SGB Update Footwear
Werner Riethmann Departs Active Management of Lowa
After more than 30 years, Werner Riethmann left active management of Lowa Sportschuh GmbH at the end of December 2023. He will remain with the Bavarian hiking and mountain boot specialist as a shareholder with a 20 percent share and in an advisory capacity.
Duluth Trading Appoints New CFO
Heena Agrawal will assume the role of SVP and CFO, effective February 12, 2024.
True Religion to Launch Footwear Range Under New License Deal
True Religion inked a footwear licensing agreement with Orly Corporation for its men’s, women’s, and kid’s footwear collection, which is expected to launch in Fall 2024.
Zamberlan Bolsters Sales Team for Southeast and South Central U.S.
“We’re thrilled to have Odle represent us in a new territory and to new customers,” —Bob Whip, General Manager, Zamberlan USA.
L.L.Bean Set to Open Eighth New York Store in Spring
The retailer’s first new store of 2024 will open in Kingston, NY, in March/April.
Designer Brands Inc. Appoints Deckers Vet as Brands President and EVP
Andrea O’Donnell was appointed brands president and executive vice president of Designer Brands, effective January 29. Previously, she led the expansion of Ugg and Koolaburra brands at Deckers Brands as president of fashion lifestyle.
Vaude Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
With new CFO Melissa Wach and CEO Antje von Dewitz, the management team is now 50 percent female. Women hold prominent positions across the board in leadership roles at Vaude, constituting approximately 45 percent of executive positions.
Nicklaus Companies Licenses Brand to Boxto for Footwear
Nicklaus Companies and Boxto are collaborating to introduce two Nicklaus-branded golf shoe styles, which will be available to ship in April.
Tilly’s, Inc.’s CEO Departs; Board Chair to Lead Retailer on Interim Basis
Ed Thomas retired as president, CEO and director of the company. Company Co-founder and former President and CEO Hezy Shaked was appointed as the company’s interim president and CEO until a successor is found.
Sportsman’s Warehouse Appoints Chief Retail Officer
Craig McNair brings strong leadership experience in the outdoor specialty retail space, having worked in key roles at Academy Sports + Outdoors and Cabela’s, Inc., where he was responsible for large regions of stores.
JD Sports Fashion Completes Acquisition of Polish Partner
In the financial year to January 2023, Poland-based Marketing Investment Group generated approximately £270 million in revenue. As of December 30, 2023, MIG operated 403 stores across 13 countries, including 23 JD stores.
Allbirds Makes Two Senior Leadership Appointments
Kelly Olmstead was promoted to chief marketing officer and footwear industry veteran Adrian Nyman was hired to the newly created role of chief design officer. Both were effective in December.
Target Shuffles the Executive Deck in Legal, Operations and Merchandising
Michael Fiddelke has been named chief operating officer, effective February 4 and Rick Gomez and Jill Sando will split categories on the merchant side. Additionally, Target announced the upcoming retirement of chief legal and compliance officer Don Liu.
Birkenstock Posts Strong FY 2023 But Shares Down in Pre-Market
Birkenstock said it anticipates sustaining its profitable growth trajectory across its products and regions in fiscal year 2024, but it expects sales growth to moderate slightly from the trend in fiscal 2023.
Asics and Ugg Top Key Movers in StockX Annual Report
Fueled by consumer’s growing obsession with mesh runners, StockX said Asics saw hockey stick growth in 2023, with trades increasing 239 percent and the brand moving from the #10 top-traded sneaker brand in 2022 to #5 in one year.