EXEC: Tactical and Outdoor Rec Led Active Consumer M&A Activity Growth in 2025
EXEC: Talking Socks with Darn Tough’s Parent President, Angelica Taylor
EXEC: Stella Int’l Sees Footwear Q1 Shipment Volume Dip Due to Ramadan Shift
Outdoor Industry to Convene in Washington, D.C. for Capitol Summit
Mervin Manufacturing Acquired by Spring Capital Group
SGB Update
Club Pilates Sets Philippines Expansion; Franchisee Plans to Open 30 Studios
Club Pilates, owned by Xponential Fitness, signed a master franchise agreement with DM Active Wellness, Inc. (DMAW) in the Philippines, with a commitment to open 30 studios over the next 10 years.
PickleRage Appoints CEO
PickleRage has appointed Rich DeStasio as CEO to support its continued national expansion. Previously, DeStasio is reported to have helped drive the expansion efforts for a major Orangetheory Fitness franchisee.
Asics Joins a Plethora of Active Lifestyle Brands on Boston’s Newbury Street
The athletic footwear and lifestyle brand is joining over a dozen other active lifestyle brands and retailer’s on Boston’s iconic Newbury Street, which is akin to landing on London’s High Street. The move comes in advance of Boston Marathon weekend.
Billabong Expands into Eyewear with L’Amy America
Under the agreement, L’Amy America will design, manufacture and distribute optical frames, fashion sunglasses, eyewear accessories, snow goggles, and motosport goggles in the U.S. and Canada for men, women and kids.
HFA Report: Gym Membership Climbs 5.6 Percent in 2025
The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) released its 2026 US Health & Fitness Consumer Report, showing that 81 million Americans belonged to a gym, studio, or other fitness facility in 2025, marking an all-time high and a 5.2 percent increase from 2024. The share of members who did not use their membership was 4.6 percent, an all-time low.
SGB Executive
EXEC: Tactical and Outdoor Rec Led Active Consumer M&A Activity Growth in 2025
Tactical Products M&A maintained its prior-year momentum, with deal volume increasing by 19 percent in 2025. Outdoor Recreation M&A volume saw its second consecutive year of expansion, rising 48 percent to 164 transactions. In Apparel & Footwear, M&A activity retracted nearly 14 percent year-over-year to 152 deals in 2025, the first decline since 2022.
KOA: Camping Participation Builds on Post-Pandemic Gains
The 12th Annual Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report from Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) found over 52 million North American households camping in 2025, about even with year-ago levels but still well above pre-pandemic levels. Wellness and a recharge were found to be increased motivators for glamping, first-time guests, and aging campers.
EXEC: Talking Socks with Darn Tough’s Parent President, Angelica Taylor
Angelica Taylor, who was promoted to president of Darn Tough Vermont’s parent company, Cabot Hosiery Mills (CHM), in February, talked with SGB Executive about Darn Tough’s history, the brand’s recent success, its commitment to U.S. production, and sock trends.
Birkenstock Opens First Swiss Store
Birkenstock opened a store in Zurich, marking its first store in Switzerland and 30th store in Europe. Measuring 70 square meters (230 square feet), the store is located on Storchengasse in the historic Old Town section of Switzerland’s financial capital.
EXEC: Karsten Hagen Named U.S. Sales Manager for Decathlon’s Van Rysel Bike Brand
Van Rysel, the French cycling brand owned by Decathlon, appointed Karsten Hagen as U.S. Sales Manager. Most recently, Hagen was the head of Sales for Giant Bicycles USA’s Western U.S. region.
