
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.
Denver’s Echo Mountain Acquired
Jogan Inc., a Denver-based holding company, acquired Echo Mountain, a ski area located near Evergreen and Idaho Springs, CO. Terms were not disclosed.

Nordstrom, Inc. to Open New Rack Store in Mooresville, NC
The 28,000 square-foot Nordstrom Rack store is scheduled to open in the Mooresville Crossing shopping center in fall 2024.

Gatorz Eyewear Hires New Head of Marketing
The performance eyewear manufacturer, appointed industry veteran Scott Sorensen as head of marketing, overseeing consumer and product marketing strategies, strengthening the brand’s positioning and executing growth initiatives.

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.

Oboz Footwear Adds Representation in South Central and Great Lakes
Oboz Footwear retained Powers Pedersen Sales Group and High Plains Outdoor Group for sales representation in the Great Lakes and South Central regions, respectively.

Hydrow Hires Chief Experience Officer; Names Cino CMO
The connected rowing brand hired Craig Tello as chief experience officer, while Diana Cino was promoted to chief marketing officer.
GroupeStahl Names Chief Revenue Officer
GroupeSTAHL, the heat printing technology company, promoted Josh Ellsworth to the position of chief revenue officer. He has worked for the company since 1999.

Clarus Acquires Tred Outdoors
Clarus Corporation reported acquiring Tred Outdoors Pty Ltd., the Australia-based outdoor and recovery gear manufacturer, from Venlo Holdings. Terms were not disclosed.
Legacy Sports International Names Southeast Sales Director
Austin McCord is based out of the Ft Worth, TX area and is “strategically positioned to further the expansion of Legacy’s Howa, Pointer, Citadel, and Nikko Stirling brands.”

Taurus USA Names General Manager of Marketing
Caleb Giddings originally joined Taurus as marketing manager, after consulting on a project that would result in the award-winning Taurus 856 Executive Grade.

Picklemall Signs Lease For First Greater Chicago Location
Picklemall leased a 46,000-square-foot lease in Vernon Hills, IL, a suburb north of Chicago, to serve as a flagship location for the company’s indoor pickleball concept.