SGB Update Footwear

Rally House Opens 19th Store in Michigan
The new store, the first in the state’s southwest region, is located at Mall Drive and S. Westnedge Avenue in Portage.

Superfeet Hires New CFO
As chief financial officer, Kathryn McKenzie is expected to have a key role in “activating Superfeet’s expansion into medical and industrial/work communities, supporting its mission to be the life-changing shape under every foot.”

Adobe: U.S. E-Commerce Spend Expands 7 Percent Through April
Adobe released its online shopping data for the first four months of 2024, showing sales rose 7.0 percent year-over-year to $331.6 billion. The company’s research found that consumers have traded down to less expensive goods across major e-commerce categories.

CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Shows Growth in April Retail Sales
The Retail Monitor uses actual, anonymized credit and debit card purchase data compiled by Affinity Solutions and does not need to be revised monthly or annually.

The Buckle Posts 9.0 Percent Comp Sales Decline for Fiscal First Quarter
Net sales for the 13-week fiscal quarter ended May 4, 2024 decreased 7.2 percent to $262.5 million compared to net sales of $282.8 million for the prior year 13-week fiscal quarter ended April 29, 2023.

Allbirds Inc. Sees First Quarter Revenues Drop 28 Percent
Allbirds, Inc. posted a loss in the first quarter as sales skidded 27.6 percent; however, the manufacturer of eco-footwear reported revenues were in line and adjusted earnings above guidance and cited progress with its restructuring efforts. Allbirds reiterated its outlook for 2024.

Bogs Continues Sharp Wholesale Decline in Q1; Retail E-Commerce Grows
The Bogs brand reportedly experienced the largest decrease in the Wholesale segment, with sales down 48 percent for the quarter, as retailers reduced orders due to surplus products in the outdoor footwear market.

NRF Monthly Import Cargo To Reach 2 Million TEU Through Early Fall
“We haven’t seen numbers this high for this many months in almost two years.” —NRF Vice President Jonathan Gold

Candace Parker Appointed President of Adidas Women’s Basketball
Parker steps into the role following her retirement from the WNBA and marking a sixteen-year partnership with Adidas during her pro basketball career.

Report: U.S. Sports Participation Increased Across Most Categories in 2023
Pickleball continues to grow in popularity, with the highest percentage increase year-over-year for the fourth consecutive year. Pickleball was up 54 percent in 2023 vs 2022.

Simon Property Group Sells Stake in Authentic Brands Group
Simon Property Group reported it sold the remaining 10 percent stake in brand management firm Authentic Brands Group for $1.2 billion.

Wolverine Worldwide Business Continues to Shrink in Q1 While Turnaround Progresses
Revenue for the ongoing business fell nearly 25 percent in Q1, The parent of the Merrell, Saucony, Wolverine and Sweaty Betty brands said it is beginning to see proof points emerge as early validation of its strategy and execution on its turnaround and transformation plan.

JD Sports Opens First Store in the Middle East
The occasion follows the franchise agreement with GMG, announced in July 2023, and a testament to the brand’s global reach and appeal.

Wolverine Worldwide Names New CFO
Taryn Miller was appointed as the company’s chief financial officer. She will succeed Michael D. Stornant, who is retiring after nearly 30 years with the company.

Puma Returns To Growth In The Americas In Q1
Puma’s sales in the Americas region showed positive sales growth in the first quarter on a currency-neutral basis for the first time in four quarters but reported sales and earnings declined due to unfavorable currency effects and challenging year-ago comparisons. The results were in line with company expectations, and full-year guidance was maintained.