SGB Update Footwear

August Retail Sales Growth Moderates; Sporting Goods Trends Down
August sales were up in five out of nine retail categories on a yearly basis, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Circana reported flat sales growth year-over-year for their categories while the NRF and USCB saw sales up 3.3 percent for the period.

Deloitte Forecasts Softer Holiday Sales, Double-Digit E-Commerce Growth
Holiday sales in the U.S. are estimated to grow 3.5 percent to 4.6 percent between November and January, slowing from the 7.6 percent increase seen in 2022, according to Deloitte’s annual holiday retail forecast. The moderation reflects less inflation but also weaker consumer spending.

Nordstrom, Inc. Promotes Three to Key Leadership Roles
The retailer promoted Jamie Nordstrom to chief merchandising officer, Fanya Chandler to president, Nordstrom Stores and Gemma Lionello to president, Nordstrom Rack.

Lululemon Athletica Appoints New Board Member
Shane Grant has been the group deputy CEO, CEO Americas, and EVP of dairy, plant-based and global sales at Danone, a global food and beverage company, since January 2023.

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.
Foot Solutions Opens Store in Delray Beach, FL
The store offers a full range of healthy footwear, 3D-printed insoles, and industry brands designed to address various foot-related concerns.

Helly Hansen, SportChek Parent Prices Private Placement Notes Offering
Canadian Tire Corporation, Ltd. intends to use the net proceeds from the offering and sale of the Notes for the repayment of short-term borrowings and general corporate purposes.

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.

Rocky Brands Sees Newly Hired CFO Resign and Exit
SVP, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Sarah O’Connor has resigned from her position with the company, effective immediately. She joined the company in mid-February.
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.

TikTok Shop Officially Launches in the U.S.
TikTok officially launched its e-commerce product, TikTok Shop, in the U.S. following a test since last November.
Academy Sports Opens First Store in Brenham, TX
Academy Sports + Outdoors announced it opened its first store in Brenham, TX, with a grand opening planned from September 15-17.

Crocs Assigned BB Rating for New Term Loan
S&P Global Ratings today assigned its ‘BB’ issue-level rating to Crocs Inc.’s new $1.18 billion term loan due 2029.