SGB Update Footwear

OR and Surf Expo Parent Swings to Q4 Profit on 5.2 Percent Revenue Growth
The Q4 increase was reportedly driven primarily by $6.1 million in organic revenue growth and $4.8 million in revenue from acquisitions, offset by scheduling adjustments of $3.7 million and prior-year revenue of $1.9 million related to discontinued events that were not contributing to profitability.

The Buckle Posts Flattish Q4 Net Sales on 3.9 Percent Comp Sales Gain
Online sales outpaced the store base in Q4, increasing 6.4 percent to $69.7 million for the 13-week fourth quarter, compared to net sales of $65.5 million for the 14-week period ended February 3, 2024.

Duluth Trading Sees Q4 Results Hurt by Retail Stores, Fulfillment Issues
Direct-to-consumer net sales increased by 0.4 percent to $172.9 million compared to the prior-year fourth quarter driven by greater penetration of mobile. Retail store net sales decreased by 6.9 percent to $68.4 million.

Sam Sato Sets Retirement from Duluth Trading Company CEO Role
During the transition period through April 25, Stephen L. Schlecht, the company’s chairman of the Board, founder and former CEO, will assume day-to-day leadership of the company with Sato’s assistance.

BSN Sports Parent Varsity Brands Taps into Pro Athlete Investors at Patricof Co
Over 45 of Patricof Co’s global athlete clientele, representing all major U.S. sports, have invested in Varsity Brands. This investment underscores P/Co’s commitment to “partnering with companies transforming the landscape of sports and community engagement.”

KNS International Acquires Birdies Brand; Gates to Stay as Brand President
Birdies, which launched in 2015 as a direct-to-consumer brand, will join the expanding KNS brand portfolio, which includes Journee, Taft and Vance. Co-founder Bianca Gates will join KNS as brand president.

Rupert Campbell Appointed Chief Commercial Officer for HeyDude
Campbell was, most recently, the president of Adidas North America, where he was responsible for leading one of the brand’s most critical markets and building relationships with wholesalers, partners and athletes.

Rural King Opens its Fifth Alabama Store in Saraland
The store carries a wide range of outdoor lifestyle and work brands, including Ariat, Browning, Carhartt, Columbia, Frogg Toggs, Henry Rifles, Huk Apparel, Keen Utility, Plano, Realtree, Remington, Under Armour, and Wolverine.

United Legwear & Apparel Taps Tony Lucia as President of ULAC Europe BV
ULAC is the licensee and core operating partner for all men’s Hurley apparel categories. The company is also a Puma NA joint venture partner, has distribution partnerships with Scotch & Soda and Ted Baker and maintains licensed brands including Skechers, Van Heusen, DKNY, Champion, Arrow, and Weatherproof.

Ross Stores Opens 19 New U.S. Locations
The company believes Ross can grow to 2,900 locations and DD’s Discounts can become a chain of 700 stores given consumers’ ongoing focus on value and convenience.

NRF Sees Import Cargo Levels Continuing to Rise Among Tariff Uncertainty
Imports from all trading partners could also be affected by a new fee the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is considering that would levy a fee between $1 million and $1.5 million each time a Chinese-built ship docks at a U.S. port.

CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Sees February Y/Y Retail Sales Growing But Moderating
The Sporting Goods, Hobby, Music & Book Stores segment increased 3.6 percent year-over-year, up from 2.8 percent y/y growth in January. Clothing, Footwear and Accessories Stores were up 3.8 percent in February, half the trend in January.

Big Peach Running Sets to Open New Gainesville, Georgia Store
Alex and Stephanie (Fe) Rodriguez previously opened Big Peach stores in Dawsonville and Cumming, Georgia, respectively, and will now own and operate the Gainesville, GA.

Wolverine Worldwide Transitions International Business to Brand Chiefs
The move will result in the elimination of the International Group president role, which has been held by Isabel Soriano since June 2021. The company and Soriano have agreed that her employment would end on March 3, 2026.

Genesco Posts Double-Digit Q4 Comp Gain on E-Commerce Boost
A 1 percent net sales increase for the quarter reflects a 10 percent increase in comparable sales, including an 18 percent increase in e-commerce comparable sales and a 6 percent increase in same-store sales.