pickleball and the PPA Tour agreed to merge. The companies will remain distinct, but the merger aims to eliminate scheduling conflicts and competition over players.

Report: Online Prices Reach 40-Month Low in August

U.S. online prices in August 2023 fell 3.2 percent YoY, reaching their lowest in 40 months, led by a drop in sporting goods, down 7 percent YoY, according to the latest data from the Adobe Digital Price Index, based on Adobe Analytics. This made August 2023 the 12th consecutive month of overall YoY price decreases.

Nike Shareholders Reject Pay Equity Proposal

At Nike, Inc.’s annual meeting Tuesday, shareholders voted against a proposal seeking a more detailed report on pay gaps across race and gender. Shareholders also rejected a proposal over the disclosure of human rights commitments.

Nordstrom Rack to Open New Store in San Diego

With this new location opening in Fall 2024 and to other announced store openings, Nordstrom will operate 68 Nordstrom Rack stores, 22 Nordstrom stores, 5 Nordstrom Locals, and one asos | Nordstrom in California.

Rebel Athletic and Zer0 Cheer Expand Operations into Colombia

Zer0 Cheer is the exclusive distributor for select South American countries of Rebel Athletic shoes, bags and customized apparel, including practice wear and uniforms. The new office and warehouse will reportedly be fully operational this month.

Caleres Names First Chief Design & Product Officer

The company promoted Natelle Baddeley to the role with creative oversight for the majority of the Caleres brand portfolio, including Naturalizer, Vionic, Dr. Scholl’s, Veronica Beard, Vince, Franco Sarto, Blowfish Malibu and LifeStride.

Macy’s Appoints New CEO of Bloomingdale’s

Macy’s, Inc. named Olivier Bron as its next chief executive officer of Bloomingdale’s. Most recently, he was the CEO of Central Group’s Central and Robinson Department Stores in Thailand and previously COO of French retail group Galeries Lafayette.

NRF Now Sees 2023 Retail Sales at Low End of Earlier Forecast

The March forecast called for 2023 retail sales to increase between 4 percent and 6 percent over 2022; however, the Fed’s interest rate increases slowed the economy and the NRF believes there is a good chance that sales will end up in the lower range of the forecast, if not lower.