SGB Update Footwear

American Exchange Group Acquires Island Surf Company

Island Surf Company will become a division of White Mountain Footwear, a brand that American Exchange acquired in January 2023. Joe O’Brien will reportedly continue to lead the Island Surf Company brand.

Macy’s, Inc. Appoints New Chief Information Officer

Keith Credendino, who is currently SVP of technology product development, customer experience, will succeed the retiring Laura Miller as CIO, effective August 4, and join the company’s Corporate Strategy Group.

Target Will Stop Accepting Checks at Checkout

Target announced on Tuesday, July 9, that, as of July 15, it will no longer accept personal checks from customers at the time of checkout. The retailer confirmed its decision with the Associated Press, citing “extremely low volumes” of customers who pay by check.

NRF: Consumers Face ‘Critical Moment’ Waiting on Fed

National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said the Fed must balance using high interest rates to reduce inflation with the risk that keeping rates too high for too long could slow the economy to the point of recession.

Rally House Opens Storefront in Lehigh Valley Mall and Second in Houston

The nationwide retailer increased its storefront count in the Philadelphia area to 22 after opening Rally House Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall, PA, on July 5, on the Mall’s lower level. Rally House Willowbrook Plaza opened on July 5, two weeks after its first storefront in Houston with Rally House Houston Outlets.

Kith to Open Malibu Flagship

On July 4, Kith will open its third flagship in Malibu, CA, alongside Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. To commemorate the opening, Kith partnered with New Balance to redesign the 1300 and 580 sneakers.

Authentic Brands Group Appoints Head of Japan Region

Jeff Daggett has been tapped as SVP, head of Japan. With over three decades of industry experience, Daggett is expected to play an integral role in strengthening Authentic’s presence and driving brand growth in the region.