The Rockford, Mich.-based footwear company said total revenue in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $494.7 million, down 6.1 percent from $526.7 million the same time last year. Ongoing total revenue in Q4 – which excludes the impact of sold assets like Keds, Sperry and the Wolverine leather business – was also $494.7 million, an increase of 3.0 percent from $480.5 million the prior year period.

By brand, Merrell and the company’s namesake Wolverine label led the way in Q4 in terms of growth. At Merrell, net sales in the period were $163.4 million, a 1.0 percent increase from $161.8 million the prior year. At the Wolverine brand, net sales were $62.4 million, a 20.5 percent increase from $51.8 million just a year ago.

Turning to Saucony, sales declined 5.3 percent to $99.6 million in the third quarter from $105.1 million the same time last year. And at Sweaty Betty, net sales decline 5.9 percent in Q4 to $63.4 million from $67.3 million.

The company’s international revenue was down 5.4 percent to $252.7 million on a reported basis compared to the prior year, while its direct-to-consumer revenue was also down 18.8 percent on a reported basis to $151.7 million. Net debt at the end of the quarter was $496 million, down $246 million or approximately 33.1 percent compared to the prior year.

As for the full fiscal year 2024, Wolverine Worldwide said total revenue was $1.76 billion, down 21.8 percent from $2.24 billion from 2023. Ongoing total revenue in fiscal 2024 was $1.75 billion, a decrease of 12.1 percent from $1.99 billion the prior year.

By brand, Merrell reported net sales in 2024 of $598.4 million, down 11.5 percent from $675.8 million in fiscal 2023. At Saucony, sales declined 18.0 percent to $406.5 million from $495.8 million, while the Wolverine brand sales decreased 4.0 percent to $193.1 million from $201.2 million. Sweaty Betty net sales for the year declined tk percent to $198.9 million from $203.8 million.

The company’s international revenue was down 15.9 percent to $861.6 million on a reported basis compared to the prior year, while its direct-to-consumer revenue was also down 16.9 percent on a reported basis to $483.9 million.

“A year ago, we outlined an ambitious turnaround strategy composed of three chapters: stabilization, transformation, and inflection,” Chris Hufnagel, president and chief executive officer of Wolverine Worldwide, said in a statement. “We shared a plan to meaningfully strengthen the company’s balance sheet, expand profitability, and sequentially improve revenue trends – culminating with an inflection to growth in the final quarter of 2024. I’m pleased to report that we accomplished all of these objectives.”

Hufnagel added that the company exceeded its expectations for revenue and earnings in the fourth quarter and inflected to growth as a company – delivering better-than-anticipated results for 2024. “As we begin 2025, our brands are poised to continue to build on our momentum, standing on a much healthier foundation with stronger product pipelines and compelling storytelling,” the CEO noted. “Our team is encouraged by the work we’ve accomplished together and excited to turn the page.”

Looking ahead, the company said that it expects to build on the momentum gained in 2024 and make continued progress on its transformation in fiscal year 2025. Wolverine Worldwide noted that it expects revenue for fiscal 2025 to be approximately $1.795 billion to $1.825 billion, representing growth of approximately 2.5 percent to 4.3 percent compared to the 2024 ongoing business and constant currency growth of approximately 4.7 percent to 6.5 percent.

“2024 was a pivotal year for our 142-year-old company,” Hufnagel continued. “While we haven’t yet reached our full potential, I’m encouraged by the progress we’ve made and thankful for our teams and partners around the world. The most important chapter is the next one, as we drive together to deliver better, more consistent returns for our shareholders.”

As reported by FN in January, Authentic has now confirmed that Galaxy Universal has taken over Reebok’s footwear operations, retail stores and e-commerce, as well as leading Reebok’s global product creation, design and sourcing.

In addition, a new joint venture between Galaxy and Batra Group, dubbed GB Brands Europe Limited, will oversee the brand’s operations across Europe and the UK. This new venture takes over for New Guards Group (NGG), a division of Farfetch, which previously distributed Reebok footwear and apparel in Europe.

Jarrod Weber, global president of sports and lifestyle at Authentic Brands Group, said in a statement that the decision to work with Galaxy was a “no-brainer” and make an “ideal partner” for Reebok.

“Their expertise in athletic footwear and innovation, combined with Batra’s excellence in apparel ingenuity and relationship building, positions Reebok for incredible success across Europe and the UK,” Weber said. “Together, we are creating a future where Reebok will continue to lead in performance, style, and innovation, connecting with consumers in ways that resonate globally.”

Weber added that as the company transitions from Sparc Group, which previously held the U.S. license for Reebok, the footwear brand is positioned to drive continued growth. “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to elevating the brand’s and strengthening its global position,” Weber said.

As for Eddie Esses, chief executive officer of Galaxy, he noted that his company’s focus is to “unleash Reebok’s full potential” and to design and produce “the best athletic shoes” for customers worldwide. “We look forward to building on Reebok’s great heritage and writing the next exciting chapter of this iconic brand,” Esses commented.

Rajiv Batra, director of Batra Group, added, “We’re excited to partner with Authentic and Galaxy to take Reebok’s operations in Europe and the UK to the next level. Batra’s rich heritage in product development, design, sourcing, and distribution, positions us perfectly to drive Reebok’s growth across the region. Our joint venture, GB Brands Europe Limited, will ensure that Reebok’s apparel and footwear offerings resonate with consumers, creating the perfect blend of innovation and quality.”

With this deal Reebok joins Galaxy Universal’s portfolio of athletic brands including And1, Avia, Gaiam, Hi-Tec and Magnum. Galaxy is also the licensee of the Shaq, Quiksilver, Billabong, Lands’ End and Justice brands. Reebok also joins Batra’s portfolio, which includes Fila, Juicy Couture, Russell Athletic, Hunter Boots, Hi-Tec, Hoodrich, Pony and Sergio Tacchini.

The move strengthens Caleres’ position in women’s fashion footwear, particularly in the contemporary segment of the market, while enabling Tapestry to focus on its Coach and Kate Spade brands.

WWD and FN first reported last September that Tapestry was looking to sell off Stuart Weitzman.

“I have long admired Stuart Weitzman for the brand’s pivotal role in shaping the footwear industry. As we bring this iconic brand into the Caleres portfolio, we are committed to preserving its legacy of craftsmanship, quality and fit while driving it forward,” Jay Schmidt, president and chief executive officer of Caleres, said in a statement Wednesday morning.

“The acquisition of Stuart Weitzman advances our strategic agenda to grow our Brand Portfolio segment with more global and direct-to-consumer reach,” Schmidt added. “Stuart Weitzman will be a lead brand for Caleres, and with this combination, the segment will generate nearly half of our total revenue and will continue to generate over half of our operating profit. We will leverage our demonstrated, best-in-class footwear capabilities while pursuing category and channel growth.”

The CEO added that the company expects to operate the brand profitably post integration, and would work closely with Tapestry and the brand on the transition.

Joanne Crevoiserat, CEO of Tapestry, said in a statement, “Stuart Weitzman is an iconic global footwear brand, whose teams have added to the passion, creativity, and craftsmanship of our organization over the last decade. Importantly, as diligent stewards of our portfolio and disciplined allocators of capital, this transaction ensures that all our brands are positioned for long-term success and that we maintain a sharp focus on our largest value creation opportunities.”

For Tapestry, that means driving Coach’s momentum and reinvigorating Kate Spade “to drive durable organic growth and shareholder value.” “At the same time, we are pleased that we found Stuart Weitzman a home in Caleres – an ideal owner to guide its next chapter of growth,” Crevoiserat said.

Stuart Weitzman, launched in 1986, was acquired by Tapestry in 2015, when the company snapped up the brand from Sycamore Partners in a transaction valued at $574 million.

Looking ahead, Caleres and Tapestry said the transaction is expected to close in the summer of 2025. Caleres will fund the acquisition through the company’s revolving credit agreement, and it plans to provide more details regarding its integration plans and the financial impact of the acquisition after the transaction closes. The deal is subject to customary adjustments, Caleres indicated.

Caleres’ portfolio of footwear brands includes Famous Footwear, Sam Edelman, Allen Edmonds, Naturalizer, Vionic, Dr. Scholl’s Shoes, among others. The company’s products are available in nearly 1,000 retail stores that it operates, as well as in hundreds of department and specialty stores, on Caleres’ 15 branded e-commerce sites, and on various third-party retail websites.

Schmidt has been building his executive team with new talent and striking deals early in the new year.

This month, Caleres revealed that it signed a licensing agreement to produce the first shoe collection for Favorite Daughter for fall 2025. Favorite Daughter was launched in 2020 by sisters Erin and Sara Foster — in partnership with Centric Brands. Also last month, Caleres disclosed that Brian Costello, formerly with Nordstrom, joined Famous Footwear as chief merchandising officer.

For its part, Tapestry reported a good fiscal second quarter. While net income slipped 3.7 percent to $310.4 million, or $1.38 a diluted share, adjusted earnings per share came in at $2, beating Wall Street forecasts by 25 cents. Revenues for the three-month period rose 5 percent to $2.2 billion, ahead of the $2.11 billion analysts projected, and were driven by progress at Coach, Tapestry’s biggest brand.

However, the top-line growth at Coach was offset somewhat by Kate Spade, which saw organic sales drop 10 percent to $416.4 million. And Stuart Weitzman also declined, with sales falling 16 percent to $69.7 million.

For the past year and a half, Tapestry sought to buy Capri Holdings for $8.5 billion, but the proposed deal was blocked by government regulatory action and a Manhattan federal judge who effectively nixed the deal by granting a preliminary injunction requested by government antitrust lawyers. The deal is now off.

Capri, meanwhile, will hold an investor’s day Wednesday. The company is said to be trying to sell its Jimmy Choo and Versace brands in order to focus on the core Michael Kors subsidiary, which has been struggling for several years.

Located at 3 Times Square, the 2,700-sq.-ft. store was renovated by NYC-based design firm Ringo Studios to give the space a “clubhouse-like ambiance” and feature’s the brand’s full range of footwear and accessories.

According to Ringo Studio, the reimagined design is anchored by warm oak on the walls that is punctuated by peek-through openings, merchandising displays and seating nooks aimed at establishing “intimate shopping zones.”

Large display tables are featured every corner of the store, contrasting the warm wood tones with heavy black marble and travertine, the company said. Toward the back, an intimate lounge features a double-sided seating plinth resting heavily atop a “rug” of glossy white penny tiles with rough edges.

What’s more, linear lighting bars suspended from the 18-foot ceilings cut across the curving walls, introducing a layered visual texture that plays with expectations. Ten-foot-wide display niches along the store’s perimeter are coated in a baby blue, creating a bold backdrop for shoe silhouettes displayed on adjustable chrome shelves. Plus, crisp lemony accents intermingle with high-gloss buttery yellow, infusing the space with a playful whimsy reminiscent of the energy captured in the brand’s iconic “big head” ads from the early 2000s.

“This project marks an exciting milestone for Ringo Studio as our first major collaboration with an iconic fashion brand,” Madelynn Ringo, founder and creative director of Ringo Studio, said in a statement. “Steve Madden is synonymous with New York City’s energy and creativity, and we were challenged to reimagine the brand’s retail identity while honoring its rich history. Through our refined creative process, which prioritizes immersive storytelling, we crafted a sculptural environment that enhances the shopping experience, celebrates the bold spirit of the brand, and creates a space where people can gather, pause, and enjoy the pulse of the city.”

The news comes just days after Steve Madden snapped up Kurt Geiger for 289 million pounds in cash, or $360 million at current exchange.

“We do shoes all day. So it’s nice coming to Atlanta and you realize that you have so much in common with all the other booths, because they’re working and doing shoes all day too. It’s one big family,” said Steven Safdeye, a sales executive from E.S. Originals Inc.

Laura Conwell-O’Brien, executive director of TASM, told FN, “In my 41 years as executive director, this was by far the most successful trade show yet. The energy was incredible — every hall was buzzing with excitement, engagement was at an all-time high, and it was inspiring to see how alive and vibrant our industry remains.” She noted that attendance among retailers was up 15 percent, and for exhibitors it increased 14 percent.

Despite looming concerns about new tariffs from the Trump administration (and the resulting price increases), the overall mood at the show was largely upbeat, almost buoyant.

Brand leaders said that while the subject of tariffs is coming up in their conversations with retail wholesale partners, they’re not panicking or changing course quite yet.

“We’re taking a wait-and-see approach,” said Joe Devlin, Ecco’s independent sales director for North America. “We know it has the potential to impact our business, but we don’t want to make a change and then have to backtrack. There are a lot of things that need to play themselves out before we make any firm decisions.”

Raham Gorguinpour, senior director of sales at Vionic, noted that other factors are weighing on retailers’ minds almost more than the threat of tariff hikes. “Inflation is still a thing — it was up in January. And the cost of sourcing and shipping is a big concern,” he said.

Nevertheless, the overall outlook for business in 2025 was positive and shoe execs were optimistic that the fall collections will resonate with consumers.

One of the most notable trends across the market was “cozy” footwear options, seen in shearling-lined Sperry loafers, multicolor mohair Mou boots and everything in between.

Several brand reps noted that demand for hard-core cold-weather boots has waned in recent years due to the unpredictability of winter weather. Instead the trend has moved toward more-versatile boots and casuals — both cozy and non-cozy — because they have a longer shelf life for both retailers and consumers.

For instance, Jambu, which recently brought in a new designer to modernize its collection, reported strong traction for its casual dress styles, especially its Nia closed-toe wedge.

At Ecco, Devlin said the brand is now grounding itself in its core DNA and bringing back some tried-and-true collections with a more modern feel. (For instance, the rugged Track 25 line has returned after a brief hiatus while the brand removed all PFAs from its production.) Ecco has also invested in the development of its women’s dress collections, ranging from Chelsea boots to ballet flats. “It has a women’s-focused design approach, so it’s made for her, by her,” said Devlin, adding that the emphasis is also on lightweight and comfort.

In terms of other hot trends, Bryan Veentjer, general manager and design director at Bullboxer, observed that Western boots remain a big influence, somewhat surprisingly. “I thought it would’ve run its course, but I’m still seeing it resonating, though it’s not always a ‘true Western’ look — sometimes it’s just in the toe shape or the details,” he said.

But while boots and dress options have gained traction, sneakers continued to wield outsized influence at the show.

At Rieker, its youthful Rieker Sport casual sneaker collection has been a brand highlight, driven by its bright color palette.

Vionic, meanwhile, was touting its performance walking sneakers, including the new Walk Slim silhouette, which is a more fashionable, pared-down companion to its popular Walk Max style.

And Kizik, which has gained a strong following with its step-in performance and casual sneaker collections, is now making a play for the outdoor market with its first hiker-inspired silhouettes.

In a post on Wise’s LinkedIn page on Tuesday, he announced his departure from the German athletic company after 8.5 years.

“I’m beyond grateful for the experiences, the challenges and most importantly the people who have made this journey so special,” Wise wrote on LinkedIn. “Adidas isn’t just a company – it’s a global culture, a community and a place where creativity and innovation push boundaries every day.”

Wise, who most recently served as general manager of global basketball at Adidas, joined the company in 2016 as director of merchandising for Foot Inc. During his tenure, he also held the positions of category director of merchandising for US Originals, senior director of product, and global vice president of product. Prior to Adidas, Wise held several footwear buying positions at Villa and was the owner of Premier Athlete Performance.

“While leading the basketball business, I am proud of our achievement – relaunching the category, expanding partnerships, establishing a strong presence in Los Angeles and achieving incredible sales gains on the business side,” Wise wrote. “I’ve learned so much here – the power of collaboration, the importance of staying true to a brand’s DNA while pushing for the future and how sport, style and purpose intersect in ways that inspire millions around the world.”

“To my team and partners—thank you for your trust, your energy and the unforgettable moments we’ve shared. While I’ll always be cheering for you from the sidelines, I’m incredibly excited for what’s next,” Wise added. “More to come soon—but for now, just gratitude.”

In a statement from an Adidas spokesperson, the footwear company confirmed that Wise resigned from his post. “We are grateful and appreciative of the significant contributions that Eric has made over his 8-year tenure with the brand, culminating in his leadership of the basketball business unit,” the spokesperson said. “We would like to thank Eric for his contributions to the brand, and wish him all the best in his next chapter.”

FN has reached out to Wise for more information.

Wise’s exit from the Three Stripes comes one month after Adidas announced it would cut jobs at its Herzogenaurach, Germany headquarters in order to “simplify operations.” Wise, who was based in Los Angeles, was not part of any downsizing at the company.

The cuts came the same week Adidas reported stellar preliminary results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2024.

Adidas saw revenues grow 24 percent in Q4 to 5.97 billion euros, up from 4.81 billion euros the same time last year. As for the full fiscal year, Adidas said revenues increased 11 percent in 2024 to 23.68 billion euros, compared to 21.43 billion euros in fiscal 2023.

Luvanis, a private investment company that focuses on high-end brand revivals, is confident it has all the right ingredients in place to resurrect the storied label — which was founded in 1948 by New York power couple Herbert and Beth Levine. With a focus on innovation, function and whimsy, the Levines built one of the most iconic brands in the industry before they closed it in 1975. (The label was briefly reintroduced in 2008 by Dennis and Lynne Comeau.)

The brand’s buzzed-about relaunch is being spearheaded by Arnaud de Lummen, the founder and managing director of Luvanis, and Herbert Levine creative director Trevor Houston — who has cemented his place in the New York shoe scene as the designer behind hit shoes for Khaite and The Row.

After studying menswear at Parsons, Houston got his start in 2011 as an intern in collection shoes at Marc Jacobs under then-design director Irene Chung, an experience that would change the course of his career. “Marc was obsessed with footwear. I learned everything so quickly. It really set off my interest in shoes and obsession with structure and architecture and function,” said the designer, who has also worked at Coach.

An avid collector and vintage connoisseur who has amassed 400 pairs of shoes in his New York apartment, Houston said he has long admired the Levines and their place in shoe history. Fittingly, the Luvanis team contacted the designer after reading about his extensive footwear archive.

An Enduring Brand Story

Beth Levine, affectionally known as the “First Lady of Shoes,” was a pioneering female designer, making fashion boots a must-have in the 1960s and inventing boundary-breaking sculptural heels, the stocking boot and the “Spring-o-lator” mule.

Among Levine’s famed looks were the pair of white stiletto boots she designed for Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’” video. She also crafted shoes Barbra Streisand wore in the movie “Funny Girl.” Over the years, the designer’s looks were also worn by other Hollywood icons, including Marilyn Monroe, Ava Gardner and Lauren Bacall, as well as four First Ladies, including Jackie Kennedy.

While it’s now been five decades since the late couple closed the business, Beth’s designs have been a mainstay in collections and exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Bata Shoe Museum, among other institutions. In fact, the designer’s 1966 “Barefoot in the Grass” sandal — which features astroturf on the insole and a transparent vinyl upper — was the only shoe on display in “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” the Met Costume Institute’s spring ’24 exhibition.

De Lummen — who reintroduced Vionnet’s ready-to-wear in 2006, relaunched 19th-century trunk-maker Moynat and is now reviving French brand Rose Bertin, among other projects — said he discovered that Herbert Levine was the Met Museum’s second most-collected shoe label, after Roger Vivier.

But historical relevance isn’t enough, said the executive. He believes Herbert Levine is primed for a comeback because the brand’s styles continue to inform contemporary shoe designs. Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin and Stuart Weitzman have all cited Levine as an inspiration.

The Road to Revival

Herbert Levine’s rebirth under Luvanis has been 15 years in the making. De Lummen’s first order of business was to acquire the brand’s intellectual property in every market around the world. Then, it was about getting the right people and strategy in place. “Heritage brands can be damaged by multiple revivals. It’s having all the planets aligned to reintroduce something that is going to be relevant for the long term,” said de Lummen.

So what is relevant for women now? “It’s not about this crazy high heel. It’s actually about shoes that are worn and can go with a lot of things,” Houston said. “This is a fresh take on footwear for women.”

Houston is confident that his designs — a full shoe wardrobe ranging from boots to loafers to pumps — embody the founders’ original vision for the brand: “Refined and elegant, but with an edge,” he said. “A lot of these lasts are from the archives and they were modernized. I worked on them and got them to be wider in certain parts, or shorter or longer where they need to be, to make sure the feet fit well in them.”

All of the Levines’ original shoes were produced in their New York factory, and the new team admitted it was a challenge to find that same level of intricate craftsmanship. “You have to really know the details to get the quality perfect,” said Houston, who has been working on his debut for the past two years with a factory in the Marche shoemaking region of Italy.

During a preview of the collection during New York Fashion Week, it was clear that the designer has immersed himself in every aspect of Beth Levine’s life and work. For example, Levine was deeply inspired by painter Milton Avery, also one of Houston’s favorite artists.

Levine loved to play with materials and detailing — and that influence is evident across Houston’s styles. The designer often referenced Helene Verin’s 2009 book, “Beth Levine Shoes,” while dreaming up the new collection, which launches at retail this summer and is being sold through Massimo Bonini.

Among Houston’s favorite styles is his “grandma slipper,” fashioned in a poppy green hue and embellished with a martini pin. A ballet pump with a kitten heel made of soft PVC material comes with bubble wrap, “almost like a rain shoe.” A deep V vamp shape modernizes a classic pump, reflecting the designer’s emphasis on craftsmanship and fit.

Like the brand’s founders, Houston is also keeping function top of mind, with the highest heel in the collection standing at 95 millimeters, or just under 4 inches in height.

And one of the most touching references to the couple’s partnership comes to life on the insole of a pair of pumps. On one shoe, there’s the Beth Levine moniker; on the other, it’s Herbert Levine.. “I wanted to bring them back together,” Houston said. (During the Levines’ era, shoe brands were typically only named after men.)

The couple’s lasting impact on the industry — and their love for New York — will be a crucial part of the storytelling as the brand embarks on a new chapter for the modern era. Houston believes there’s big potential at a time when the industry has been lacking newness.

“There’s definitely a space for something like this, in the American market especially,’ he said. “Everything I make, I try to inject joy into it. You want people to be emotional about product. It needs to speak to them, and they need to remember it.”

Starring Hollywood legend Jane Fonda, the new “Born to be a Super-Star” campaign video takes viewers on an adrenaline-fueled journey, celebrating those who take risks, dream louder, and redefine the possible, the Italian footwear company noted.

Designed in 2007, the Super-Star was the first Golden Goose sneaker to feature the brand’s now ubiquitously distinctive star. Born from a visit to Venice Beach, the Super-Star draws inspiration from the local skate scene, blending the simplicity of a 1970s derby upper with the rugged wear and tear of a skateboarder’s shoe.

Joining Fonda in the campaign is an impressive cast of trailblazers featuring Australian skateboarder and two-time Olympic gold medalist Keegan Palmer, Italian Paralympic athlete and Inclusive Padel Tour founder Alessandro Ossola, American restaurateur and entrepreneur Joe Bastianich, and renowned fashion stylist Cristina Ehrlich.

Golden Goose noted that each cast member brings their unique stories to the campaign, showcasing the universal appeal of the Super-Star sneaker. The campaign is the first of many celebratory moments of the brand’s 25th anniversary, Golden Goose added.

This new campaign comes one month after Golden Goose gained a new minority investor in Blue Pool Capital. In January, the Hong Kong-based family office set up by Joe Tsai, cofounder and chairman of the Alibaba Group, acquired a 12 percent stake in the Italian company. Funds advised by Permira will retain a majority investment in Golden Goose.

Permira acquired a majority stake in the brand in 2020 to accelerate its growth through direct-to-consumer channels, in particular online and retail, and diversify its product assortment.

 “We warmly welcome Blue Pool Capital as a strategic partner in our journey to redefine luxury,” Silvio Campara, chief executive officer of Golden Goose, said at the time. “This partnership reflects the strength of our brand and the incredible global community of Dreamers we have built.”

Campara touted the expertise of Blue Pool and “their deep connections” in the U.S. and in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as “their impressive portfolio in sports investments,” which will contribute to “push the boundaries of our dream. Together, we will accelerate our growth through innovation while continuing to deliver unique, authentic experiences to our community.”

Since 2020, Golden Goose has more than doubled its revenues and built a community of over 1.8 million customers. Golden Goose is present in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region, with more than 200 stores and an online and wholesale distribution network.

According to the Japanese sportswear company, net sales in North America increased 17.8 percent to 135.0 billion yen (approximately $891.8 million) from 114.6 billion yen ($756.9 million) in fiscal 2023.

Asics noted the increases were attributed to significant sales growth for run specialty stores, reduction of the sales volume of entry models, improvement in profitability of retail and the sales growth of e-commerce.

“We are so very fortunate that our Asics global headquarters team in Kobe, Japan supports our long-term vision for the region and continues to collaborate with our team to provide the necessary resources to manage all channels of our business,” Koichiro Kodama, president and chief executive officer of Asics North America, said in a statement. “Our focus remains on servicing our valued account partners and providing them with all the necessary tools for success.”

By business segments, the company added that the North American region showcased a diverse set of category strengths, with the United States producing double-digit growth inside the wholesale channel while Canada and Mexico both generated double-digit growth in their respective e-commerce channels. U.S. wholesale maintained its streak of double-digit quarterly growth, with all categories of business contributing to the overall 43.6 percent growth against the fourth quarter of 2023, Asics said.

The running specialty trade channel also saw high double-digit growth compared to the same period last year. Asics said this was driven by the launch of NovaBlast 5 shoe in December, which generated triple digit year-over-year quarterly growth and was supported by two key legends, the Gel-Nimbus and Gel-Cumulus footwear models. Both of which produced high double-digit growth compared to the same period last year.

As for the popular Sportstyle category, Asics noted that it remained “red hot” in the final quarter of 2024, generating triple-digit revenue growth against the same period in 2023. Following in the footsteps of the popular heritage running silhouette, Gel-Kayano 14 shoe, the two leading sales drivers for Q4 2024 were the Gel-1130 and GT-2160. Both footwear models produced high triple digit sales growth compared to same period in 2023.

Rounding out the category is Asics’ Core Performance Sports line, which includes the brands tennis and racket sport products. As a whole, the category increased 54.6 percent compared to Q4 of 2023 and was driven by a mix of high performance and entry level footwear models. The Gel-Resolution and Gel-Dedicate court models served as the top selling styles to support the continued growth and popularity of racket sports.

 What’s more, Asics said that for the first time in a decade, its retail division generated profit over the full year of 2024 – led by the brands flagship store in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, growing 72.1 percent year-over-year. Following similar trends as the wholesale trade, key sales drivers were Asics’ energetic Blast product silo and Legends footwear models, including the Gel-Nimbus shoe.

“In a very short time, we have made great strides in the run specialty channel as well as the Sportstyle category,” Kodama added. “We remain strongly committed to building innovative products with unparalleled quality, and all the while providing the very best service to our key account partners.”

These regional results come as the overall Asics Corporation saw net sales in fiscal 2024 increase 18.9 percent to 678.5 billion yen ($4.48 billion) from 570.4 billion yen ($3.77 billion) in 2023.

According to the Italian footwear brand it has unveiled the “Santoni Culture, An Emblem of Mastery” mark. Described by the brand as “more than a logo,” the new symbol aims to trace the legacy of the artisans who have shaped Santoni’s story since its founding in 1975.

At the heart of this emblem are four key elements, each layered with meaning – the tree, the needle and thread, the paintbrush and the double buckle.

Santoni noted that the tree is a metaphor for “its deep-rooted legacy, its branches reaching toward new horizons while remaining anchored in its artisanal foundations,” while the needle and thread, represent the brand’s devotion to expert craftsmanship.

The paintbrush, a symbol of Santoni’s Velatura art of coloring, tells the story of hand-applied patinas, transforming leather into a canvas of unparalleled beauty. And the brand’s signature double buckle shoes complete the mark – which “stands as a symbol of enduring artistry,” the company added.

As the brand embarks on a year of special milestones, the new “Santoni Culture, An Emblem of Mastery” will become a “guiding symbol” woven into the company’s storytelling, integrated into campaigns, videos and brand activations that will bring this anniversary year to life.

This news comes just weeks after Santoni revealed a new retail concept that will be applied to all new stores going forward, including the new 667 Madison Avenue space in New York, which will open by the end of February.

Designed by Spanish designer and architect Patricia Urquiola, the store replaces the old 551 Madison Avenue location, and spans 3,767-sq.-ft. over two floors. The space will incorporate new experiential elements and has been inspired by the architecture and history that surrounds it.