Direct To Consumer (DTC)

Texas is the go-to state for real estate developers in the U.S. and Canada, according to PwC and the Urban Land Institute.   In the 38th annual edition of the joint study, “Emerging Trends in Real Estate,” investment companies surveyed named Austin and Dallas/Fort Worth as the top two cities for development. The Northwest put in the second-best showing, with Portland and Seattle coming in at numbers three and four.  

Journeys’ new gifting program is primed to personalize the shopping experience among its young customer base.   While this segment is too young to carry credit cards, teens are digitally savvy and increasingly mobile-driven. Leveraging these factors, Journeys is launching an online and digital gift card program across three of its brands.   

Amid “sluggish retail conditions,” VF Corp.’s Under Armour division posted gains for the third quarter.   Under Armour’s net revenues increased 22% in third quarter 2016 ended Sept. 30, 2016, to $1.47 billion compared $1.20 billion for the same period last year. Net income increased 28% to $128 million, compared with $100 million for third quarter last year.  

Despite sales gains, Cabela’s experienced profit losses for the third quarter.   For the quarter ended Oct. 1, 2016, the outdoor retailer’s total revenue increased 7.6% to $996.5 million; revenue from retail store sales increased 8.1% to $688.6 million; Internet and catalog sales increased 3.6% to $167.4 million; and financial services revenue increased 8.8% to $134.5 million.   

GNC Holdings reported a quarterly dividend of 20 cents per share.   The dividend will be paid on Dec. 30.   The specialty wellness retailer operates more than 9,000 locations in approximately 50 countries.  

A German brand known for its high-quality headphones had dropped anchor in the United States.      Sennheiser has opened a pop-up, in the SoHo section of downtown Manhattan, that is designed to let visitors try out its products firsthand.      The brand is also set to open a permanent retail space, at the Westfield World Trade Center in Manhattan, in late October. It will serve as a showroom and not sell product (product is sold at the pop-up, however).  

Skechers’ third quarter results came in below estimates as the company said it would continue to focus internationally for growth.   The Manhattan Beach, Calif.-based brand’s net income fell 2.2% to $65.1 million, or 42 cents per diluted share, which was below forecasts for diluted EPS of 47 cents. Skechers said its diluted EPS were negatively impacted by foreign currency translation and exchange losses.  

Saks Fifth Avenue has opened its first standalone store dedicated exclusively to footwear.