‍Geox North American revenues dipped 8.6 percent (-11.9 percent in constant currency) to the equivalent of $51.7 million in 2019. The Italian company blamed the slide on negative results in the wholesale channel, where it has shifted its partner base to those more aligned with its strategy to improve brand perception. E-commerce sales rose 34 percent in North America last year. Globally, the company realized a 3.1 percent decline in FY19 footwear sales to the equivalent of $807.2 million. As for its current business and potential impacts from COVID-19, the company says there may be “limited and specific delays regarding initial deliveries in May and at the beginning of June.”

Shoe trade fairs in Kiev and Munich scheduled for this week have been postponed. Italian trade association Assocalzaturifici, citing current government travel restrictions imposed in Italy aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19, has postponed the La Moda Italiana and Moda Made In Italy shoe trade fairs indefinitely. La Moda Italiana was scheduled to take place in Kiev March 11-12, while Moda Made In Italy was scheduled to take place in Munich March 15-16. “Our decision, which we have discussed at length with all the partners involved, is dictated by a deep sense of responsibility to the community, first of all, and to the footwear industry involved in the trade fair events,” the trade group said in a statement. Both shows may be rescheduled at a later date once the global health emergency wanes and allows normal operations to resume.

Toad&Co announced that starting March 15, the apparel brand would share 10 percent of all new e-commerce revenue with its brick-and-mortar independent accounts for at least two months to assist specialty shops through the economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 virus. “I hope that much of the predicted public health risk associated with COVID-19 is overstated and life returns to normal in short order,” Gordon Seabury, Toad&Co CEO, said in a statement. “That said, we cannot ignore the reality we could be facing a considerable retail disruption. Many of our retail partners have been major brand supporters, loyal partners and friends over the last 20 years. I sincerely hope the disruption from COVID-19 is short lived and low impact on our businesses but in the meantime, we stand with our retailers shoulder to shoulder.” According to the company, all independent retailers in the U.S. will be automatically enrolled, and will receive a voucher to be used against future preseason orders. Revenue will be calculated and allocated on a sales territory basis and prorated by net pre-season spring ’20 orders.

Black Diamond parent Clarus Corp. is rolling out performance and lifestyle approach shoes globally this spring to complement its existing climbing shoe line. The footwear category, launched two years ago, is the brand’s fasting-growing product segment. Black Diamond U.S. revenues, including footwear, rose 16 percent in 2019 to $100.29 million. Meanwhile, global Black Diamond sales increased 13 percent last year to $199.9 million.

Recovery brand Hyperice, based in Irvine, CA, has acquired MA-based NormaTec, which makes pneumatic compression system products popular with elite and professional athletes for use in recovery. As part of the acquisition, the companies will combine workforces, integrate product offerings, accelerate international business, and advance manufacturing competencies and product development initiatives. Gilad Jacobs, NormaTec CEO, will join Hyperice’s leadership team and Board of Directors as Chief Innovation Officer. In a press release, the companies announced plans to launch “wellness pods” that will include both Hyperice and NormaTec devices along with “solutions-based protocols and education specifically designed to optimize human performance, longevity and health.”

Wigwam will sponsor a series of road and trail races in 2020 in support of its new SynchroKnit by Wigwam technology. The 29 races will include a variety of distances starting with 5Ks and running to the Rio Del Lago 100 Mile race held near Sacramento, CA and the Wasatch Trail Run Series in Utah.