Changing consumer preferences for athletic, casual and specialty footwear will drive growth in the U.S. footwear market. Data from Research and Markets projects a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 3.11 percent, setting the stage for growth to soar from $105.54 billion in 2024 to $139.03 billion by 2033. More from WWD And while e-commerce and omnichannel strategies will reshape the market through personalized experiences, it will be the major players such as Nike and Adidas leading innovations that wi ...

Core Insights - DRYWORLD Brands Inc. has officially launched the Phoenix RUN, a high-performance long-distance running shoe aimed at redefining comfort, energy return, and design innovation for athletes globally [1][2] - The launch signifies a historic milestone for DRYWORLD as it expands into the global athletic footwear market, which is a multi-billion-dollar industry [6] Product Features - The Phoenix RUN is inspired by DRYWORLD's first product, featuring a stereoscopic 3D printed upper that provides adaptive support, breathability, and lightweight durability [3] - The shoe incorporates FLY Foam, an advanced cushioning platform that offers a soft and responsive midsole, described by athletes as "walking on clouds" [4] - Key technologies include a double-layer anti-torsion structure, a wide toe box for stability, and a high-abrasion rubber for traction and durability [5] Market Positioning - The footwear category is considered essential for DRYWORLD's growth strategy, as it aims to deliver complete performance solutions for athletes [6] - The name "Phoenix RUN" reflects the brand's ethos of rebirth and resilience, symbolizing its journey and future aspirations in the athletic market [6]

All right. How much weight are you going to put on this retail sales report. We had a guest on earlier.He says, "Yeah, it's interesting because I want data, but it's kind of backwards looking and it's kind of not really clear how much of a read it gives on today's consumer." >> Yeah, that's correct. And I think you're going to get some more data in the later in the week. You know, Adobe usually comes out with their, you know, Black Friday weekend sales update and some of their Cyber Monday, you know, data p ...

Core Insights - The Swiss company On has surpassed Nike in terms of growth and market presence, indicating a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the athletic footwear industry [1] - On is now focusing on overcoming tariff challenges, which could impact its pricing strategy and market expansion plans [1] Company Performance - On's revenue growth has been impressive, with a reported increase of 70% year-over-year, showcasing its strong market demand and brand appeal [1] - The company has successfully positioned itself as a premium brand, attracting a loyal customer base and increasing its market share [1] Industry Trends - The athletic footwear industry is experiencing heightened competition, with brands like On challenging established players such as Nike and Adidas [1] - Tariffs and trade policies are becoming critical factors for companies in the industry, influencing their operational strategies and pricing models [1]

Market Outlook - Oppenheimer's chief investment strategist, John Stoltzfus, expressed optimism about the market rally, attributing it to positive news from the New York Fed and Boston Fed [1] - The expectation of a Fed interest rate cut in December is a key issue driving market focus, with a predicted 25 basis point cut [2] Investment Recommendations - Stoltzfus advised focusing on fundamentally strong stocks that may be sold off by aggressive traders, rather than buying dips indiscriminately [1] - Oppenheimer maintains a long-term preference for cyclical sectors over defensive ones, specifically recommending Information Technology, Communication Services, Industrials, Financials, and Consumer Discretionary [1] Company Analysis: Deckers Outdoor Corporation - Deckers has a market capitalization of $12.41 billion, TTM net income of $1.02 billion, and a net income margin of 19.36% as of November 21 [8] - The company reported a total revenue of $1.43 billion for FQ2 2026, marking a 9% year-over-year increase, with diluted EPS increasing by 14% to $1.82 [9] - HOKA revenue grew by 15% and UGG revenue rose by 12% in H1 of the fiscal year, driven by strong international performance [10] Company Analysis: Roper Technologies Inc. - Roper Technologies has a market capitalization of $47.76 billion, TTM net income of $1.57 billion, and a net income margin of 20.34% as of November 21 [12] - The company reported over $2 billion in total revenue for Q3 2025, a 14% year-over-year increase, with diluted EPS of $5.14, an 11% increase [14] - Roper's acquisition strategy has been effective, yielding durable free cash flow and growing recurring revenue [13]

Core Viewpoint - On Holding is adopting a full-price strategy for the holiday season, opting out of Black Friday discounts to reinforce its premium brand positioning [1][2]. Company Performance - On Holding reported Q3 net sales of 794.4 million Swiss francs ($994.3 million) and a net income of 118.9 million francs, significantly up from 30.5 million francs in the same quarter last year [4]. - The company raised its full-year sales guidance from 2.91 billion francs to 2.98 billion francs, indicating strong performance and optimism [4]. Competitive Landscape - Competitors like Adidas and Nike are engaging in early Black Friday promotions, contrasting with On's strategy [2]. - Nike anticipates a decrease in fiscal Q2 revenue and a drop in gross margins, with Q1 net income down 31% year over year [5]. - HOKA, owned by Deckers, is also promoting discounted holiday gifts, reflecting a different approach compared to On [3]. Market Trends - Deckers' brands, HOKA and UGG, saw sales increases of 11.1% and 10.1% year over year, while other brands under Deckers experienced a 26.5% decrease [7]. - Tariffs are influencing sales guidance adjustments for Nike and Deckers, as rising prices are affecting consumer purchasing behavior [8].

Core Viewpoint - Skechers investors are suing company executives and 3G Capital over allegations of an unfair sale price during a recent acquisition, claiming the deal undervalued the company and favored controlling shareholders [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - 3G Capital acquired Skechers in a $9.4 billion deal that closed in September, with a share price set at $63 per share [1]. - The acquisition price was said to represent a 30% premium over the company's 15-day volume-weighted average stock price prior to the deal [5]. Group 2: Legal Actions - A class action complaint was filed in Delaware Chancery Court by hedge funds and large investors, accusing Skechers and 3G Capital of arranging a non-independent deal that shortchanged minority shareholders [2]. - Plaintiffs are seeking a higher share price and were unable to reach an early settlement with Skechers, which offered a price slightly above the original [3]. Group 3: Market Impact - Skechers' stock price fell 23% in early April following the announcement of new tariffs, but rebounded by 30% after the acquisition deal was announced [5]. - The company faced challenges due to volatile federal tariff policies affecting its production in countries like China and Vietnam [4][6]. Group 4: Executive Involvement - The complaint alleges that CEO Robert Greenberg and President Michael Greenberg collaborated closely with 3G Capital to structure the acquisition in a way that benefited them personally [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - Genesco Inc. will report its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 on December 4, 2025, before the market opens, and will hold a conference call at 7:30 a.m. Central time on the same day [1]. Company Overview - Genesco Inc. is a footwear-focused company with a diverse portfolio of retail and lifestyle brands, operating over 1,250 retail stores and branded e-commerce websites [2]. - The company's brands include Journeys, Little Burgundy, and Schuh, targeting teens, kids, and young adults with fashion footwear inspired by youth culture in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. [2]. - Johnston & Murphy caters to affluent men and women with premium footwear, apparel, and accessories in the U.S. and Canada [2]. - Genesco Brands Group sells branded lifestyle footwear to leading retailers under licensed brands such as Wrangler, Dockers, Starter, and PONY [2]. - Founded in 1924, Genesco is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee [2]. Financial Communication - A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on Genesco's investor relations website, with an audio archive accessible for up to one year [3]. - A summary of the third quarter fiscal 2026 results will also be published on the Genesco website on December 4, 2025 [3].

Core Viewpoint - Investment firms are suing for a better acquisition price than the $63 per share offered by 3G Capital in a $9.4 billion deal for Skechers [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - 3G Capital is acquiring Skechers for a total of $9.4 billion [1] - The offered price of $63 per share is being contested by investment firms holding millions of shares [1] Group 2: Legal Action - Investment firms are seeking a better deal through legal action against the acquisition terms [1]

Core Viewpoint - Dr. Martens is in the early stages of a turnaround, with the CEO expressing satisfaction with the progress made in the business [1] Financial Performance - In the first half of fiscal 2026, net revenue decreased by 0.8% to £322.0 million from £324.6 million in the same period last year, influenced by a strategy to improve revenue quality [3] - Net debt reduced to £302.3 million from £348.7 million in the first half of fiscal 2025, indicating effective cost management and strategic progress [2][3] Market Conditions - The marketplace remains uncertain, with cautious consumer behavior, yet the company is confident in its plans for the year [4] - Despite this confidence, shares of Dr. Martens fell by 13% on Thursday, reflecting shareholder concerns [4] Product Performance - Overall pairs sold decreased by 1% to 4.7 million, with direct-to-consumer (DTC) pairs down 3% and wholesale pairs up 4% [5] - Full price DTC pairs increased by 6%, aligning with the growth in full price DTC revenue [5] - Boots accounted for 50% of group revenue, shoes 30%, sandals 15%, and bags and other items 5% [5] Notable Products - The Adrian tassel loafer saw a 24% growth in pairs sold, becoming a key driver of shoe performance [6] - The iconic boots, including the 1460 boot and the 2976 Chelsea boot, experienced a decline of 17% in DTC sales and 9% overall, although they remain top-selling products [7]