Tag: Skechers

  • Skechers passes store milestone

    Skechers passes store milestone

    Skechers China has opened a new superstore in Shenyang, the footwear brand’s 3000th globally. The footwear brand’s largest store yet covers more than 32,000sqft, showcasing a diverse range of footwear, apparel and accessories styles for men, women and children. It features shops-in-shops for different categories and a Skechers Kids entertainment zone.

    US-headquartered Skechers says it is continuing to expand its retail, sales and logistic infrastructure and is improving its customer experience with new-generation point-of-sale technologies.

    “We sell in more than 170 countries through our extensive network of distributors and joint ventures, and we have many more opportunities to build our retail store business even further and expand our global presence for years to come,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers.

    China has the largest number of Skechers retail stores at 941, followed by the US at 472, and India at 222.

    To date, there are 690 company-owned stores worldwide, including two opened in the US in the first quarter. The company plans to open another 70 to 80 company-owned stores and another 500 third-party owned stores this year.

  • Skechers Takes Control of India Business

    Skechers Takes Control of India Business

    Skechers has bought its joint venture partner in Skechers India, taking the business inhouse. Skechers India has 223 retail locations across the country, 61 of which are company owned and operated, with the remainder franchised. Last year, Skechers saw double-digit increases in wholesale and retail sales and an 80 per cent increase in pairs sold, reaching 2.7 million.

    An additional 80 to 100 stores are planned for this year – of which about 20 will be company-owned.

    The dual-ownership model is expected to allow Skechers India to grow and expand its presence faster, the parent company said in a statement.

    “Skechers is still a relatively young brand in this country, having been in India for less than a decade, yet in the last five years, we have seen significant growth through our joint venture,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers.

    “The substantial existing retail network of over 200 stores, a strong wholesale business and a recently launched e-commerce site is a solid foundation that we can build upon. These accomplishments, as well as opportunities we see to increase the brand’s exposure and drive sales, give us great optimism and confidence for the growth of Skechers in India.”

    Rahul Vira, CEO at Skechers South Asia, said the company was delighted to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Skechers.

    “This development will enable us to amplify our growth plans, accelerate expansion of our operations and build a stronger network to further gain market share in India,” he said.

    Skechers India will continue operating under its existing structure and from its existing headquarters in Mumbai.

  • Skechers launched biggest Southeast Asia flagship store in Bangkok

    Skechers launched biggest Southeast Asia flagship store in Bangkok

    Bangkok’s CentralWorld shopping centre is home to the newly opened Skechers Thailand flagship store. The North American footwear company says Thailand represents its fastest-growing market in the region which is why the store, at 275sqm, is its largest yet in Southeast Asia. In the first nine months of the year, sales grew by more than 50 per cent.

    The new store features the Skechers apparel range for the first time in the market, with management hoping that will grow to account for up to 30 per cent of Thailand sales volume.

    Kaimuk Nilsatetee, assistant VP of CRC Sports, the licensee for Skechers Thailand, said the company sold about 400,000 pairs of Skechers across the country last year and is targeting double that number this year.

    “Skechers shoes generate the most sales revenue for CRC Sports,” Kaimuk said. “Its performance has gone well since expanding its business to Thailand in the past several years.”

    CRC Sports sells Skechers in 32 concept stores, two outlet stores, 25 concessions and through 95 resellers. Another 12 stores are planned for next year.

  • Skechers achieves record third quarter 2018 sales

    Skechers achieves record third quarter 2018 sales

    Skechers USA, a global footwear leader, has announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018. “Achieving record third quarter sales is a notable accomplishment given the strength of our third quarter 2017 sales,” began Robert Greenberg, Chief Executive Officer, Skechers.

    Greenberg added, “Both our domestic and international businesses grew, and we remained the leader in walking, work, casual lifestyle and sandals footwear in the United States. We experienced strong product successes across multiple divisions around the world, which was evident by our double-digit growth in both our international wholesale and worldwide Company-owned retail businesses. Skechers D’Lites, our heritage chunky style that has seen great success over the last two years in Asia, is now an in demand style across North America and Europe, and is poised for growth in South America, India and the Middle East. Through Skechers D’Lites, we are reaching a younger, more fashion-savvy audience, and getting press—from Marie Claire and Elle to HypeBae and Highsnobiety—and social media influencers are embracing this signature look. Further, we are seeing renewed acceptance of this chunky style by men. Our core footwear categories for men, women, work and golf are also performing well. We are achieving this growth with the right product mix combined with a balanced approach to marketing spend. As we continue to invest in our international infrastructure, we believe there is significant opportunity to grow our brand further through both wholesale, and Company-owned and third-party retail stores, which now stand at 2,802 locations worldwide. We’re looking forward to fourth quarter growth across both our domestic and international channels and a new annual sales record.”

    “As we near the close of 2018, we believe the direction of our business is on target with our record sales in the third quarter, continued international growth and strong gross margins,” stated David Weinberg, Chief Operating Officer of Skechers.

    Weinberg added, “With three record sales quarters in 2018 and brand acceptance around the globe, we achieved a new record for the first nine months of US$ 3.56 billion, an 11.5 percent increase over last year. In the third quarter, our international distributor business returned to growth, increasing 11.6 percent over the same period last year, and combined with our international joint venture and subsidiary business, our total international wholesale sales increased 11.8 percent for the period. International wholesale along with international retail now represents 55.5 percent of our total business. We expect our business in the United States—both wholesale and retail—to grow in the fourth quarter. We remain committed to efficiently and profitably growing our global footwear business.”

    Sales grew 7.5 percent as a result of an 11.8 percent increase in the Company’s international wholesale business, and a 10.6 percent increase in its Company-owned global retail business. Its domestic wholesale business decreased 3.0 percent. The Company’s total international business grew 12.5 percent and its total domestic business grew 1.8 percent. Third quarter comparable same store sales in Company-owned retail stores worldwide increased 1.9 percent, including an increase of 3.0 percent in the United States offset by a decrease of 0.8 percent in its international stores.

    Gross margins slightly increased as higher domestic margins from improved retail pricing and product mix were partially offset by the impact of negative foreign currency exchange rates.

    SG&A expenses increased 9.5 percent in the quarter. Selling expenses increased by 0.7 percent, but improved 50 basis points as a percentage of sales from 8.2 percent to 7.7 percent for the third quarter 2018. The US$ 37.8 million increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily the result of the Company’s continued commitment to build its international brand presence and direct-to-consumer channels. General and administrative expenses in China grew US$ 7.5 million to support continued expansion, including preparation for next month’s Single’s Day, and US$ 13.3 million associated with operating 58 additional company-owned Skechers stores worldwide, of which 13 opened in the third quarter. General and administrative expenses also included US$ 11.1 million related to corporate and domestic operations, of which US$ 4.8 million was for increased domestic warehouse and distribution costs.

    Earnings from operations increased US$ 7.4 million, or 6.4 percent.

    Net earnings were US$ 90.7 million and diluted earnings per share were US$ 0.58. In the third quarter, the company’s income tax rate was 13.7 percent reflecting its continued assessment of the impact of the recently enacted tax reform legislation. As a comparison, the company’s income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was 9.4 percent.

    Sales grew 11.5 percent as a result of an 18.9 percent increase in the company’s international wholesale business, and a 13.7 percent increase in its company-owned global retail business. For the nine-month period, its domestic wholesale business was essentially flat compared to the same prior year period. The company’s combined international wholesale and retail business grew 19.7 percent and its combined domestic wholesale and retail business increased by 3.4 percent.

    Gross margins increased due to strength in the Company’s international wholesale and Company-owned international retail businesses.

    SG&A expenses increased 17.3 percent. This increase was due to an additional US$ 176.3 million in general and administrative expenses. Selling expenses increased by US$ 25.3 million.

    Earnings from operations increased US$ 26.9 million, or 8.2 percent.

    Net earnings were $253.7 million and diluted earnings per share were US$ 1.62. For the nine months, the company’s income tax rate was 13.0 percent. As a comparison, the company’s income tax rate for the nine months ending September 30, 2017 was 12.9 percent.

    For the fourth quarter of 2018, the company believes it will achieve sales in the range of US$ 1.100 billion to US$ 1.125 billion, and diluted earnings per share of US$ 0.20 to US$ 0.25. The guidance is based on expected growth in each of the company’s three segments. The company now expects its effective tax rate to be between 13 and 15 percent, which implies a fourth quarter tax rate of between 17 and 20 percent.

  • Skechers Q4 global sales jump 27 percent

    Skechers Q4 global sales jump 27 percent

    Shoe retailer Skechers posted a 27 per cent increase in sales in the last quarter, powered by a 40 per cent increase in international wholesale sales, and a strong performance in China.

    “Last year was monumental for Skechers as we achieved sales of more than US$4 billion for the first time in our 25-year history,” said Robert Greenberg, Skechers CEO.

    “This growth is due to our continued focus on efficiencies and infrastructure as well as innovation, comfort, and relevancy within our product design. In the US, we remained the No 1 walking, work, casual lifestyle, and casual dress footwear brand, and the No 2 casual athletic footwear brand.

    “Furthermore, we grew our Skechers store base to 2570 locations at year-end and saw impressive growth across the globe – including record sales on Single’s Day in China,” said Greenberg.

    “As we look ahead, with fresh styles shipping for spring, we believe we will remain a leader in the lifestyle footwear channel in the US, selectively expand our retail footprint, and continue our global growth as we see our international business becoming an increasingly larger piece of our total business.”

    Global annual sales rose $600 million year-on-year to $4.16 billion, “a testament to the worldwide strength and relevance of our product, marketing and brand,” added COO David Weinberg.

    In its own stores, Skechers achieve comparable same-store sales growth of 10.5 per cent in the US market and 16.5 per cent overseas. It added 75 stores during the year, 22 of them in the last quarter.

    While the company reported a net loss of $66.7 million for the last quarter, this was hugely impacted by a $99 million tax charge linked to the Trump government’s taxation reform enacted in December. Earnings from operations increased 96.9 per cent primarily due to sales growth.

    For the full year, Skechers earned $179.2 million, down 26.4 per cent on 2016’s $243.5 million, but that, too, is after the taxation impact.

  • Outstanding start for Nanchang Capital Outlets

    Outstanding start for Nanchang Capital Outlets

    In its first three days, Nanchang Capital Outlets generated sales of more than RMB21.8 million (US$3.2 million) with customer traffic exceeding 1.8 million.

    It is the second outlet project this year for Beijing Capital Grand, the commercial property arm of Beijing Capital Land, and its sixth outlet project in China. It is also the company’s first foray into central China. Nanchang is one of the 10 youngest cities in China.

    Covering 130,000sqm, Nanchang Capital Outlets combines key elements of Chinese lifestyle and culture. It has more than 300 shops, including international, fast-fashion and sportswear brands, children’s entertainment, theme restaurants, reading corners and 2000 parking spaces.

    Still to come are a trampoline park, Jump360, a 5000sqm Imax cinema and an 8000sqm supermarket.

    The project’s 150-plus fashion and lifestyle boutiques include Adidas, Aigner, Chic Outlets Multi Brands Boutique, New Balance, Nike, Rodrigo, Skechers and Stella Luna. The food line-up includes KFC, Taste of Caimi and Yuemandajiang Classic Sichuan Hot Pot.

    About 12 more Capital Outlets projects are on the drawing boards.

  • US investor buys into Mitra Adiperkasa

    US investor buys into Mitra Adiperkasa

    US private-equity company General Atlantic has made its first investment in Indonesia by buying into lifestyle retailer Mitra Adiperkasa (Map).

    It has subscribed for Rp1.08 trillion (US$80.5 million) in bonds issued by Map which are convertible into shares in its F&B subsidiary Map Boga Adiperkasa (MBA), which runs Cold Stone Creamery, Godiva, Krispy Kreme, Pizza Express and Starbucks in Indonesia. It has more than 300 stores across 24 cities, and has more than doubled its store count over the past five years.

    Map runs multi-channel retail concepts in Indonesia across a diversified portfolio of department stores, sportswear, specialty fashion, F&B, and lifestyle products. It has nearly 2000 retail stores.

    “We believe the rapid rise in Indonesia’s middle and young working classes, the increase in this population’s disposable income, and the continued rural-to-urban migration represents an opportunity for us to strengthen our international food brands and cement our leadership position in the F&B market,” says Map CEO V.P.

    Sharma. A portion of the investment money will be used to accelerate the F&B division’s network expansion.
    “Indonesia’s domestic consumption comprises more than half of gross domestic product, and consumption patterns are increasingly shifting toward modern and aspirational lifestyle brands,” says General Atlantic Southeast Asia head Wai hoong Fock. “These secular trends position MBA’s food & beverage portfolio well for further expansion.”

    Regional commitment

    The partnership, General Atlantic’s first investment in Indonesia, indicates its commitment to long-term market prospects in South-east Asia,” says Fock, who joined General Atlantic from CVC Capital Partners last year to lead its South-east Asia investing program. He is based in the firm’s Singapore office.
    General Atlantic has 18 investment professionals in Asia, based in offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Mumbai and Singapore. The firm opened its Singapore office in 2011, investing three years later in Singapore-based online mobile entertainment/communication Garena platform. It has also supported the growth of retail and F&B companies including lifestyle brand Tory Burch, luxury fashion brand Zimmermann, restaurant group Barteca Holdings, urban juice-bar concept Joe & The Juice, community accommodation marketplace AirBNB and transportation network company Uber.

    Map has 1921 retail outlets in 68 cities throughout Indonesia. Its retail concepts include department stores (Debenhams, Galeries Lafayette, Seibu and Sogo), fashion and lifestyle (Crabtree & Evelyn, Kipling, Lacoste, Marks & Spencer, Massimo Dutti, Nautica, Sephora, Swarovski, Topman, Topshop and Zara), sports (Converse, Golf House, Oakley, Payless ShoeSource, Reebok, Rockport, Skechers, The Athlete’s Foot and The Sports Warehouse), F&B (Burger King, Cold Stone Creamery, Domino’s Pizza, Godiva, Krispy Kreme and Starbucks), kids (Kidz Station and Oshkosh B’Gosh) and bookstore Kinokuniya.

  • Skechers in Korea joint venture

    Skechers in Korea joint venture

    Skechers in Korea will now be managed by a joint venture with the parent company.

    Previously imported and distributed by a third-party company, Skechers head office in the US has confirmed it has partnered with Luen Thai Enterprises in a new business called Skechers Korea Co.

    “This will enable Skechers to use its proven sales and marketing strategies to further expand the brand in one of our key international markets,” the company said in a statement released in the US.

    “With a dedicated team from our previous distributor, LS Networks, and the knowledge and acumen of our Skechers China team, we believe we can profitably grow our business in South Korea and truly penetrate the region with a strong presentation from our vast collection of men’s, women’s and kids’ footwear.”

    Skechers footwear has been available in South Korea for more than 15 years.

    “ In that time, we have developed a great footprint with a network of more than 55 Skechers stores and built the brand through strong marketing campaigns, including using the talents of exceptionally popular endorsees like K-Pop stars Sistar and EXO in Skechers marketing campaigns,” said David Weinberg, COO and CFO of Skechers.”

    LS Networks distributed Skechers in South Korea from 2009 to 2016.

    “We’ve been very pleased with the consumer response to the Skechers product in South Korea,” added Sung Hun “Scott” Lee, previous senior GM of Skechers’ Korean distribution partner and now president of Skechers Korea Co. “Through my time with LS Networks, I’ve seen firsthand how Skechers has grown in Korea, most recently through the Skechers D’Lites craze that started here in 2015 and spread through Asia and then around the globe.

    “Now as part of the Skechers global team and with key members of my previous team transitioning with me, we’ll have the direct resources, support and insight to really take the business to the next level.”

    Willie Tan, CEO of Skechers Asia joint ventures, said forming a JV with Skechers that combines its global expertise with the local partner’s unique insight in this market “we’ll be able to more efficiently build the brand and more effectively directly target merchandising to the unique tastes of consumers across South Korea”.

    “We expect this will strengthen our business not only in South Korea but further synergise the business across Asia.”

  • CityOn.Zhengzhou to open fully leased

    CityOn.Zhengzhou to open fully leased

    Taubman Asia, a subsidiary of US shopping centre group Taubman Centers, and China’s Wangfujing Group, have announced the line-up of retailers for its CityOn.Zhengzhou mall in Henan province, set to open on March 16.

    When it opens, the centre will be 100 per cent leased and 90 per cent occupied with nearly 200 stores and restaurants. In the heart of Zhengdong New District, the six-level, 94,000 sqm shopping and dining destination will offer domestic, international and lifestyle brands from fast fashion to accessible luxury, anchored by a four-level Wangfujing department store.

    “We are thrilled to see our second China project coming to life in Zhengzhou,” says Taubman Asia president Rene Tremblay.

    Local, regional and international cuisine at all price points and in both seated restaurants and quick-serve formats will be a feature of the centre, which will also offer family-friendly experiential, educational and entertainment offerings.

    Many international brands will be making their central China debut at the centre, says Taubman Asia group VP Paul Wright.

    Outlets at the mall include…

    Fashion: Adidas, Ajidou, Basic House, Bershka, Charles & Keith, Columbia, Converse, Ecco, Five Plus, Forever 21, H&M, Innisfree, Jack & Jones, KIKC, Kipling, La Chapelle, Lee, Levi’s, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Miniso, Mishka, Mobi Garden, Nike, Pandora, Polo, Sand & Foam, Sephora, Skechers, Stradivarius, The North Face, Uniqlo, Vans, Vero Moda, Westlink and Zara.

    F&B/entertainment/kids/lifestyle/electronics: Acasia Food Village (featuring 14 food vendors), Benfu Sushi, Boat Noodle, Chatime, Chez Choux, Chicken Container, Coco, Dollar Shop, FrozenYo, GB Kids Station, Gong Cha, Grandma’s Kitchen, Guoguo Mutton Soup Restaurant, Guxiang No. 9 Catering, Hallmark Babies, Homao, Huawei, iSpace, La Chapelle Kids, Lenovo, MagicSalad, MM by Haircode, Mr Wish, NaughtyKids, New York Fries, Oscar CityOn Cinema, PapaBubble, Pizza Zone, Rbike, Siwuke Tea, Starbucks, Strawberry Forever, Subway, Teppanyaki Xiang, Toot Science, Udon & Tempura, Uncle, Wan Quan Bu Tong, Xiang Tian Xia Huo Guo, Xiao Liu Jia, Xiao Zhu Zhu Kao Rou, Xue Mi Da, Yang Xiang Dou Pi Shuan Niu Du, YuYuTo, ZBX Fresh Fish Hot Pot, Zheng Shi Yi and Zoo Steak.

  • Nike, Muji, Adidas apply for Indian retail rights

    Nike, Adidas and Muji are among eight global companies seeking single brand retailing approval from the Indian government.

    According to a report in The Indian Express the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has received eight applications from global brands including Skechers, Kiko International, Ryohin Keikaku (Muji), Nike, Adidas and Swarovski after foreign direct investment rules were relaxed in July.

    Foreign companies can now conduct business through more than one joint venture in India, according to the newspaper.

    Since then, ITaly’s Kiko International has applied to retail beauty and skin care products, apparel, jewellery and handbags. Shoe maker Skechers and glass creator Swarovski followed.

    Swarovski, along with Nike, have previously had applications turned down – in Swarovski’s case because it wanted to sell in both cash-and-carry chains and single brand retail stores. It was told to reapply with separate applications, The Indian Express reports.

    The identity of the other two companies was not revealed.