SGB Update

Alpha Industries Hires Director of Marketing

Samantha Goretski’s background includes working for Nike and New Balance and seven years with Vans in California and Switzerland as brand marketing director, overseeing its EMEA region’s lifestyle and action sports categories.

Gartner Survey Points to Softer Holiday Spending

According to a survey of 302 consumers conducted in June by Gartner, Inc., only nine percent of respondents said they plan to spend more this holiday season than in 2022, with 28 percent saying they will spend less and 63 percent saying they would spend the same.

Crunch Fitness Opening Newest Charlotte, NC Location

Crunch Fitness franchisee CR Fitness Holdings, LLC is opening Crunch Arboretum in Charlotte, NC a $5 million, 35,000-square-foot fitness facility in a space previously occupied by Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Nordstrom Adds Board Member

Nordstrom, Inc. appointed Guy B. Persaud to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Persaud is president of the new business unit at Procter & Gamble.

Shoe Carnival Increases Quarterly Dividend

Shoe Carnival, Inc.’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend payment of 12 cents per share, representing an increase of 20 percent from 10 cents per share.

KOA Sees Jump in Fall and Winter Camping

Kampgrounds of America (KOA) Inc.’s September Research Report found that 85 percent of campers have planned fall trips while winter camping has doubled in intent year-over-year.

Norrøna Selects Boston for New U.S. Concept Shop

Norrøna reported it will open a 2,637-square-foot concept shop on Boston’s Newbury Street in Spring 2024. The company said the move signifies the sustainable growth the family-owned Norwegian manufacturer of apparel and gear has achieved in the U.S.

JD Sports Posts Double-Digit H1 Growth in N.A. with DTLR, Finish Line, JD and Shoe Palace

U.K.-based JD Sports Fashion reported total revenue of £4.78 billion ($5.91 billion) for the first half of its fiscal year ended July 29, up 8.3 percent  year-over-year. JD said organic growth in its North America business was up 15 percent with the three largest segments—Finish Line/JD, DTLR and Shoe Palace—delivering between 13 percent and 17 percent organic sales growth.