Footwear

Dick's Sporting Goods will be busy in August, opening five stores in three different states.   The nation's largest sporting goods retailer will open two namesake stores and three Field & Stream stores in the first half of August. In Prosper, Texas, Dick's and Field & Stream will open under one roof at the Gates of Prosper. And in Houston, Dick's will open at Post Oak Shopping Center.   

Amazon’s investments in the shoe business are paying off.   While 2017 is not even close to over, it is shaping up to being a strong year for shoes on Amazon. The company has already experienced 18% growth year-over-year during the first two quarters, alone. For 2016, Amazon had a total of 35% year-over-year growth, according to a study by One Click Retail.   

The owner of Ann Taylor, Loft, DressBarn, Lane Bryant and other brands is consolidating its executive leadership structure as part of its efforts to reinvigorate top-line growth.  

Carter’s credits its U.S. retail and international segments, and its new acquisition for a jump in its second quarter sales.   Net income for the quarter ended July 1, increased $1.7 million, or 4.8%, to $37.9 million, compared to $36.2 million, in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. Earnings per diluted share was or $0.78, which beat analyst expectations of $0.71 per share, according to Zacks Investment Research.  

The largest U.S. chain dedicated to recreational vehicles is acquiring a new company.   Camping World Holdings announced that it will purchase TheHouse.com, an online retailer specializing in bikes, sailboards, skateboards, wakeboards, snowboards and outdoor gear. Both companies will maintain distinct brands, with Camping World focusing on the outdoor camping and RV industry, and TheHouse.com continuing to provide its offering to shoppers with active outdoor lifestyles.  

Parents are pulling back on their back-to-school spending, and making “essential” school supplies their top priorities.    This was according to a new survey from Ebates and global internet services company Rakuten. The study, which was conducted online by Propeller Insights in June 2017, tapped 1,001 adults and 500 teens.  

Less than three years after opening stores across the pond, American Eagle Outfitters is closing up shop in the United Kingdom.   The specialty retailer operates three stores in the U.K. It has already closed one location, and is winding down operations at its remaining two stores, as well as its British e-commerce site, according to the Telegraph.  

Michael Kors expects its newest acquisition to give it a stronger hold in the luxury sector.   The brand, which built its reputation on lines of high-end apparel, handbags, shoes and fashion accessories, has acquired luxury shoemaker Jimmy Choo for approximately $1.350 billion. The transaction, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2017, has been approved by the boards of directors of both Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo.  

Louis Vuitton is making a move to grab its share of the booming online shopping market in China.   The French fashion brand quietly debuted an e-commerce website that sells leather goods, small leather goods, shoes, accessories, watch and jewelry, luggage, and perfume. The site marks Louis Vuitton’s 11th e-commerce market since it launched its first site in France in 2005, according to CNBC.  

The search is over.    The Buckle named Thomas B. Heacock as VP of finance, treasurer and CFO, effective July 20. As CFO, he replaces Karen B. Rhoads, who in May announced her intention to retire. Rhoads will assist in the transfer of her duties and responsibilities to Heacock, and will continue to serve as a member of the company’s board.