Footwear

The parent company of Famous Footwear is expanding its men's and international operations.    Caleres has tapped Malcolm Robinson as president of the company’s new men’s and international division. He will oversee the strategic growth initiatives for the Caleres men’s brands, as well as expand an international footprint across the company’s portfolio.  

Adidas has upped its game with a store that celebrates the heritage and vibe of its Venice Beach, California, locale.     The company has opened a 5,900-sq.-ft. store on Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice Beach, dedicated to its Originals brand. The store combines such classic lines as Stan Smith with new ones such as NMD. The space will also house immersive events and installations on a regular basis in order to encourage localized experiences, create community among streetwear lovers and connect with local culture enthusiasts.

An uptick in college student enrollment will give a big boost to retailers' second biggest shopping season.    Combined back-to-school and back-to-college spending is projected to reach $83.6 billion, up more than 10% from last year’s $75.8 billion, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights and Analytics.   

Dick's Sporting Goods has tapped a digital expert as its top marketer.    Dick's on Tuesday named Scott Hudler as senior VP – chief marketing officer, responsible for the company's overall marketing and consumer engagement strategy and implementation. He succeeds Lauren Hobart, who was promoted to president of Dick's in May.   

Gymboree Corp. is "right-sizing" its store footprint.  

Famous Footwear wants to get merchandise into its shoppers’ hands faster.   By rolling out an in-store pickup service chainwide, Famous Footwear’s online shoppers now have the option of picking up their orders in more than 1,000 locations. To encourage shoppers to try the service, the retailer is offering customers that shop between July 7 through July 11, a $5 discount off of one order containing an in-store pickup item.  

A new Publix-anchored center has brought 200 jobs and new shopping and dining opportunities to the 14,000-plus residents of Moultrie, Georgia, according to The Moultrie Observer.   “We’d had 26 ribbon cuttings through March. There’s a lot of new businesses expansions, adding a few people here and there. Our unemployment rate continues to drop.” said Darrell Moore, president of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority.   

Skechers has debuted a new store format in its largest mall location to date.    The company has opened a 24,000-sq.-ft. outlet store at Ontario Mills, Ontario, California, that houses one of the widest assortments of Skechers products under one roof, with dedicated departments for the brand's various lifestyle and performance collections for men and women. The new Skechers Superstore also features a fun kids’ area, complete with a candy shop and a theater space screening Skechers cartoons.  

The Finish Line met earnings estimates for its first quarter amid sales that were less than expected.    The retailer reported net income of $8.1 million. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.23, in  line with analysts' expectations.    Consolidated net sales inched down 0.1% to $429.8 million in the quarter ended May 27. Same-store sales decreased 1.1%. Same-store sales at Finish Line in-store shops at Macy’s 13.6%.  

lululemon athletica is thinking outside its core athleisure category.