SGB Update Footwear

Sports Direct Parent Acquires Menswear Retailer John Anthony
Frasers Group, the U.K.-based parent of Sports Direct, reported it acquired John Anthony, a U.K.-based retailer offering a mix of designer collections from new and established labels.

Sam’s Club to Reopen Store In Grapevine, TX
Sam’s Club reported plans to reopen in Grapevine, TX, in late 2024 after closing the store due to storm damage incurred in December 2022.

Li-Ning Buys Commercial Property to Support New Hong Kong HQ
Based in Beijing, Li-Ning announced plans to acquire a 25-story mixed office and retail building in Hong Kong for $2.2 billion (US$282 million) to house its headquarters.

PVH Appoints New Leadership
PVH Corp. hired Sophia Hwang-Judiesch as president of Tommy Hilfiger North America and promoted Amba Subrahmanyam to chief people officer.

Oberalp Group Hires New Sales and Marketing Director
The Oberalp Group, which owns Salewa, Dynafit, Pomoca, Wild Country, and Evolv, hired Loren Morshead as sales and marketing director for North America for the five brands in the U.S. and Canada.

Dick’s SG to Open House of Sport Stores in Florida and Delaware
Dick’s Sporting Goods reported plans to open House of Sport stores at Tampa International Plaza, its first in Florida, and another at Brandywine Town Center, its first in Delaware.

Timberland Appoints Global Brand President
Timberland appointed Nina Flood as global brand president. She had been interim Timberland president following Susie Mulder’s exit on November 8.

Nordstrom Rack to Open in Tennessee
Nordstrom, Inc. reported plans to open a new Nordstrom Rack in Franklin, TN, in fall 2024, the Cool Springs Market.

Nike Opens New Store in Tokyo Focused on Running
The purpose for Nike Ginza is to serve local runners at all levels and connect them to one another. In Japan, this is channeled through competitive relay running, a passion that’s visible from late fall through winter during Ekiden season.

Puma to End Sponsorship of Israel’s National Football Team in 2024
Puma will end its sponsorship of Israel’s national football team in 2024, a decision the brand said was made before Hamas’ October 7 attack. Puma has faced boycotts over its sponsorship.

Nordstrom Names Chief Information Security Officer
Nordstrom named Nicole Ford as chief information security officer. Previously, Ford was VP and CISO at Rockwell Automation, with experience guiding security transformation initiatives and developing cybersecurity programs.

Fleet Feet Opens Ninth Store in Missouri
Fleet Feet announced a new store was opened in Jefferson City, MO, by owner/operator Nancy Yaeger, who also owns Fleet Feet Columbia. The opening marks the ninth Fleet Feet store in the state.

Vasque Expands Product Team with Development Lead
Vasque Footwear expanded its product department hiring Austyn Dunham to lead footwear development. She is responsible for design intent, managing the construction phase and collaborating with suppliers and manufacturers through product fruition.

Arrive Recommerce Appoints Backcountry Vet as CTO
The company hired Alec Wilkins as chief technology officer. Wilkins was previously head of product and engineering at Backcountry and CPO/CTO at Overstock.com.

New Guards Group Appoints SVP/GM for Reebok Europe
The fashion group owned by Farfetch Limited hired Adidas veteran Markus Kleber as SVP/GM of Reebok Europe and Reebok Ltd. Farfetch recently announced it would not report Q3 results and canceled guidance.