SGB Update Footwear
Primark Continues U.S. Growth with Memphis, TN Store Opening
The Memphis location, opening July 24, is the first of two planned store openings in Tennessee for Primark, with a second store set to open in the Cool Springs Galleria in Franklin, TN. The opening marks the retailer’s 31st U.S. store, now spanning 13 states.
Carbitex Appoints VP of U.S. Sales
Hanna brings over 12 years of experience in advanced materials and textiles, most recently as director of Innegra sales at Quantum Materials, LLC, and previously as president of Innegra Technologies.
Survey: Back-To-School Spending Expected to Hold Up
According to PwC’s 2025 Back-to-School Survey of nearly 1,200 parents, over one in three parents anticipate spending more than the amount they spent last year. For surveyed respondents who plan to cut back on shopping for back-to-school items this year, technology and clothing were cited as top categories for reducing spend.
Nike, Inc. Nominates Former Lego CEO for Board Seat
Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, former president and chief executive officer of the Lego Group from 2004 to 2016 and current deputy chair of the Lego Foundation, is expected to replace Cathleen Benko, a former Deloitte executive who is retiring from the board.
U.S. Consumer Confidence Worsens in June
U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly declined in June, underscoring anxiety about the potential impacts on the economy and job market from higher U.S. import duties. The Conference Board’s gauge of confidence decreased 5.4 points to 93.
Wolverine Worldwide Appoints Sales Leader, Work Group
Jim O’Connor previously held executive roles at Timberland Pro, Shoes for Crews and Lands’ End. Wolverine’s Work Group includes Bates, Cat Footwear, Harley-Davidson Footwear, Hytest, Wolverine Boots & Apparel.
Survey: Footwear Execs Expect DD Jump in Landed Cost in H2; See Tariff Pass-Through
The Q2 FDRA survey conducted among footwear executives showed that a vast majority of industry leaders expect footwear prices to rise by more than 5 percent this year, with 60 percent anticipating a double-digit surge in the landing cost of footwear due to tariffs in the second half.
Amazon Expands Same-Store Day Delivery to More Rural Markets
The rural push comes as Amazon’s delivery speed hit record levels in 2023 and 2024, and the number of items Amazon delivered the same or the next day in the U.S. increased over 30 percent so far this year compared to the same period last year.
Report: Dick’s SG Seeking Orland Park Financial Support for New House of Sports Project
The sporting goods retailer is looking to convert a 200,000-square-foot former Sears anchor space at the Orland Square shopping center, in a Chicago suburb, which has been empty since 2018.
JD Sports Opens First Canadian Flagship
The Robson Street store is JD’s first exterior street-front location in Canada and features the largest LED display in JD’s Canadian footprint, a DJ booth, and shop-in-shops for Nike, New Balance and Adidas brands.
Dick’s SG Sees Strong Response to Foot Locker Debt Exchange Offer
The retailer reported that 92.5 percent of Foot Locker’s note holders have agreed to exchange their debt for Dick’s notes as part of an early tender offer. The debt swap supports the retailer’s acquisition of Foot Locker.
Nike Settles Lawsuit with “The Shoe Surgeon” Over Trademark Infringement
The case, which began in 2024, centered on the practice of custom designer Dominic Ciambrone, also known as The Shoe Surgeon, deconstructing Nike shoes and rebuilding them as luxury customizations.
Nike Board Member Plans to Retire from Board
Cathleen Benko, a former leader in Deloitte’s “Digital Giants” practice, plans to retire as a member of Nike’s Board of Directors, effective as of the company’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders.
Tailored Brands Appoints New Chief Executive Officer
John Tighe will become its new CE) and will join the Board of Directors, effective August 5, 2025. Peter Sachse will transition from his current role as CEO to become executive chairman of the company’s Board.
Amer Sports Appoints New Head of Greater China
Jeffery Ma joins the company from his role as CEO of Zhongqiao Sports, a sporting goods company in China. He has previously held executive positions at Topsports, the largest sporting goods retailer in China, and at Adidas.
