SGB Update Footwear
Decathlon Acquires French Cycling Team
The French sporting goods chain has agreed to become the sole owner of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale UCI World Tour, the French cycling team with UCI WorldTeam status, at the close of 2025.
Varsity Brands’ Debt Ratings Upgraded
Moody’s Ratings upgraded Varsity Brands, Inc.’s debt ratings due to improving EBITDA margin, stronger free cash flow generation, and declining leverage, supported by momentum in both its BSN and Varsity Spirit businesses.
NRF Sees Economic Growth Holding Steady but Market Uncertainty is Still Pervasive
With President Trump moving the goalposts once again by continuing the pause in increased tariffs until early August, and perhaps later, importers, manufacturers, exporters, retailers, brands, and consumers all seem to be walking around with a big question mark above their heads.
Wolverine World Wide Adds Two Board Members
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. appointed Cheryl Abel-Hodges, current CEO of Tommy John, and Jack Boyle, the former head buyer for Fanatics, to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2025.
Mountain High Outfitters Opens First Store in South Carolina
Tthe outdoor retail chain based in Birmingham, AL, opened its first South Carolina location at the Columbiana Centre in Columbia. The company now has 28 stores, including stores in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and Utah.
Imbox Protection Acquired by PE Firm
Altor Fund VI, a Swedish private equity firm, has acquired a majority stake in Imbox Protection A/S, a Danish company specializing in footwear protection technology, while entering into a partnership with the company’s former founder and owners, Réné Marker and the Grundtvig family.
Rack Room Appoints Chief Merchant and Chief Digital Officer
The company promoted Brian Burnett to senior vice president, chief merchandise officer and Molly Hartney to chief digital officer, a newly created role. Burnett has been with Rack Room Shoes for nearly nine years, having previously served as general merchandise manager. Hartney joined the company as chief marketing officer in 2021.
Report: June Mall Traffic Declined Across All Formats
Placer.ai noted that June 2025 shopping center traffic fell slightly following two straight months of year-over-year visit growth – although indoor malls continued to show the strongest performance, with just a 0.7 percent drop in year-over-year June visits.
Adobe Forecasts Almost $24 Billion In Amazon Four-Day Prime Day Sales
Amazon’s four-day Prime Day event, running from July 8 to 11, is expected to drive online spending across U.S. retailers to $23.8 billion, representing 28.4 percent year-over-year (YoY) growth and the equivalent of two Black Fridays, according to data from Adobe Analytics.
Steven Madden Reports Resignations of Chief Merchandising Officer and Director
In a regulatory filing, the company reported the resignations of Karla Frieders as chief merchandising officer, effective June 30 and Robert Smith as director, effective July 14.
L.L.Bean Sets Opening Date for First Central New Jersey Store
The store in Bridgewater will offer customers easy access to Washington Valley Park, Duke Farm and paddling routes along the Raritan River. The location will be L.L.Bean’s fourth store in New Jersey.
Lacoste Appoints New CEO
Éric Vallat, a former LVMH executive, was appointed as the company’s new CEO, starting September 1. He succeeds Thierry Guibert, who has held the position since 2015.
Survey: Women’s Interest in Outdoor Activities Remains Strong
Winnebago Industries’ Annual Spotlight Survey found that 52 percent of women plan to increase their outdoor activities in 2025—a six-point jump from last year, with over half (55 percent) spending six hours or more outside each week. The survey from the RV and boat manufacturer examined the benefits and barriers to getting more women outdoors.
Canada’s Holt Renfrew Department Store CEO Steps Down
Holt Renfrew, the Canadian luxury department store chain, reported Sebastian Picardo plans to step down as president and CEO, effective Sept. 30, 2025. He has served in the role since 2020.
Nordstrom to Close Two Stores
The retailer plans to close its Santa Monica, CA store at Santa Monica Place and its St. Louis, MO location at Saint Louis Galleria in late August of this year.
