Brooks' Record 2023

Welcome back to FN Daily, where we break down the biggest stories happening in footwear and retail.

Brooks reports sales results for 2023, Famous Footwear taps a new SVP/GMM and Tiger Woods announces a new brand.

Here's what you need to know.

Brooks Global Sales Were Up 5% to $1.2 Billion in 2023

Brooks Running reported another record year for sales in 2023.

The running brand ended the year with global revenues of $1.2 billion, up 5 percent from 2022 along with more than 20 million units sold, a new record. In December alone, the company saw a 24 percent bump in global revenue growth.

The brand also hit $1 billion in revenue in North America for the first time, marking a 7 percent increase year-over-year. Bucking a general downward trend in U.S. wholesale sales, Brooks’ revenues in that channel were up 5 percent, which included an 11 percent bump in the specialty category.

Zoom out: Brooks told FN in November that it expects to achieve double-digit growth in 2024. To do this, the brand is keeping the focus on its No. 1 consumer group — dedicated, frequent runners — while accelerating the pace of product innovation and expanding its reach to consumers looking for comfort and performance outside of road running.

Famous Footwear Taps Dick’s and Foot Locker Alum Andrew Leckie as SVP/GMM of Athletic, Kids

Andrew Leckie has joined Famous Footwear as senior vice president and general merchandise manager, Caleres announced late Monday. According to the St. Louis-based footwear company, Leckie will oversee buying and merchandising for the adult athletic, kids and Canadian businesses.

Leckie began his career in athletics and footwear nearly 30 years ago and has merchandise management experience in Asia Pacific, Canada, and the U.S. He’s held various leadership roles in North America with Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker. Leckie’s most recent role was vice president and general merchandise manager of Champs Sports.

Leckie’s appointment is the latest move by Caleres to curate a team of proven industry leaders. In November, Caleres tapped footwear veteran and Cole Haan alum Erica Mackoul as its new senior vice president of international.

Tiger Woods and TaylorMade Announce New Lifestyle Brand, Sun Day Red

Tiger Woods‘ relationship with TaylorMade Golf began in 2017 with a multiyear equipment endorsement agreement. That partnership was extended on Monday with the launch of Sun Day Red, a lifestyle brand.

Sun Day Red, according to a statement from TaylorMade Golf, will offer premium apparel and footwear. The brand also said it will work with Woods to use his expertise to develop on performance apparel and footwear. As for the Sun Day Red logo, TaylorMade Golf said it incorporates Woods’ 15 major championship wins within the design.

The news comes after Tiger Woods and Nike confirmed their split via Instagram last month, marking the end to their iconic and fruitful 27-year relationship.

Its first line of apparel for men will debut on May 1 online in the United States and Canada. The brand confirmed it plans to expand availability in key markets outside of North America at retail, and broaden its product offering to include footwear, women and kids’ lines.

Need more shoe news?

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