Footwear

New York -- Households with school-age children (pre-kindergarten through 12th grade) plan a big cut-back in back-to-school spending. Results of the 2013 Brand Keys Back to School Report Card show that there will be a year-over-year decrease of 10% in back-to-school spending, or an average spend this year of just more than $600 per household.

However, not every retailer will experience a decline in back-to-school profits. This year, the eight retailers showing the greatest increase in consumer intent-to-shop were:

1. Amazon

The Converse flagship in San Francisco is not only the sneaker brand’s first Northern California location; it’s also its largest and most innovative location to date. The 8,200-sq.-ft. store, which features Converse’s full line-up of footwear, apparel and accessories, is big on personalization, with an interactive system for designing one-of-a-kind Converse sneakers and clothing.  

WARRENDALE, Pa. — Rue21, a leading specialty apparel retailer for young women and men, is trying out a new store format on for size, and about to give guys something to smile about in the process.

The retailer has opened its first RueGuy stores in Bay Shore, N.Y., Harlingen, Texas, and New Boston, Ohio. The approximately 6,000-sq.-ft. stores are the first of seven RueGuy stores slated to open across the U.S. during August. The company is on target to open approximately 20 RueGuy stores by the end of the year.

Purchase, N.Y. — Kicks USA has leased a 4,600-sq.-ft. store at CooperTowne Center in Somerdale, N.J., said National Realty & Development Corp.

The urban, family apparel and athletic footwear retailer will Join anchors Wal-Mart Supercenter, Cinemark Theatres and LA Fitness.

New York -- The Jones Group Inc. swung to a loss in the second quarter as the company was challenged with lower sales, weaker margins and higher costs.

Jones Group reported a loss of $3.4 million for the second quarter, compared to a profit of $8.1 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue decreased 1.1% to $845.6 million from $855 million for the second quarter of 2012. Analysts estimated revenues of $832.06 million for the quarter. One bright spot for Jones Group was an almost 21% year-over-year increase in wholesale jeanswear sales.

El Segundo, Calif. -- Big 5 Sporting Goods reported that its second-quarter profit more than doubled from a year ago on higher sales and expanding margins, but its revenue fell short of expectations.

The sporting goods’ retailer said its net income increased to $6.1 million for the period ended June 30, up from $2.6 million in the year ago period. Net sales climbed 5.9%, to $239.9 million, below the $244 million expected by analysts.

FREMONT, Calif. — The Men's Wearhouse has appointed retail industry veteran Allen I. Questrom to its board of directors.

Questrom’s addition brings the Men's Wearhouse board to a total of nine directors, seven of whom are independent.

NEW YORK — Lower sales, weaker margins and higher costs at the Jones Group translated into a $3.4 million loss for the second quarter ended July 6, compared to a profit of $8.1 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue decreased 1.1% to $845.6 million from $855 million for the second quarter of 2012. Analysts estimated revenues of $832.06 million for the quarter. One bright spot for Jones Group was an almost 21% year-over-year increase in wholesale jeanswear sales.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Sports Authority has named Stephen Binkley as the company’s new CMO. He replaces EVP, chief merchant and CMO Greg Waters, who has decided to resign his position to pursue personal interests after 24 years at the company. 

During his tenure at Sports Authority, Waters held several leadership roles, including EVP, marketing and merchandising, COO and SVP of store operations.