Aetrex reports that it is gaining traction with its Albert Pro 2, securing more than 220 orders for the in-store scanner from U.S. run and outdoor specialty retailers during the first quarter. The ordering group included Big Peach Running Co., Danner, Fit2Run, Marathon Sports, The North Face, Scheels and Sun & Ski Sports. The Albert 2 Pro and new Albert 3DFit foot scanner will be on display at the Outdoor Retailer trade show in Denver this week.

The scanning technology, besides increasing store foot traffic, provides retailers with tools to keep their customers engaged long-term. After a customer gets his or her foot scanned by the device, the scanned data is sent to the customer via email, allowing retailers to collect email addresses organically for future marketing needs. Since 2002, Teaneck, NJ-based Aetrex has placed over 10,000 scanners across the globe that have performed more have completed more than 40 million unique customer foot scans.

Twisted X is helping those impacted by the war in Ukraine by partnering with Soles4Souls, The UPS Foundation and Suddath to donate footwear in support of relief and recovery efforts for those most in need. Twisted X supplied more than 16,000 pairs of men’s, women’s and youth footwear, a retail value of $1.3M to Soles4Souls. Product donations are sorted by Soles4Souls and transported to vetted nonprofit organizations on the ground to ensure entire communities have access to the essential items. The donation was made in collaboration with The UPS Foundation, which donated shipping costs and resources to aid in the distribution efforts.  

Sock maker Nester Hosiery, parent company of the Farm to Feet sock brand, was recently recognized by North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) with a 2022 Manufacturing Leadership Award for Sustainable Manufacturing. The NCMEP award program recognizes manufacturers for their commitment to the North Carolina manufacturing sector, as proven by outstanding performance in the areas of manufacturing excellence, sustainable manufacturing, innovation, workforce development and economic development/developing markets.

In 2020, Nester Hosiery used 393,229 less kWh than it did in 2019 thanks to a number of energy reduction programs including an air leak detection program which they partnered with their local community college on. By identifying and repairing air leaks throughout their production processes, it is estimated that Nester could save 16,000 kWh.

‍U.S. online spending rose 4.5 percent year-over-year in April, the lowest monthly increase for the year to-date, according to the Adobe Digital Price Index (DPI). But April online sales figures were down 6.8 percent, or 5.28 billion, suggesting consumers are lowering durable goods purchases due to rising interest rates and persistent inflation.