SGB Update Footwear

Authentic Brands Group Taps Shaq to Run Reebok Basketball

Reebok appointed Shaquille O’Neal as president of Reebok Basketball with Allen Iverson serving as vice president of the division. Both NBA legends have longstanding relationships with Reebok and its parent company, Authentic Brands Group.

Ross Stores Opens 51 New Stores in September and October

The company opened 43 Ross Dress for Less and eight DD’s Discounts stores across 22 states in September and October, completing the company’s store growth plans for fiscal 2023, adding 97 new locations.

Iconix Brand Founder Neil Cole Gets 18-Month Prison Term

Neil Cole, the founder and former CEO of Iconix Brand Group, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, after his second trial in a criminal case. Last November, Cole was convicted of securities fraud and other charges for misleading investors about the company’s earnings. 

NRF: Import Volumes Slowing Heading Into Holiday Selling

Import cargo volume at the major container ports in the U.S. has hit its expected peak for the year and should gradually slow moving into the holiday season, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation(NRF) and Hackett Associates. Ports have not reported September numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 1.94 million TEU, down 4.3 percent year-over-year. October is also forecasted at 1.94 million TEU, down 3.1 percent year-over-year.

Birkenstock Holding Makes Debut on Wall Street Today

Birkenstock Holding is set to list its U.S. initial public offering at $46 a share, slightly below the midpoint of its projected range between $44 and $49. The stock is set to begin trading Wednesday morning at the open of the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BIRK.

Good Feet Hires First Chief Brand Officer

Good Feet Holdings, LLC, the holdings group of wellness brands, including The Good Feet Store and ING Source socks, appointed Doug Zarkin as incoming chief brand officer.

Industry Analyst Joins Edelman Smithfield

Edelman Smithfield, a financial communications firm, announced that Kimberly Greenberger, a veteran Wall Street analyst covering the apparel and footwear space, has joined the firm as a senior advisor.

REI Opens Distribution Center In Tennessee

REI Co-op started fulfillment from its new state-of-the-art distribution center in Lebanon, TN, supporting its steady growth in the Midwest and Southeast.

OIA Elects New Board Members

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) members elected four new and three incumbent members to its Board. New members include Diana Seung, Troy Sicotte, Jahmicah Dawes, and Keith Carrato. Three returning members include Jennifer McLaren, Kevin Winkel and Alison Hill.