SGB Update Footwear

U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Properties Name Nike Exec as CEO

John Slusher, Nike’s long-tenured sports marketing EVP, was named as CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Properties (USOPP) for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Ann Miller, the company’s executive vice president, chief legal officer and a 14-year Nike veteran, will replace Slusher as EVP of global sports marketing.

Rocky Brands’ Q3 Profits Slide on 8.8 Percent Sales Decline

The sales decline reflects a 15.7 drop in wholesale revenues due to softness in work, outdoor and commercial military categories. Jason Brooks, CEO, said, “While cautious consumer spending outside of peak shopping periods and warm, dry weather acted as headwinds this quarter, the underlying strength of our business remains intact.”

Consumer Confidence Bounces Back In October

The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index jumped to 108.7 in October from 99.2 in September—the biggest monthly gain since March 2021. Analysts had forecast a more modest reading of 99.3.

Outdoor Retailer Parent Trims Full-Year Guidance

Emerald Holding, Inc. slightly reduced its outlook from steps taken to discontinue some of its smaller events. The operator of Outdoor Retailer, Surf Expo, Sports Licensing & Tailgate Show, and other venues also reported improved underlying earnings in the third quarter on flat sales.

Wolverine Worldwide Appoints Susie Kuhn as Active Group President

Susie Kuhn will be responsible for leading successful brand strategies, executing consumer-focused go-to-market plans, and driving commercial performance for Wolverine Worldwide’s Active Group, which includes the Merrell, Saucony, and Chaco brands.

Rural King Opens Newest Store in Hopkinsville, KY

The store boasts a wide range of outdoor lifestyle and work brands, including Ariat, Browning, Carhartt, Columbia, Frogg Toggs, Henry Rifles, Huk Apparel, Keen Utility, Plano, Realtree, Remington, Under Armour, and Wolverine.

Primark to Open Second Store in Queens, NY

The new 37,000-square-foot store at Queens Center in Elmhurst, NY will open on December 5. This is Primark’s second store in Queens, following its Jamaica Avenue location, and its tenth store in New York.