Topo Designs’ 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

Interesting perspective from this long standing Colorado based outdoor specialist …it’s a very different market to the UK (he said enviously) given the backcountry location and climate but it’s notable that Bent Gate Mountaineering are struggling with the same basic issue as the rest of us …ie widespread (mainly) online discounting and the difficulty in getting decent margin on outdoor gear. On a more positive note it’s also interesting to see Rab being mentioned as a top seller, highlighting the UK brands increasing presence in the US market.

All-Rounder: How DICK'S Built A Sporting #Retail Empire. DICK’S Sporting Goods has knocked it out of the park with its latest quarterly #earnings, setting records for #sales and propelling the company’s shares up more than 15% on Thursday to reach a new all-time high.

The sports #retailer — which originally started life as a fishing shop in 1948 — has grown to become a staple of American retail, counting more than 800 stores across the country at the end of last year, as sales nearly hit $13B. Since its #IPO in 2002, the company has grown at a rapid clip, becoming America’s go-to retailer for everyone investing in a new hobby, upgrading their gear, or making the annual pilgrimage to buy their kids ever-larger #equipment.

The company’s model has been to try and be all things to all people, selling everything from #golf gear to #athleisure #apparel and elite stationary bikes to sleeping bags at its sprawling locations. Although not quite in the same category as #Zoom, DICK’S was also a #pandemic darling for investors, with sales surging 28% in 2021 as demand for stuff-you-can-use-outside soared.

While 2023 brought the company back down to reality, with supply chain costs squeezing margins, it's since returned to meaningful sales growth (8% in its most recent quarter) — not something that many big-box physical retailers can say in the age of e-commerce. Some things people still prefer to physically try before they buy: #sports equipment seems to be one of them. JSesko@meridianfinance.com 818-914-9271 #tradecreditinsurance

Culture Back Creativity 🔙 Is THE big play for authenticity, right? Berghaus didn't create this ad, culture did. Let me explain: ↓ First launched in 1991 the Berghaus' Mera Peak is iconic. Originally it was invented for mountaineers. But it gained a cult following in Northern youth culture. Particularly my back garden, Liverpool. It became a staple of 90's casual culture. And so found home on football terraces. Plus on the backs of sweaty ravers in clubs and at afterparties. So when they relaunched the Mera Peak earlier this year. The brand played homage to this moment in culture. But the real smart move. 🤔 They put creativity first , to guarantee absolute authenticity. By giving the brilliant Glenn Kitson, director and tastemaker, full creative control to tell this story with absolute freedom. An approach that goes way beyond typical advertising. The result? A killer soundtrack, true Northern soundbites; healthy dose of trippy AI. Well done to the Berghaus team (Dan Cunningham ) for breaking the mould with something bold. Few outdoor industry brands truly get their audience. Who else loves a Northern Thing? I help outdoor, sports and lifestyle brands grow 🏔 🏃🏻 🚴🏻 #outdoorindustry #advertising #marketing #berghaus

Question of the day: What is the secret to company longevity? When we think of companies that have been around for a while and have established themselves as a well-known successful company, these are a few that come to mind: - Yuengling is America's oldest brewery and sixth-generation owned and operated. - The New York Times: Since 1851, The New York Times has been reporting stories from around the globe that no one else was telling. - Coca-Cola is a global symbol of American tastes. They are known for their products, iconic bottles, and over 125 years of advertising. - UPS is the world's largest package delivery company. - JCPenney is the nation's largest retailer of apparel, home, jewelry, and beauty merchandise. - Harley-Davidson is the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world. - Frankford Shade manufactures quality umbrellas that are provided to restaurants, resorts, and hotels in thousands of locations throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. There are a few factors that drive long-term success for businesses. These factors include company culture, values, ability to change, and ability to listen to customers. #FrankfordShade #companyhistory #longevity

A BATTLE OF THE BRANDS brewing in Detroit? With U of M’s new Innovation Center underway in Detroit, some might wonder if the strength of the University of Michigan’s global brand might dwarf or shade some of Detroit’s other iconic brands. Michigan’s national championship would only add to such concern. Locating in the District Detroit, the home of such brands as Little Caesars, the Red Wings, Tigers, Lions, and Google, and in proximity to GM, the Rocket Companies and the like, other globally significant brands abound. But the bandwidth for brand recognition growth for each of those will only be enhanced by the addition of the University’s brand. The Innovation Center’s focus of granting degrees in emerging technologies and disciplines to help develop, attract and retain talent in all of Michigan, but especially the greater Detroit area, will effectively add the wind of U of M’s global brand to the sails of every other employer and business with offices or facilities in Detroit and Michigan. As exciting as the last few weeks have been around here, we should expect a lot more excitement through a BETTERING OF THE BRANDS long before we would see any battles. #Goblue #GoDetroit. #GoMichigan

👕🔮🌟🎤🚀 From dodging public speaking to embracing it as his superpower, a young man's journey from selling clothes in Dunedin reveals how understanding people's choices can unlock a world of marketing magic. In ☕ #98 of my #99coffees, we meet Scott Wright, a marketing powerhouse who evolved from a strategist to an industry leader, blending innovation with consumer insight. Scott's adventure began in provincial New Zealand, leading him to work in retail in Dunedin, where a pastel yellow boys' outfit sale ignited his passion for sales & marketing. This spark carried him through university, overcoming his fear of public speaking by becoming a tutor and assistant lecturer. Entering the workforce, Scott faced early rejection, deemed "too green" by Carol Dallimore who told him to start in sales. This setback led him to a sales role at Fuji Xerox, recruited by Geoff Shaw. A year later, Cadburys Schweppes PLC welcomed him, opening doors to brand innovation with colleagues like Ursula Lawgun & Dianne Williams. Moving to DB Breweries, working with Grant Costello and also meeting his future wife. Later he moved to Philips, where he spearheaded marketing efforts working with Todd Selwyn, Chris Kerr, Luana Downing, Brett McMeekin, Jane Waddel & Francis File. At Philips, Scott's team elevated the brand to New Zealand's top TV seller, outdoing Sony and hitting over $100 million in sales. A highlight was sponsoring the All Blacks, granting Scott, a rugby fan, team insights and access to games. Leaving tech game Scott shifted to Goodman Fielder, innovating with Sarah Wood, launching Mackenzie High Country Bread. That was the most successful launch into the massive bread category in a decade. Scott's career soared with Frucor Suntory Oceania, where he led marketing innovation, working with Annie Dow, Luke Rive, Monica Yianakis, Chris Kane Aisha Daji Punga, Nick Garrett, angela watson, Michael Robertson, Mark Callaghan & Pieter Bakker. Here, Scott got his first GM role, turning the underperforming Arano Juices into a profitable entity. A highlight at Frucor was chaperoning Usain Bolt for 12 hours post his Olympic wins, offering Scott a unique insight into the life of a global sports icon. His time at Lion Breweries Ltd working with Helen Costello, Sara Tucker, Rory Glass & Robin Davies saw him overseeing craft brewery acquisitions and venturing into the coffee industry with Havana - Stefan Gray should check out #99coffees 🙂 ☕ Scott's story veers into entrepreneurship with his investment in The Village Press, blending his sales acumen and marketing genius. The global upheaval caused by COVID challenged Scott to navigate through the storm with resilience and adaptability and ultimately pushing him back to his sales and marketing career. Scott chosen to do what he loves - organising conferences at Brightstar with great crew Steve Scott, Sarah Day, Dominic Duncan, scott clogg, Melanie Evans, Agathe Jolivet and others. How was the coffee, Scott?

"It’s cliche and a commonly used phrase in this industry, but the sock counter taught me one of my biggest learnings: that retail really is detail. You’ve got to know the detail." From paying attention to the smallest of details to helping people climb the career ladder, American Golf’s CEO, Nigel Oddy imparts key learnings from his retail career spanning over 40 years. Read more below. #retailnews #fashion #fashionnews

Such a wonderful article about Rati Sahi Levesque, our leader at #TheRealReal. "Our job is to educate people on resale, because 50% of consigners have never consigned before. We really are having to teach people about what holds its resale value and what doesn’t, so they’re empowered to make better shopping decisions. As we do our awareness studies every year—we take more of a macro view of our consumer base—one of the stats I’m really proud of is that we are replacing fast fashion. So instead of buying fast fashion, consumers are thinking about The RealReal, because they can buy and then resell an item. It’s totally different." #resale #resalefashion #secondhandfashion #consignment

Have you seen Frasers Group's latest move? Their half-year profits are up by 8% - a real testament to their elevation strategy. It's not just about the numbers; it's about how they're redefining retail strategy. Despite some hiccups, their focus on sports retail in EMEA and strategic store openings are shaking things up. Makes you wonder, doesn't it? How does a big player's shift in strategy ripple through the industry? What does this mean for other retailers trying to carve their own path? How does your strategy adapt to these market shifts? Let's hear your thoughts on navigating these dynamic retail waters. For more details, check out the full article on Retail Gazette. https://lnkd.in/ga4mtkEB