SGB Update Footwear
Steve Madden Board of Directors Approves Deal to Acquire Kurt Geiger
Steve Madden has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire UK-based Kurt Geiger from a group led by international private equity firm Cinven for an enterprise value of approximately £289 million in cash.
BJ’s Wholesale Club to Open in Florida
The new club will open in Brooksville, FL, on February 21, 2025, including an on-site BJ’s Gas location opening on February 6. Club members who shop the store, save of up to 25 percent off grocery store prices.
Fleet Feet to Open Fourth Franchise Location in Arizona
Billy Preston is opening a new Fleet Feet franchise store in downtown Prescott, AZ, with easy access to over 500 miles of nearby trails and outdoor recreation year-round.
Crocs, Inc. Shares Jump on Strong DTC Gains and Growth Inversion at HeyDude
CROX shares were up more than 24 percent as Crocs Brand revenues increased 4.0 percent (+4.9 percent cc) to $762 million in the fourth quarter, and HeyDude Brand revenues were flat at $228 million, turning the corner from recent declines.
Bluestar Alliance Acquires Palm Angels to Expand Streetwear Stable
The acquisition follows the company’s September 2024 acquisition of Off-White from LVMH, and is said to underscore the company’s continued expansion into the high-end streetwear and luxury fashion sectors.
Wolverine World Wide Promotes Brett Parent to Chief Strategy Officer
The parent company of the Merrell, Saucony, Wolverine Brand and Sweaty Betty brands promoted Brett Parent to CSO, effective February 3. He will now serve on the company’s Executive Team.
Merrell Names Richard McLeod as Chief Marketing Officer
McLeod was, most recently VP and CMO at Champion. Prior to Champion, McLeod was SVP of Brand at Canada Goose.
Bass Pro Shops to Open Outpost in Arkansas
The Fort Smith, AK, store is expected to open in early 2026. The 70,000-square-foot location will be the retailer’s third in the state.
Dick’s SG Begins Enrolling Non-Employees as Paid Social Media Influencers
Since launching as an internal program in 2023, Dick’s Varsity Team members have created over 1,000 pieces of social media content, garnering over 38 million impressions, and have been featured in 10 campaigns for both Dick’s and its national brands.
Nordstrom to Open Rack Store in Longmont, CO
The Rack store will occupy a 28,000-square-foot space in the Harvest Junction Shopping Center, which includes Marshall’s, Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Ulta Beauty, Ross Dress for Less, and other notable retailers. Harvest Junction is owned and managed by an affiliate of Pine Tree.
Report: Import Cargo Trends Remain Fluid Due to Tariff Threats
A strong December brought 2024 to a total of 25.5 million TEU, or Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units, up 14.8 percent from 2023 and the highest level since 2021’s record of 25.8 million TEU during the pandemic.
CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Sees January Reporting Strong Retail Sales Gains
The Sporting Goods, Hobby, Music, and Bookstores segment was down 1.9 percent m/m, seasonally-adjusted, but up 2.82 percent y/y, unadjusted, after a very strong December trend.
Macy’s, Inc. Names Chief Stores Officer of Macy’s
Currently, Barbie Cameron is the senior vice president and regional director of stores for the East Region. Before that, she was the interim chief stores officer at Macy’s since August 2024.
Skechers Q4 Revenues Jump 13 Percent
Skechers U.S.A., Inc. reported profits grew 13.9 percent in the fourth quarter as sales advanced 12.8 percent, due to an 18.0 percent jump domestically and a 9.8 percent increase internationally. Sales topped guidance, but earnings missed due to currency headwinds.
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index Declines for First Time in Six Months
Consumer sentiment fell for the first time in six months and is down 10 percent versus a year ago, according to the final January report for the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index.
