Total U.S. retail footwear sales declined 3% in the first quarter, NPD Group reported, lapping last year’s stimulus-fueled demand and with inflation hurting consumers’ spending power. Women’s footwear was a bright spot, growing 4% helped by higher ASPs, while men’s fell 6% and kids’ dropped 12%. Sport leisure footwear sales fell mid-teens, with Nike off about 25%, Jordan and Adidas down mid-teens, and Puma, Skechers, Converse, and Vans also declining. New Balance was the big winner, NPD said, up about 25%. Sales of ... Log in to view full article.