Latest news with #RickHiggins
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Phase one of Mass Pike weekend construction almost complete
Phase one of MassDOT's weekend project in Newton and Weston on the Mass Pike is almost over. Construction is to demolish and replace a bridge running over the MBTA railroad. MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said the lane closures went as planned. 'People took alternate routes or they adjusted their plans, and really we avoided the extreme delays that could've occurred otherwise,' Gulliver said. 'There was some heavy delays going through that site at one point yesterday. We saw it reach close to an hour, but that's nothing like it could've been.' MassDOT reduced travel to one lane in each direction on Friday night. Officials were preparing for up to three-hour delays if everyone who normally travels between exits 123 and 125 in Newton and Weston drove on through. Drivers Lars and Kim Waldmann said they avoided the Mass Pike altogether and took back roads to get to their destination. 'I have to commute on Route 128 to work every day, so I really didn't want to sit in traffic this weekend,' Lars Waldmann said. Uber driver Rick Higgins also dodged the long line of cars on Sunday. 'Once I saw that it was backed up, I tried to hop on 95, which I was successful in doing,' Higgins explained. 'So I avoided it, lucky me, I'm trying to avoid it, who likes to sit in traffic?' Phase two of the construction project will be the exact same, but traffic will be moved to the Westbound side of the turnpike during the weekend of June 20. 'That's the second lightest weekend of the summer this year so again, that's the reason we picked these weekends,' Gulliver said. 'Not a lot of events going on in the city and we're going to be asking for the same level of cooperation we got this time and hopefully we get it and things remain manageable for that weekend as well.' The phase one lane closures end Monday at 5 a.m. MassDOT said by doing the project in phases, it allows crews to get the work done in two weekends rather than two years., This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dockers Footwear Marks Next Chapter With New Innovations, More Classifications
Dockers footwear is ready for its next chapter. The category, which is under license with Nashville-based Genesco, has undergone a massive transformation in recent seasons and executives are eager to show it off this upcoming market season. More from WWD EXCLUSIVE: Aerosoles to Preview Archive-Inspired 'Essentials' Collection to Buyers at Next Week's FFANY Authentic Brands Group Is Buying Dockers for $311 Million Johnston & Murphy Marks 175th Anniversary With Special Campaign, Collection and More According to Genesco Brands Group president Rick Higgins, the company has been laser focused on evolving the brand's shoe offering away from just an assortment centered around classic dress silhouettes. 'We saw an opportunity to repurpose that legacy and build something that better fits today's consumer,' Higgens told FN in an exclusive interview. 'The market is constantly moving, and our customer is looking for footwear that delivers on comfort and versatility along with the right look, and that's exactly where we've taken the line.' The exec noted that the company 'made some real strides' thanks to listening closely to the Dockers' consumer. 'They're telling us that they want footwear that can move with them,' Higgens said. 'Something they can wear to work, on the go, or go out with friends, without having to sacrifice comfort or style. That insight has helped shape the way we think about design materials and the overall experience of wearing Dockers' shoes.' Higgens added that the company has seen 'great support' from its retail partners, which have been 'excited' about the new direction for the category. 'There has been momentum on the self to our updated assortment – from new comfort platforms to more casual offerings,' the exec said. 'It has been incredibly encouraging as we work on adding fresh perspectives and technical know-how to help take the product to the next level.' The executive also highlighted key styles for spring/summer 2026, which include the Resurgence shoe with the brand's active rebound technology, the Bingley dress shoe series with elevated comfort features, and the Sorrento men's casual sandal with an active rebound footbed and outsole. This comes as the company readies the opening of its brand-new showroom in New York City, which will be feted during market week on June 4. Now located at 1410 Broadway on the 10th floor, the showroom offers a more 'elevated presentation,' the executive described. 'I feel like it showcases the brands better in this new space.' Bottom line, Higgens wants buyers to be on the lookout for Dockers' elevated, technology-packed shoe collection this season. 'We're proud of where things are headed it feels like a fresh chapter for Dockers footwear.' This comes one week after brand management firm Authentic Brands Group inked a deal to acquire the Dockers brand from Levi Strauss & Co. for $311 million. The deal has the potential to ultimately reach up to $391 million through an $80 million earn-out opportunity based on the performance of the Dockers business under Authentic's ownership in the years ahead. At press time no word if Dockers' new owners will reorganize its license structure for the label. So, for now, the brand's shoe category will remain with Genesco. In the full fiscal year 2025, Genesco reported net sales were flat at $2.3 billion compared to fiscal 2024. The company reported a net loss of $18.9 million in fiscal 2025 compared to a loss of $16.8 million last year. The company added that overall sales for the year increased 3 percent at Journeys, offset by a decrease of 6 percent at Johnston & Murphy and an 11 percent decrease at Genesco Brands, while sales at Schuh were flat. Looking ahead, the company expects net sales in fiscal 2026 to be flat to up 1 percent compared to fiscal 2025. Genesco reports first quarter 2026 earnings on June 4. Best of WWD All the Retailers That Nike Left and Then Went Back Mikey Madison's Elegant Red Carpet Shoe Style [PHOTOS] Julia Fox's Sleekest and Boldest Shoe Looks Over the Years [Photos] Sign in to access your portfolio
