Brooks’ business in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region returned to growth with revenue up 4 per cent as the retail landscape showed signs of improvement. Recently, released the first quarter market data shows Brooks’ adult performance running footwear market share in France and Germany combined increased nearly a full point year over year. Demand for Brooks in France and Germany led the way with sales growth of 12 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively, in the Q1 adult performance footwear category, compared to the same quarter in 2023. In the Asia Pacific and Latin America (APLA) region, Brooks launched a retail store in Shanghai earlier this month, its first in mainland China, with a second Shanghai location planned for later this year, in addition to first-ever storefronts in Beijing and Guangzhou.

“Brooks’ record results this quarter demonstrate the strength of our brand, business, and product,” said Dan Sheridan, CEO. “We believe sharp focus on the performance category creates mass appeal as we continue to deliver innovative, premium products and experiences that runners and active people value.”

Following Sheridan’s transition to the CEO role in April, former vice president, managing director of Brooks International Matt Dodge becomes president and chief operating officer, effective August 1. Dodge returns to the brand’s global headquarters in Seattle after growing Brooks’ business and team in EMEA and APLA regions for the past six years. Prior to his role in Europe, Dodge led Brooks’ global human resources and legal teams.

Also effective August 1, Josh Vaughan assumes the managing director position in EMEA, bringing more than 15 years’ experience in the outdoor performance industry to the role. Vaughan recently served as the EMEA general manager for the icebreaker and Smartwool brands, both of which are owned by the VF Corporation. He previously held leadership positions with sporting brands in Australia, North America, and Europe, the company said in a press release.

Brooks held half of the top 10 shoe styles at US specialty retail for the third consecutive quarter (Ghost, Ghost Max, Glycerin, Glycerin GTS, and Adrenaline GTS).5 With 14.1 per cent footwear growth in Q2 in this discerning channel, the brand outpaced the total market, which grew 8.3 per cent.

Brooks updated its Hyperion shoe franchise with the introduction of the Hyperion Max 2 in June. The Hyperion Max 2 features DNA FLASH v2 nitrogen-infused foam and an added SpeedVault Plate to accelerate heel-to-toe transition and deliver a fast and responsive underfoot experience. Initial Hyperion Max 2 sales show strong consumer demand, with specialty retail and e-commerce sales up nearly three times that of the prior version within the same period, with additional growth expected through the fall marathon season.

In the cushion category, Brooks updated the fan-favourite Ghost 16 with DNA LOFT v3 lightweight cushioning and an enhanced upper that secures the foot and increases comfort, propelling the Ghost 16 to the largest ever new product introduction for Brooks (by pairs sold). In the second half of this year, the brand will continue to push the pace of innovation, with 10 new or updated footwear styles slated to be released between August and December.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)