The Buzz

Customer Satisfaction with retail is down for a second consecutive year, according to the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index (ASCI) Retail and Consumer Shipping Report 2018-2019. Among 21 companies in ASCI’s internet retail category, Nike, Kohl’s and Nordstrom are tied at 81 with Walmart and Sears at the bottom with scores of 74 and 73, respectively. Among specialty retail stores, Dick’s (75) and GameStop (74) came in at the bottom while Cabela’s (80) scored higher, ASCI reported.

Fitbit, which realized a 7 percent drop in FY18 U.S. revenues to $881 million, says it’s seeing  a growing percentage of its customers utilizing its devices and software to manage chronic conditions. There are currently more than 6.8 million Fitbit users, including employees at 70 of the Fortune 500 companies, connecting their personal data into a population health management platform. Last year, Fitbit Care, a paired management solution that combines health coaching, wearables and personalized digital intervention, was launched.

OOFOS, the Braintree, MA footwear company has named Kittredge & Associates as its U.S. sales agency covering all territories, replacing a multiple sales agency strategy. Kittredge, based in River Edge, NJ, is headed by brothers Brian and Bill Kittredge and has more than 30 years of sales experience in the sporting goods, outdoor and footwear industries. It becomes OOFOS’ first agency partner. The OOFOS brand is currently sold in 1,800 U. S. specialty retail stores and in 33 countries.

Wolverine World Wide has entered a joint venture agreement with China’s Xtep International Holdings to develop, market and distribute Merrell and Saucony products in China, Hong Kong and Macau.