SGB Update Footwear
Consumer Confidence Index Improves Modestly
Consumer sentiment in the U.S. improved modestly in early April, as reported in the University of Michigan’s Consumer Confidence Index, rising to 63.5 (preliminary) from 62 index points in March—better than the market expectation of 62.
Tilly’s, Inc. Appoints New Chief Merchant
Tilly’s, Inc. hired Laura Janney as EFP and chief merchandising officer, effective May 8, overseeing the retailer’s buying, sourcing and product development and coordinating consistency in its in-store and online consumer merchandising experience.
Walmart’s Chief Merchandising Officer To Depart
Walmart’s Chief Merchandising Officer, Charles Redfield, is stepping down next month. The announcement came from Walmart’s U.S. CEO, John Furner, in a memo to employees dated April 14.
U.S. Retail Sales Slip 1 Percent Amid High Inflation, Rising Rates
The U.S. Census Bureau reported overall retail sales in March were down 1 percent from February but up 2.9 percent year-over-year. In February, sales were down 0.2 percent month over month but up 5.9 percent year-over-year.
TYR Named Exclusive Outfitter Of USA Swimming National Team
USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport, and TYR reported expanding its partnership naming Tyr the exclusive outfitter of the National Team and the National Junior Team through December 31, 2024.
StockX To Close Portland Authentication Center
StockX intends to close its authentication center in Portland, OR. It is the smallest facility in its network at 10,000 square feet.
JD Sports Appoints General Counsel
JD Sports Fashion Plc, parent company for Finish Line, Shoe Palace and DTLR retail brands in the U.S., hired Theresa Casey as general counsel and company secretary of JD, effective immediately.
The Athlete’s Foot To Launch TAF 3.0 Concept Store
The Athlete’s Foot reported plans to open a TAF 3.0 “neighborhood” omnichannel concept store in Atlanta in late April.
NRF Report: Organized Retail Crime A Growing Threat For U.S. Retailers
Organized retail crime is a perpetual and burgeoning problem for the U.S. retail industry, and evidence suggests it is growing in scope and complexity, according to a recently released report from the National Retail Federation (NRF).
Walmart Closes Four Stores In Chicago
Walmart reported it will close four of its eight stores in Chicago after stating the stores were losing “tens of millions of dollars a year, and the retailer’s annual losses nearly doubled in just the last five years.”
Kizik Names Chief Merchandising Officer
Kizik hired Gretchen Weimer, formerly global VP of product at Hoka, as chief merchandising officer.
Dick’s SG Signs Multi-Year Partnership With Boston Athletic Association
Dick’s Sporting Goods reported signing a multi-year agreement to be the official retail sponsor of the Boston Marathon and the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Distance Medley events ahead of opening a Dick’s House of Sport in spring 2024.
Dillard’s Debt Ratings Upgraded
S&P Global Ratings raised the debt ratings on Dillard’s Inc. as the department store chain has maintained a “stable performance and a conservative financial policy even in the volatile retail operating environment of the past year.”
Marolina Outdoor Adds Industry Veterans To Team
Marolina Outdoor, the parent company of Huk Performance Fishing and Nomad Outdoor, hired Dean Rurak as CEO and Bill Ferreira as senior vice president of sales and merchandising, effective May 1.
Topo Athletic Appoints U.S. Wholesale Sales Director
Topo Athletic hired Ashleigh Cook as sales director of U.S. Wholesale, leading its domestic sales team to grow its network of retailer accounts and independent sales agents.
