SGB Update Footwear
Report: High School Sports Participation Declines Over After Pandemic
In its first high school sports participation survey in three years, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) reported a total of 7,618,054 participants in high school sports for 2021/22, down four percent from its 2018/19 figure of 7,937,491. However, NFHS noted that participation is “on the road back” after schools could not offer programs in typical fashion during portions of the 2019/20 and 2020/21 school years in the U.S. due to the pandemic.
Outdoor Participation Grows To Record Levels
According to Outdoor Foundation’s 2022 Outdoor Participation Trends Report more than half (54 percent) of Americans ages six and over participated in at least one outdoor activity in 2021, and the outdoor recreation participant base grew 2.2 percent during 2021 to 164.2 million participants. However, this growing number of outdoor enthusiasts did not fundamentally alter long-term declines in high frequency or “core” outdoor participation.
KMD Brands Sees 6.2 Percent Growth In Fiscal Year
KMD Brands, Ltd. reported sales grew 6.2 percent in the year ended July 31. The gains were driven by continued growth in Rip Curl sales, Kathmandu’s highest sales in Q4 and record order demand for Oboz product.
REI To Open First Store In Nebraska
REI Co-op will open its first retail location in Gretna, NE, on September 23.
The North Face Makes Executive Appointments
The North Face hired Sophie Bambuck as chief marketing officer and Jennifer Ingraffea as chief product and merchandising officer.
Nordstrom Adopts ‘Poison Pill’ After Mexican Retailer Buys Stake
Nordstrom, Inc. adopted a shareholder rights plan, more commonly known as a “poison pill,” to prevent outsiders from boosting their stake in the business after a Mexican company acquired a 9.9 percent stake in the upscale U.S. retailer’s business.
Brunt Workwear Hires Industry Veterans
Brunt Workwear hired industry veterans from Patagonia, Harley Davidson, Mizzen+Main, Under Armour, and The RealReal to support its management team.
Puma Extends Partnership With Gen.G
Puma and global esports organization Gen.G announced a multiyear extension to the brands’ existing partnership.
Public Lands To Open Four New Stores
Public Lands, the outdoor specialty retail concept from Dick’s Sporting Goods, plans to open four new stores this fall.
Kohl’s Debt Ratings Downgraded
S&P Global Ratings downgraded the debt ratings of Kohl’s Corp. following the retailer’s update on its sales and earnings guidance for the full year. S&P said it expects Kohl’s medium to long-term business prospects will continue to be challenged by the secular headwinds facing department stores.
Dick’s SG Expands On-Demand Retail Delivery
Dick’s Sporting Goods has partnered with DoorDash to use its on-demand delivery service. This makes Dicks its first sporting goods and retail apparel partner.
Rothy’s Prevails In Infringement Lawsuit Against Birdies
Rothy’s Inc. announced that a federal court in the Northern District of California has entered a Consent Judgment in Rothy’s patent infringement lawsuit against Birdies, Inc., permanently enjoining and restraining Birdies from selling its infringing knit Blackbird shoes and any other products that infringe Rothy’s design patents asserted in the litigation.
August Retail Sales Supported By Job And Wage Gains Amid Continued Inflation
The National Retail Federation reported core retail sales, which excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants, grew 0.1 percent in August from July and were up 8 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Consumers’ willingness to spend overcame inflation again in August as more jobs and higher wages helped ease some of the pressure of continuing high prices, the NRF said.
Eddie Bauer Partners With Itochu For Japan Expansion
Authentic Brands Group entered into a new partnership with Itochu to grow the Eddie Bauer business in Japan.
Mastercard: U.S. Holiday Sales Expected To Grow 7.1 Percent
U.S. retail sales, excluding automotive, are expected to increase 7.1 percent year-over-year this holiday season, according to the Mastercard SpendingPulse annual holiday forecast.
