What Leaders Can Learn from Dick’s, Target & the Athleisure Boom

Sports retail is moving fast — and sometimes sideways. This week, Shop Eat Surf Outdoor Editor in Chief Tiffany Montgomery and long-time industry analyst Matt Powell join Retail Remix for a candid discussion about what’s really happening with the biggest names in sports and activewear — and what retailers can learn from both their wins and missteps.Listen in to hear:Why Dick’s Sporting Goods’ acquisition of Foot Locker is both a bargain and a big bet on Nike’s turnaround;The operational edge that’s helped Dick’s pull away from competitors;Nike’s strategic missteps and why recovery will take longer than Wall Street hopes (but is in the cards); Why lagging in grocery and losing its sense of fun have been just as harmful to Target as its recent DEI reversal;Lessons from Vuori’s cross-category and cross-gender success — and what legacy players like Lululemon can learn; andWhy executives shouldn’t be lulled into a false sense of security following relatively rosy Q2 earnings.From footwear giants to big-box chains, this episode pulls no punches in looking at the forces reshaping retail.RELATED LINKS:Learn more about the strategy and advisory work of Matt Powell at BCE ConsultingExplore more coverage of the active outdoor industry from Shop Eat Surf OutdoorRelated reading: Dick’s Sporting Goods to Acquire Foot Locker in $2.5 Billion DealRelated reading:The Evolution of Journeys Under New President Andy GrayRead more from Retail TouchPointsCatch up on all episodes of Retail Remix