SGB Update Footwear
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.
Fleet Feet Franchise Opens Third Store in Central Texas
The store located in Leander marks the third store in Central Texas operated by franchise owner Mark King. He also operates stores in Georgetown and Round Rock, TX, respectively.
Switchback Spring Posts Healthy Debut; Heads to New Orleans in 2026
Switchback Spring, the nascent outdoor show’s first standalone event, was held this week in Nashville, TN, from June 16 to 18, drawing 194 brands, 290 retailers, and 1,286 attendees. For 2026, show organizers announced that the event will be held in New Orleans.
Hibbett Launches Back-to-School App Tailored to Kids
Owned by parent company JD Sports, the retailer announced the launch of a new kids e-commerce site, kidshibbett.com, and an app dedicated to selling kids’ product carried by the retailer.
Denver’s Freebird Closing 14+ Stores; Shutters Headquarters
Freebird, a boot retailer based in Denver, has exited its corporate headquarters in Cherry Creek, laid off staff and is closing at least 14 of its 20 stores as it seeks a buyer. Freebird would close another four stores on Monday, June 23, failing to find a buyer.
Report: Lululemon Laying Off 150 Support Center Jobs
The job cuts come as Lululemon on June 6 reported first-quarter earnings that topped guidance but trimmed its earnings guidance for the year as proposed tariffs threaten the company’s supply chain.
Survey: Golf Getaways and Digital Engagement Key Focus for the Average U.S. Golfer
Over half of U.S. players (approximately 23 million in total) take at least one golf trip per year, with 31 percent taking two or more trips. With an average length of 3.33 days, these trips are common to either Florida and California or to overseas destinations such as Scotland, Ireland and the Iberian Peninsula.
Under Armour Prices Senior Notes
The company has priced the $400 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.250 percent senior notes due 2030. It will will use the proceeds to pay down debt due in 2026.
Survey: 84 Percent of U.S. Consumers Plan to Shop Amazon Prime Day in 2025
A consumer survey from RetailMeNot found that 84 percent of U.S. adults plan to participate in Prime Day this year, up from 81 percent in 2024. That number rises to 92 percent among those aged 45 to 60, while 88 percent of Millennials plan on shopping during the sales event.
