SGB Update Footwear

Walmart Makes Leadership Changes Across Operating Segments
Walmart announced several leadership changes to its core operating units. Judith McKenna, president and CEO of Walmart International, announced her retirement. She will be succeeded by Kath McLay. Chris Nicholas becomes president and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S., and Kieran Shanahan, EVP and chief operating officer of Walmart U.S.

Digital Brands Group Swings to Profit on Q2 Revenue Gain
The company reported that net revenues for the second quarter increased 69.6 percent to $4.5 million. Net income attributable to common stockholders was $5.0 million, or 38 cents per diluted share, in the quarter.

Report: Traffic Report Sees Dick’s and Hibbett Well-Positioned for BTS
With Dick’s Sporting Goods releasing second quarter earnings next week and Hibbett Sports usually close behind in timing of its release, a new report from Placer.ai looks to be rather timely.
Costco Wholesale Corporation Elects New Board Director
Costco Wholesale Corp. elected Helena Buonanno Foulkes to its Board of Directors. Most recently, Foulkes was CEO of Hudson’s Bay Company.

Outdoor Retailer to Unveil New Format at Summer Market 2024
New features will reportedly roll out with Outdoor Retailer Summer 2024, taking place June 17-19, 2024 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT. The upcoming OR Winter show in November will be held in its existing format at the Salt Palace.

AKU Hires New PNW Sales Agency for Outdoor Category
Based in Seattle, The Alta Group will manage specific outdoor accounts for AKU in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Oofos President To Depart, New COO Named
Oofos said Steve Gallo, the recovery footwear’s president since January 2018, will be stepping away from Oofos to take on a new opportunity. At the same time, Dave Mischler was promoted to the role of chief operating officer.

DBI Adds Le Tigre Footwear to Owned Brands Portfolio at DSW
The company, which owns retailers DSW Shoe Warehouse and The Shoe Company, said the addition of Le Tigre, along with the recent acquisitions of Keds and Topo Athletic, enables it to grow its brand portfolio in the important athletic and athleisure space.

StockX Report Calls Out On, Salomon and Asics as Top YTD Trading Gainers
Success on the secondary market can be a barometer for consumer demand, and Stockx’s report suggests that, despite a more challenging retail environment, brands continue to break through and demonstrate growth.
OrthoLite Names Cirql VP/GM
OrthoLite hired Matt Thwaites as vice president and general manager of OrthoLite Cirql. He was formerly global sales and marketing director of the Footwear Division for Coats, the industrial thread company.

Sole Technology Adds Familiar Face as ThirtyTwo Design Chief
Will Keegan has re-joined Sole Technology after 12 years as boot designer/merchandiser for the ThirtyTwo brand. Moving forward, he will oversee all design and merchandising for ThirtyTwo boots and all-terrain footwear.

TJX Lifts Outlook As Q2 Earnings Fly Past Expectations
The TJX Companies, Inc. increased its guidance for sales and earnings for the year after reporting second-quarter results that easily exceeded the off-pricer’s guidance. Same-store sales grew 6 percent.

Target Slashes Guidance After Q2 Sales Shortfall
Target, Inc. reduced its full-year profit outlook on “continued near-term challenges on the topline” The readjustment came despite the discounter reporting second-quarter earnings that handily topped Wall Street as tight inventory controls offset lower-than-expected sales.
Macy’s Hires Chief Customer and Digital Officer
Macy’s Inc. named Massimo Magni chief customer and digital officer, effective August 21. He was a more than 20-year veteran of McKinsey & Company.

Report: July Retail Sales Grew 3.2 Percent Year-Over-Year
The U.S. Census Bureau reported that overall retail sales in July were up 0.7 percent from June and up 3.2 percent year-over-year. That was double the increases seen in June.