HOMAGE’s Post

Of all the “small big brands” I think Saucony has the most untapped potential. Not only does it have a long history in running and a great archive of originals, but they also an unspoiled history. They have a huge roster of franchise shoes/brands (Kinvara, Ride, Glide, Triumph, Jazz, etc.) While over the years other great run brands went in other directions away from run (Reebok) or too far into fashion (Puma) Saucony has all the authenticity and consistent past to be in a good spot with runners. Saucony has one of the best race shoes in recent memory that doesn’t have a swoosh on it (Endorphin Elite). They have excellent knowledge of materials and engineering (one of the first brands with beaded Pebax). They have a good understanding of fit and a good reputation for quality. All key for runners. In my opinion, Saucony could just use a stronger design direction and product narrative. There’s a lot of great Saucony shoes and the brand is focused on making running “accessible” but what can I point to, on product that says this? If I was at Saucony, I would be asking “How can we ensure differentiation from competitors’ product that speaks for itself on the shelf?” 100% Saucony could be the next New Balance

Under Armour: another case in corporate inertia and the perils of playing catch-up when it comes to innovation and adapting to new market trends. A cautionary tale for businesses in every industry: adapt swiftly or risk being a step behind. #Innovation #MarketTrends #BusinessStrategy

Click on the link below to hear the entire podcast: https://lnkd.in/d8JAaVAw #Subbu #Brandbuildersecrest #Podcast Tata Group Adrian Terron

Today, Birkenstock is floating on the New York Stock Exchange. I was just interviewed by BBC Wales radio about this. Since 1744, they have barely put a foot wrong. It has been family-owned ever since. They are an iconic brand. Truly. Function came before fashion. When they were uncool for a decade or two, they could be patient. The family were good guardians of the brand. Now, they will be judged each quarter which can lead to poor decisions being made. I wonder how it will go. What are your thoughts? #founders #brandstrategy

Want your brand to stand out amongst the competition? It's crucial to follow one of the Laws of Growth - Be Noticed, Remembered, Be Understood. This is key to ensure you don't become just another commodity. #branding #competition #growth #marketing

NEWS WE’VE FOLLOWED THIS WEEK: The NCAA agreed to a revenue-sharing agreement with its athletes, in a landmark $2.8B settlement. The TJX Companies, Inc. CEO Ernie Herrman stated the company is "convinced" that significant market share opportunities remain across the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia, with the potential to expand by 1,300+ stores. CHANEL announced plans to increase investment in its retail network and real estate by at least 50% this year. The fine & high jewelry timepieces, couture trade show setting the trends for the year is taking place in Vegas. M&A AND FINANCING NEWS Dobyns (fishing rods) was acquired by Good Sportsman Marketing (GSM) Outdoors, backed by Gridiron Capital. Supreme Cabinetry Brands (cabinet producer, GHK Capital Partners LP ) was acquired by MasterBrand. Feat Clothing (DTC Athleisure) sold a majority stake to 2.0 Ventures. DS Laboratories (personal care) sold a majority stake to Megalabs. Bluberi (gaming) closed a $55M financing facility with Citizens Bank. 99 Cents Only (discount retailer) sold 11 stores to Ollies and 170 leases to 99 Cents Only Stores out of Chapter 11. Shoes For Crews (footwear) received court approval to sell to its first lien secured lenders. Indigo Books and Music going private by its founder and CEO.  Squared Circles, venture studio, raised $40 million led by L Catterton. PUBLIC COMPANY NEWS Golden Goose (sneaker brand) announced it will IPO in Milan while seeking to raise €100M+. The following public companies announced earnings this week: Abercrombie & Fitch, Chewy, Dick’s Sporting Goods. EVENTS This Wednesday, June 5th, Delivering Good, Inc. will host The Women of Impact Summit. DG’s annual signature fundraising event brings together a community of influential female leaders working to empower the next generation of women. BEFORE YOU GO The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Womens Open ran from May 3 to June 2 at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania. It’s playoff season - the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals will begin June 6 with the National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Final scheduled to begin June 8. Bruhat Soma won the Scripps National Spelling Bee last night, spelling 29 words correctly during the lightening round.

Tiger Woods leaves 27-year relationship with Nike, thanks founder Phil Knight In men's golf, over the last quarter-century, there has been one constant in the arms race in apparel and brand recognition: megastar Tiger Woods and his long-standing relationship with Nike. That is all coming to an end. On social media this week, Woods announced the end of a 27-year relationship with Nike, thanking the company's founder Phil Knight and hinting to a potential future announcement in Los Angeles. Tiger Woods' decision to part ways with Nike, after a 27-year partnership, exemplifies a crucial business principle: the value of adaptability in professional growth. This move, more than a mere change in endorsement, reflects an astute understanding of the evolving business landscape. It's a bold testament to the idea that longevity in business is not about clinging to past successes, but about continuously seeking opportunities that align with current and future market dynamics. Woods, much like any successful entrepreneur, recognizes that to stay relevant and competitive, one must be willing to pivot, reassess, and embrace new ventures. His choice serves as a powerful reminder, that the path to enduring success is paved with strategic shifts and the courage to venture beyond the familiar. Matthew Paletz guides businesses through their evolving journeys, Woods' move illustrates the same principle on a global stage: enduring success is not just about where you've been, but where you're willing to go. https://lnkd.in/eVh7yeZP #paletzadvisor

Tiger Woods leaves 27-year relationship with Nike, thanks founder Phil Knight   In men's golf, over the last quarter-century, there has been one constant in the arms race in apparel and brand recognition: megastar Tiger Woods and his long-standing relationship with Nike.   That is all coming to an end.   On social media this week, Woods announced the end of a 27-year relationship with Nike, thanking the company's founder Phil Knight and hinting to a potential future announcement in Los Angeles.   Tiger Woods' decision to part ways with Nike, after a 27-year partnership, exemplifies a crucial business principle: the value of adaptability in professional growth. This move, more than a mere change in endorsement, reflects an astute understanding of the evolving business landscape. It's a bold testament to the idea that longevity in business is not about clinging to past successes, but about continuously seeking opportunities that align with current and future market dynamics.   Woods, much like any successful entrepreneur, recognizes that to stay relevant and competitive, one must be willing to pivot, reassess, and embrace new ventures. His choice serves as a powerful reminder, that the path to enduring success is paved with strategic shifts and the courage to venture beyond the familiar.    Matthew Paletz guides businesses through their evolving journeys, Woods' move illustrates the same principle on a global stage: enduring success is not just about where you've been, but where you're willing to go.   https://lnkd.in/eEAtXiih #paletzadvisor Paletz Advisor

More from the Super Bowl. Kristin Juszczyk, the creator of THOSE jackets that have been launched into the spotlight by Brittany Mahomes, Taylor Swift, Taylor Lautner, Simon Biles and others is telling her story this Super Bowl week. This time she sat down with The Today Show. Catapulted by sports, Kristin's story has three key points that anyone can take away regardless of the industry. 1. An Overnight Success takes Years to Create. Taylor Swift's jacket was far from her first creation. She has "been at this for years" and after all the hard work was in great position to maximize this sudden spotlight. 2. Push Beyond Your Comfort Zone. Kristin decided this year to create not just one unique item for herself, but also an item for someone else each week. Thus, spreading the word and sharing her work. Stepping outside of the comfort zone to share your creations can be quite difficult. The sheer thought of "what someone might think" is enough to paralyze momentum and potential growth of many great ideas. 3. Start with Doing Something you Enjoy. "I couldn't find things I wanted to wear, so I decided to make my own." And she made these items for herself because they were things she liked. She didn't try to create something Simone Biles or Taylor Swift would love, she created pieces she loved. And that passion, style, and confidence aids the appeal to others. Sports Business Classes - - Not much to answer right or debate here, rather this is an opportunity to think as a creator. Don't create to try and make others happy - create for yourself. Success will follow. A couple additional resources on Creators. Luke Combs x Tracy Chapman https://lnkd.in/gd3aGcWt The Creative Act, by Rick Rubin https://lnkd.in/gKW-sGAs Fox School of Business at Temple University UO Sports Product Management Master’s Program National Football League (NFL) University of Oregon Lundquist College of Business UCLA Anderson School of Management Andrew Campion Portland State University - School of Business Marc Moran Ellen Schmidt-Devlin #superbowlLVIII #sportsbusiness #taylorswift #sportsmarketing

The way we present ourselves, the authenticity in our interactions, the jokes we share – it's all a reflection of who we are as a brand. It's about more than just what we say; it's about embodying those words in every action. At Liger, we live by the philosophy that 'the people are the brand.' Each of us are representative of our brand's promise, naturally enforcing and bringing to life the values we stand for. This approach has not just shaped our culture; it's been instrumental in defining our success. Because when your team genuinely embodies the brand's essence, every interaction becomes a testament to your brand's integrity and promise. And that, I believe, is the ultimate secret to resonating with your audience and standing out. #BrandAuthenticity #LigerLeadership #CorporateCulture