SGB Update Footwear
NOCSAE Finalizes First Performance Standard for Youth Football Helmets
The standard is the result of over 10 years of NOCSAE-led effort and funding to support scientific research, testing, and analysis to establish sufficient youth-specific data and testing criteria necessary to develop the standard.
NRF’s Chief Economist Transitions to Senior Economic Advisor
The National Retail Federation announced on Thursday, July 17, that Jack Kleinhenz, NRF’s chief economist since 2010, is stepping down to serve in a new capacity as senior economic advisor. NRF Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews will become NRF’s new chief economist while continuing to lead the research team.
Nike’s Artificial Intelligence VP is Departing
Jason Loveland, Nike Inc’s VP of enterprise AI/ML engineering, is exiting his post as Nike confirmed layoffs in May at its technology division as part of a broader restructuring.
Saks Global Appoints CFO
Saks Global appointed Brandy Richardson, formerly at Tailored Brands and Neiman Marcus, as chief financial officer, effective August 18.
Nordstrom Inc. Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
Kelly Dilts joins Nordstrom from Dollar General where she has served as executive vice president and chief financial officer since 2023. Her appointment is effective August 29.
Bombas Promotes Jason LaRose to CEO; David Heath Moves to Executive Chair
Company President Jason LaRose, a former Under Armour executive, to CEO. Bombas Co-Founder David Heath becomes executive chair. LaRose is responsible for expanding Bombas beyond direct-to-consumer, with only 7 percent of revenues currently coming from wholesale.
Kohl’s Appoints JD Sports Exec as Chief Digital Officer
Arianne Parisi, most recently chief digital officer for JD Sports Fashion Plc, has been named the retailer’s chief digital officer. Starting on July 28, Parisi will join the company’s executive leadership team and report directly to Interim CEO Michael Bender.
Lululemon Inks Franchise Partner to Enter Market in India
The collaboration will see LULU launch its first retail store in the country in addition to having a dedicated e-commerce presence on both Tata CLiQ Luxury and Tata CLiQ Fashion platforms.
Nike’s Debt Downgraded on Lower Profitability, Tariff Risks
S&P Global Ratings lowered its debt ratings on Nike, Inc., due to recent sales and margin declines that it expects will continue in its current fiscal year as well as ongoing tariff risks. The rating agency said, “We believe it will take multiple years to regain the market share lost to both apparel and footwear competitors and return Nike to historical levels of profitability.”
Rygr Taps Saks, Backbone and TNF Veteran as Company President
Hlidek replaces Brian Holcombe, who co-founded Rygr in 2016 and assumed the role of president in 2023. The company said Holcombe’s nine-year tenure helped shape the agency’s “strong foundation, culture and client portfolio.”
Survey: Potential Tariffs and Inflation Jump-Started BTS Shopping
“Consumers are being mindful of the potential impacts of tariffs and inflation on back-to-school items, and have turned to early shopping, discount stores and summer sales for savings on school essentials.” — Katherine Cullen, VP of Industry and Consumer Insights, National Retail Federation
361 Degrees Owned-Retail Posts Healthy Q2 Growth
China-based 361 Degrees International, Ltd. reported that brick-and-mortar retail sales of 361º core-branded products increased by approximately 10 percent year-over-year for the second quarter of 2025, which ended on June 30, moderating slightly after expanding by 10 percent to 15 percent in the first quarter.
Journeys Parent Genesco, Inc. Signs Deal to License Wrangler Brand for Footwear
The agreement covers men’s, women’s and kids footwear, with the first collection expected to launch in fall 2026. The partnership aims to expand Wrangler’s presence in the footwear market while adding to Genesco’s portfolio of licensed brands.
EXEC: L.L.Bean CEO Stephen Smith Sets 2026 Transition Plan for Departure
Stephen Smith, the president and CEO of L.L.Bean, will leave the company in the spring of 2026, capping a decade of leadership at the iconic Maine-based outdoor brand. The L.L.Bean Board of Directors, led by Chairman Shawn Gorman, has initiated a search for his successor.
Lululemon Appoints SVP of Sustainability
Nike’s former chief sustainability officer Noel Kinder was hired as LULU’s senior vice president of sustainability, reporting to Ted Dagnese, the company’s chief supply chain officer. He replaced Esther Speck who served as senior vice president of Sustainable Business and Impact at Lululemon for almost ten years.
