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Wolverine's International Business Gains Pace on Brand Strength

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Key Takeaways

  • International revenues rose 10.9% to $277.2 million in Q2 2026, driven by global brand momentum.
  • Merrell sales climbed 11.1% to $175.5 million, with growth across all regions and outsized global gains.
  • Saucony revenues increased 9.9% to $158.6 million, supported by strong EMEA sell-through and global demand.

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (WWW - Free Report) continues to build its international presence through a broad distribution network and focused brand-building initiatives. Its brands are marketed in approximately 170 countries and territories through direct-to-consumer (DTC) operations, leading retailers and distributor partners. Key-city initiatives and disciplined marketplace management are helping the company deepen consumer engagement and strengthen the positioning of its major brands across global markets.     

International revenues reached $277.2 million in second-quarter 2026, rising 10.9% year over year on a reported basis and 9.6% at constant currency. Currency movements added $3.1 million to quarterly revenues and $18.5 million during the first half of 2026. Management’s fiscal 2026 assumptions also incorporate an estimated $14 million foreign-currency benefit versus the prior year.    

Merrell remains a major contributor to the company’s global momentum. Second-quarter revenues increased 11.1% to $175.5 million, with management reporting growth across all regions and outsized gains internationally. Its key-city strategy and “It Starts Outside” marketing platform are supporting consumer engagement through initiatives in markets including London and Paris.   

Saucony is generating healthy international demand, particularly in Europe. Revenues advanced 9.9% to $158.6 million, while management cited strong EMEA sell-through and continued activity across London, Berlin and Paris. The brand is extending its reach through Hong Kong, Istanbul and Bangkok, and some international distributors are adopting its key-city approach. Wholesale revenues, meanwhile, increased 8% at constant currency, reflecting strong international performance alongside continued U.S. growth.     

The updated outlook further supports the broader growth trajectory. WWW raised its fiscal 2026 revenue forecast to $1.98-$2.00 billion. Active Group revenues are expected to grow at a high-single-digit rate at constant currency, while Saucony is projected to post mid-teens growth and Merrell mid-single-digit growth. These expectations, coupled with continued overseas demand, provide a favorable backdrop for WWW’s international business through the remainder of 2026.

How DECK, TPR & SHOO Stack Up Against WWW

Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK - Free Report) , Tapestry, Inc. (TPR - Free Report) and Steven Madden, Ltd. (SHOO - Free Report) are key footwear companies competing with Wolverine in global markets.

Deckers maintained solid global momentum in first-quarter fiscal 2027, with revenues exceeding $1 billion. International sales rose 8.4% to $502.1 million, outperforming domestic growth of 3.2%. HOKA recorded robust international DTC growth across Europe, China and Japan. UGG’s international growth was led by Asia and effective mono-brand retail execution. Deckers achieved 13% companywide DTC growth, reflecting healthy full-price demand. This broad-based strength positions Deckers for faster growth in the second half.

Tapestry continued to build strong international momentum in the fourth quarter, with pro forma constant-currency revenue increasing 28% in Greater China, 19% in Europe and 22% in Other Asia, where South Korea and Australia led growth. Japan declined 4%, reflecting the company’s intentional pullback in promotional activity. Coach was a key contributor to this international strength, delivering fourth-quarter revenue growth of 30% in Greater China and 25% in Europe, supported by robust customer acquisition and broad-based demand. The performance reinforces Tapestry’s Amplify strategy, which prioritizes accelerating international growth, particularly across Greater China and Europe.     

Steve Madden maintained positive international momentum in the second quarter of 2026, with international comparable sales at the Steve Madden brand rising 1% despite disruption from the conflict in the Middle East; excluding the GCC business, international comps increased 4%. The company also advanced its global expansion agenda across other key brands: Dolce Vita continued to gain traction in Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom, while Kurt Geiger expanded its directly operated international presence through the acquisition of its Spain and Portugal business and continued discussions with potential distribution and joint-venture partners in additional markets. These initiatives broaden Steve Madden’s international platform and support continued development of its brands across overseas markets.

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