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Skechers aims to raise $3 million at 18th annual Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. October 13, 2026 Skechers USA Inc. is aiming to raise more to raise $3 million for children with special needs, public schools and national college scholarships at its upcoming 18th annual Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, with presenting sponsor Nickelodeon. Celebrities supporting the event include Howie Mandel, Brooke Burke and Sugar Ray Leonard. This year's event, occurring on October 18, comes at a milestone moment as the Friendship Campus prepares to open in January 2027. The $70 million, nearly 62,000-square-foot facility in Redondo Beach will be dedicated to supporting young adults with special needs. "Thanks to the Walk, we have had 18 years of positive change in our community - from seeing the Friendship Foundation flourish to improving our public schools and helping students pursue their college dreams. Now, the Friendship Campus is taking that impact to an entirely new level," said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers and co-founder of the Walk, which has raised more than $32 million to date for children. "Sgbonline is creating a first-of-its-kind center where neurodivergent young adults who once had few options after high school can continue their journey, build independence and find their purpose. The Friendship Campus will create a culture of hope, opportunity and belonging - a safe, supportive place where they can be encouraged, inspired and realize their potential. "Through our Friendship Campus and annual Walk, we are writing the book on what empathy, generosity and compassion can look like when put into action - and how a community coming together can create meaningful change that resonates across generations. Our hope is that what we're building here can serve as a blueprint for communities everywhere to help all of our youth thrive." Funded by the Skechers Foundation, Friendship Foundation and partners, the campus features a creative arts studio, culinary institute and recreation center, as well as life skills programming, early education and mentoring. Over 19 years, the Friendship Foundation has grown from serving just 30 participants at one school through its Buddy Program to reaching more than 5,000 students, participants and volunteers across Los Angeles County, partnering with nearly 100 schools, facilitating over 50 monthly programs, and providing a six-week summer camp. The Foundation's new headquarters at the Friendship Campus will significantly expand the organization's reach, programming and impact. Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk also has had major impact on public education, providing funding to education foundations to help reduce class sizes; update labs, libraries and facilities; and protect teachers' jobs. Since 2017, the Skechers Foundation's national college scholarship program has also contributed a portion of the event's proceeds to students with financial need and excellence in academics, athletics and leadership; to date, the program has donated more than $3.5 million in scholarships. The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk will feature a performance by Full Circle Boys and appearances by Clippers Spirit, as well as the Care Bears and Nickelodeon characters, SpongeBob + Sandy, Paw Patrol Pups Marshall + Everest, and Tommy + Angelica from Rugrats. This year's festivities will also include a pet adoption fair in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society. In addition to Howie Mandel, Brooke Burke and Sugar Ray Leonard, the Walk has been supported by celebrities, entertainers and athletes over the years, including Martha Stewart, Mr. T, Amanda Kloots, Howie Long, Meb Keflezighi, Jimmy Kimmel, Denise Austin and Camila Alves-McConaughey. The 2026 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk thanks Presenting Sponsor Nickelodeon, Rare Beauty, Ted Schwartz Family Foundation, Steel Sports, Mattel, United Legwear & Apparel Co., StandStrong, Big 5 Sporting Goods, TJX Companies, Chevron, Bank of America, Fossil Group, Ross Stores, Barco, Dakine, Vertra, Legends, Honda, Amazon, KPMG, Kinecta, Moose Toys, Waiakea, L.A. Dodgers, L.A. Clippers, L.A. Chargers, Providence Little Company of Mary, Angels Baseball, Continental Development, Serta, F&M Bank, Herbalife, WSS, Topgolf, Beach Cities Health District, Olipop, Cushman & Wakefield, and BMO, and the many companies and community partners whose support helps make the annual event possible. Image courtesy Skechers

Skechers expands Aero performance series. 2026-10-02 Skechers has introduced the Aero Elite, its first super shoe, as part of its Aero series. The lightweight shoe features Hyper Burst Pro foam, a carbon-infused plate and Hyper Arc Technology to enhance performance from 5Ks to marathons. Other models in the lineup include the Aero Burst, which provides soft cushioning for daily and long-distance runs, and the Aero Spark, designed for consistent daily training, both featuring hands-free slip-in technology. Full story: NRF SmartBrief News and trends about the U.S. Retail industry Designed specifically for retail professionals, NRF SmartBrief is a free, daily email newsletter. It provides the latest need-to-know news and industry information that maximizes your time, giving you an edge over your competition.

Levi Strauss & Co. has appointed John Vandemore as its new chief financial officer, effective 1 November. Vandemore spent nearly a decade as CFO at Skechers, where he helped grow revenues from $4 billion in 2017 to $10 billion last year. Before Skechers, Vandemore held finance and operations roles at Mattel, The Walt Disney Company and International Game Technology. He replaces Harmit Singh, whose retirement was announced earlier this year. Levi's CEO Michelle Gass said Vandemore joins "at a pivotal moment" as the company works to transform into "the world's leading denim lifestyle retailer" and reach $10 billion in revenues. The denim maker is focusing on growing its direct-to-consumer business, which provided just over half of revenues last quarter.