SGB Update Footwear
Columbia Sportswear Appoints Joe Vernachio President of Sorel
Vernachio led Mountain Hardwear, a Columbia Sportswear brand, from April 2017 to May 2021, then left to become the COO and ultimately, the CEO of Allbirds. Vernachio begins his role on June 22.
American Exchange Group and WSG Brands Complete Deal to Acquire Allbirds IP Assets
American Exchange Group (AEG), the New York-based fashion accessory design, manufacturing, and distribution company, that in late March acquired the intellectual property (IP) assets of the Allbirds brand, is partnering with WSG Brands, a leading brand management and licensing platform to close the loop as the new co-owners of the Allbirds brand. The former owner […]
Stitch Fix Appoints Chief Product and Technology Officer
Sreedhararaj joins Stitch Fix from IPSY, where he served as chief technology officer. He previously served as CTO at Sephora. Sreedhararaj also held engineering leadership roles at Walmart and as a consultant at Infosys, working with Best Buy, Target, Nordstrom, and Gap.
Allbirds, Inc. Rebrands as AI Company to Smartbird, Appoints Amazon Exec as CEO
Allbirds changed its name to Smartbird and appointed former Amazon Web Services executive Nadia Carlsten as president and CEO as it furthers its pivot from a footwear maker to an AI infrastructure firm.
Father’s Day Spending Projected to Climb Double-Digits
Father’s Day spending is expected to reach a record $27.9 billion this year, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics, marking an increase of 16.5 percent from last year’s previous record of $24 billion.
Asics Establishes European Research Facility
Asics announced the establishment of the Asics Institute of Sport Science Europe (ISS Europe), a new research and development function, to “further strengthen its research and development capabilities in Europe.”
Big Peach Running Co. Expands with New Georgia Location
Located at 141 S. Broad Street, the new store will offer the same fitting services, inventory selection and special events as other Big Peach stores.
Salomon to Open NYC Flatiron District Storefront
Salomon reports that the upcoming opening of its Flatiron store in New York City “marks a strategic effort to blend and grow its Sportstyle and Performance lines within major creative centers.”
Fleet Feet Opens Fifth San Antonio Location
Leading run retailer strengthens presence in one of the nation’s fastest-growing running markets. The Fleet Feet store at Stone Ridge Market opens on June 15.
Kohl’s Names Former Foot Locker Exec as Chief Operating Officer
Kohl’s hired Elliott Rodgers to the role of chief operating officer. Most recently, he was COO at Foot Locker, Inc.
StockX Reopens NYC Location
StockX officially reopened its New York City retail location at 237 Lafayette Street in SoHo. The reimagined space serves as StockX’s “first true permanent retail destination in the U.S., offering customers a curated in-person shopping experience alongside the brand’s signature seller drop-off service, cultural programming, and community events.”
Report: U.S. Retail Sales Rise 1.3 Percent in May as Footwear and Apparel Pressured
Overall U.S. retail spending rose 1.3 percent in May year-over-year, while unit demand declined 1.5 percent, according to Circana. Circana found footwear and apparel categories to be “under the greatest pressure, with declining volumes and pricing compression.”
Memphis Retailer, Outdoors Inc., Closing After 52 years
Outdoors, Inc., in Memphis, TN, is closing after 52 years in operation. The retailer now has only one store at 5245 Poplar Avenue in East Memphis and an e-commerce site.
L.L.Bean to Re-Open Flagship in September Following Renovation
L.L.Bean reported that it plans to showcase its redesigned flagship campus in Freeport, ME, September 18-20, after a $50 million multiyear renovation, which began in 2023.
Survey: Nearly Half of Americans Not Interested in World Cup
Only slightly more than four in 10 U.S. adults in a new Emerson College poll indicated they are interested in the FIFA World Cup, although the event attracts strong appeal with younger generations and international audiences.
