SGB Update Footwear
Vasque Footwear Expands Waypoint and OSM Sales Partnerships
Vasque expanded Waypoint Outdoor’s coverage to the Southwest and South Central regions, while Outdoor Sports Marketing now extends its reach to the Mid-Atlantic—the two groups now represent six of Vasque’s sales regions.
Meijer Opens New Supercenters in Michigan and Northeast Ohio
Meijer opened its first store in Michigan in 1934. Today, it opened a new 159,000-square-foot supercenter in Hillsdale, MI and two new 159,000-square-foot supercenters in Northeast Ohio. This summer, the retailer will celebrate its 90th anniversary as a family-owned Midwest retailer.
On Holding Posts Another Strong Quarter in Q1, Led by Expanding DTC Sales
On’s total net sales reached CHF 508.2 million, an increase of 20.9 percent year-over-year and a 29.2 percent increase on a constant-currency basis. The results were led by strong demand and momentum in On’s direct-to-consumer channel.
GU to Open First Overseas Flagship Store in New York in Fall 2024
GU (pronounced as the letters “G” and “U”) was founded in 2006 as a sister brand of Uniqlo and operates approximately 470 stores in Asia, mainly in Japan; this is the first official opening of a store outside of Asia.
The British Footwear Association Appoints New CEO
The BFA tapped Richard Shetliffe as its new chief executive officer, effective May 14, bringing a reported depth of experience and knowledge to lead the association.
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.
