SGB Update Footwear

JD Sports Names Global Managing Director

JD Sports promoted Michael Armstrong, formerly group buying director, to the newly created role of global managing director. Armstrong is expected to “further drive the group’s growth” and “meet its ambition to become the leading global sports-fashion powerhouse.”

Amer Sports Hires Foot Locker Veteran As CFO

Amer Sports hired Andrew Page, former CFO for Foot Locker, as Group CFO of Amer Sports and a member to its executive committee. Page reports to Board Executive Director and CEO James Zheng.

China’s Economic Growth Accelerates With Consumption Boost

According to China’s National Bureau of Statistics, China’s economy grew 4.5 percent in the first quarter. The accelerated growth marked the fastest pace in a year and relieved Nike, Adidas, VF Corp., and several industry-leading vendors with heavy exposure in the world’s second-largest economy.

Nike Becomes Presenting Sponsor Of MLB’s RBI Program

Nike, Inc. announced a partnership with Major League Baseball as the presenting sponsor of the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program, the MLB’s youth initiative to provide baseball and softball playing opportunities for kids living in areas that are underserved.

SFIA: Sporting Goods Industry’s 2022 Growth Boosted By Inflation

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) released its 2023 State of the Industry Report, showing 4.3 percent revenue growth in U.S. wholesale sales of athletic footwear, apparel, sports and fitness equipment, and licensed products in 2022.

Crocs’ Chief Legal Officer Sets Plan To Retire

Crocs, Inc. reported in a regulatory filing that Daniel Hart, the company’s executive vice president, chief legal and risk officer provided notice of his intent to retire, effective April 1, 2024.

Reports: Retail Ecommerce Ventures Exploring Bankruptcy

Retail Ecommerce Ventures, LLC (REV), a capital marketing company founded in 2019 and that acquired the intellectual property of Modell’s Sporting Goods, Pier 1 Imports, RadioShack, and other retail banners, hired Kirkland and Ellis to explore restructuring options, including a bankruptcy.