Foot Locker CTO Elected to PRA Group Board of Directors
As Foot Locker’s CTO, Butler drives technology strategy, innovation and delivery across their digital, data and analytics, supply chain/merchandising and omni-channel experiences. In addition to serving on multiple boards, Butler is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions.
Study: Shoplifting Increased 93 Percent Since 2019; Violence Jumped 84 Percent Since 2022
According to the study, retailers surveyed experienced an average of 177 shoplifting incidents per day in 2023; however, that number can reach over 1,000 depending on the retail sector.
Report: Western Mountain Resort Rates, Bookings Edge Up in November, Stays Lengthen
Participating resort properties in 17 mountain destinations across seven Western U.S. states reported that customer bookings made during November for arrival from November 2024 through April 2025 drove seasonal occupancy up 7.2 percent from where it was in October.
Report: U.S. November Online Sales Up 9.8 Percent; SG Segment Down 1.4 Percent
November’s Core Retail Sales – as defined by NRF — based on the Census data but excluding automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants — were up 0.4 percent seasonally-adjusted m/m and up 3.8 percent unadjusted y/y.
Report: Resale Spending Trend Outpacing Traditional Retail
The findings collected by Consumer Edge show resale spending outpaced traditional retail in 2024, driven by budget-conscious consumers and an increased focus on sustainability amid an uncertain economic environment.
Pvolve Inks Deal to Open First Studio in Greater Kansas City
The deal reportedly marks Pvolve’s debut in Kansas and adds to the brand’s rapid growth, now boasting over 50 studios in development across the U.S.
Helen of Troy Completes Acquisition of Olive & June
The parent of Osprey and Hydro Flask intends to update its outlook for fiscal 2025 to include the incremental impact of Olive & June in conjunction with the third quarter earnings release on January 9, 2025.
The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort Expands and Renovates Sporting Shoppe
The company said the 30,000 expansion and renovation is expected to enhance the shopping experience featuring a wider selection of outdoor gear, lifestyle apparel and authentic specialty goods.
Z-Man Appoints Product Manager and Marketing Specialist
The company has hired Richard Dunham, a lifelong bass fisherman and industry veteran, in the newly created role of product manager role, and Marketing Specialist Abbie Skeen, who brings her skills in image and visual branding as well as graphic design.
Victory Archery Hires Regional Sales Manager
Cody Powell is the newest member of the growing Victory Archery team, stepping into the role of regional sales manager.
Legacy1846 Hires Industry Vet as VP of Brand & Customer Relations
The company has hired Luke Cotton as VP of brand and customer relations, driving collaboration across multiple divisions within the Legacy1846 brands, including Outtech and The Sports Products Group.
Report: Over 157M Consumers Plan to Shop on Super Saturday, with Almost Half Online
The NRF suggests that with only four days between Super Saturday and December 25, shoppers will likely embrace multiple channels as they wrap up their holiday shopping; however, e-commerce appears to be the top destination with 49 percent of respondents going online.
Ombraz to Expand Retail Presence, Adds New Hire
The company plans to expand its representation in other U.S. regions outside the Southwest and Southeast. Internationally, it aims to expand its business in Japan while exploring distribution opportunities in Canada. In October, Samantha Putošová was hired as supply chain and operations manager.
Life Time Continues Expansion in Atlanta with Club in North Druid Hills
Life Time North Druid Hills in Atlanta, GA, opened on Monday, December 16. The new location marks the eighth in Atlanta and the first in DeKalb County for Life Time.
Rusty Saunders Passes Away After 60 Years in SG Industry
Rusty Saunders had a successful 60-plus-year career in the sporting goods industry, having worked in retail, manufacturing and sales. He was inducted into the NSGA Hall of Fame in 2013. Saunders passed away on December 8 at age 88.
