The profits of German sports brand Puma dropped with 7% over the first three quarters of this year. The company made a profit of 90 million Euros, whereas last year Puma gained revenue of 96,6 million Euros. On a global level the sports brand’s profit increased with 0,5%; footwear sales were down by 4.6% to € 404.1 million, apparel was almost on last year’s level totalling € 246.9 million, and only the sales of Puma’s accessories improved by 36.0% to € 90.1 million. On a comparable basis, licensed sales were flat. Due to the take-back of the former license market Korea, the licensed business was down by 35.6% currency neutral to € 67.8 million. Based on the remaining licensed business the company managed a royalty and commission income of € 7.1 million in 1Q versus € 9.7 million in 2007. Puma might be able to turn things around for the rest of 2008, reporting that its orders increased 6.5% to € 1,170.4 million. Like-for-like, footwear going up by 10.2% to € 677.9 million and apparel improving with 14.3% to € 418.2 million. Also the outlook on major sports events such as European Champions League and the Olympics could revive its sales. (more…)

Larger then large is the way forward for lingerie retailer Hunkemöller. After opening its 400th shop, the international retailer is planning to open another 600 shops over the course of the coming 5 years. The expansion of Hunkemöller is a combination of its own shops and cooperation with franchise partners. Hunkemöller will enter a new country every year with its own shops and a further three new countries through international franchises.In Russia, a contract has been signed with the franchise partner Maratex. In addition to Russia, Maratex also operates in the Ukraine and Kazakhstan, where shops will also be opened. Hunkemöller has also concluded a franchise partnership with the Empik Media & Fashion Group (EM&F), which is active in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania. (more…)

The unique partnership between hip hop icon Missy Elliott and adidas Originals continues with the worldwide launch of the Respect M.E. talent competition starting in March 2008 exclusively on the www.adidas.com/Missy micro site. With Stand up. Be seen the line presents an outstanding force for social good aiming to recruit 10 female ambassadors for Missy and the urban streetwear brand all embraced by the values of respect. Selected finalists announced in June will celebrate their originality while appearing in the Fall/Winter 2008 campaign of the Respect M.E. collection including its characteristic Bass Line and Rhythm Line. In September, Missy will select out of those 10 urban girls only five to be the exclusive ongoing faces of the Respect M.E. range starting with the Spring/Summer 2009 season. (more…)