SGB Update Footwear
REI’s Chris Speyer to Join MEC as New Chief Merchandising Officer
Speyer, who has worked as REI Co-op’s CMO for the last seven years, reportedly brings over thirty years of leadership experience in the specialty outdoor retail, wholesale, and direct-to-consumer businesses.
EXEC: Rossignol Reopens Paris St–Germain Store
Joining a host of other brands freshening or expanding their Paris retail presence for the Summer Olympics, The Rossignol Group has reopened its Paris St–Germain store following a complete renovation.
REI Co-op Appoints SVP, Chief Technology Officer
Guillaume Ledieu succeeds Dan Shull, who will depart REI on July 12 for a new opportunity. Guillaume joined the co-op in 2023 as VP of foundation technology and has already had an incredible impact in his short time working for the company.
Locally Names First Chief Marketing Officer
Karen Sage joins the company as CMO to further fuel Locally’s expansion as it marks a 12-month growth trajectory to over $1.8 billion in retail referral sales.
American Exchange Group Acquires Island Surf Company
Island Surf Company will become a division of White Mountain Footwear, a brand that American Exchange acquired in January 2023. Joe O’Brien will reportedly continue to lead the Island Surf Company brand.
Macy’s, Inc. Appoints New Chief Information Officer
Keith Credendino, who is currently SVP of technology product development, customer experience, will succeed the retiring Laura Miller as CIO, effective August 4, and join the company’s Corporate Strategy Group.
NRF: Inbound Cargo Volume Forecasted to Grow 14.4 Percent for 2024 First Half
Importers are looking at issues including high shipping rates, unresolved port labor negotiations and continuing capacity and congestion issues from the ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea.
Target Will Stop Accepting Checks at Checkout
Target announced on Tuesday, July 9, that, as of July 15, it will no longer accept personal checks from customers at the time of checkout. The retailer confirmed its decision with the Associated Press, citing “extremely low volumes” of customers who pay by check.
Nordstrom to Open a New Rack Store in Coral Springs, FL
The new Nordstrom Rack in Coral Springs, FL, is expected to open in fall 2025. The 31,000-square-foot store will be located in Pine Ridge Square, a popular shopping center.
Johnston & Murphy Revamps Two Mall Locations, Remains Focused to Retail Expansion
Redesign stores at Short Hills and Twelve Oaks aim to capitalize on the bounce back of America’s malls, attracting a younger consumer looking for an “engaging retail experience and instant gratification.”
NRF: Consumers Face ‘Critical Moment’ Waiting on Fed
National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said the Fed must balance using high interest rates to reduce inflation with the risk that keeping rates too high for too long could slow the economy to the point of recession.
NSGA: Former Board Chairman and Source for Sports Founder Al Anderson Passes Away
Al Anderson, the only Canadian to serve as Board chairman of the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA), passed away on July 2. He was 92.
Rally House Opens Storefront in Lehigh Valley Mall and Second in Houston
The nationwide retailer increased its storefront count in the Philadelphia area to 22 after opening Rally House Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall, PA, on July 5, on the Mall’s lower level. Rally House Willowbrook Plaza opened on July 5, two weeks after its first storefront in Houston with Rally House Houston Outlets.
SGB Media to Close for Independence Day Holiday
SGB Media will not publish the SGB Morning or Evening Newsletters on July 4 and July 5. We will return to the office and resume publication on Monday, July 8.
Kith to Open Malibu Flagship
On July 4, Kith will open its third flagship in Malibu, CA, alongside Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. To commemorate the opening, Kith partnered with New Balance to redesign the 1300 and 580 sneakers.
