SGB Update Sports & Fitness

Leatt Corp. Revenues Jump DD in Q4 on Strong Body Armor and Helmet Growth
Sales of the brand’s most established category, neck braces, were down 25 percent in Q4 year-over-year as inventory is digested at the dealer and distributor level. Sales of ADV gear, designed for Adventure riding, exceeded expectations.

SBA Implements Made in America Manufacturing Initiative
The new SBA effort will cut $100 billion in regulation, expand access to capital and create dedicated infrastructure to support blue-collar boom.

Bass Pro Shops to Officially Open in Tyler, TX, with Evening for Conservation
The retailer will host a grand opening of its new retail store in Tyler, TX, with an Evening for Cnservation, on Wednesday, April 16. Every dollar spent during the event, 20 percent (on most items) will be donated to local conservation organizations, a tradition owner Johnny Morris started many years ago.

Sport Alliance Names New CEO
Alexandar Vassilev succeeds Gregor Bieler, who is stepping down for personal reasons. Headquartered in Hamburg, Sport Alliance is a global software company for the fitness industry, specializing in software solutions for studio management, financial services and mobile applications.

Specialist Sports Adds Category Director for UK and Europe
With over 25 years of experience in the golf industry, Ben Davis will focus primarily on driving the growth and success of the company’s golf brand representation in the UK and Europe for Payntr Golf,

Roger Cleveland Returns to Cleveland Golf as Founder and Brand Advisor
Since 1988, when Roger Cleveland first showcased the 588 Wedge, Cleveland Golf has been a game-changer in wedges, played with by 33 champions and responsible for over 400 PGA Tour victories. The company reports over 15 million wedges sold worldwide.

Recall: Specialized Vado and Como IGH E-Bikes with Chain Guards
Consumers should immediately stop using the Specialized Vado and Como IGH e-bikes and contact their nearest authorized Specialized retailer for a free installation of an updated protective chain/belt guard. Specialized Bicycle is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Academy Sports + Outdoors Opens 300th Store, Adds Two More States to Mix
The full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer will add five stores through April, with 20 to 25 stores planned for the fiscal 2025 full year.

Pure Hockey Expands Nationwide Footprint with Acquisition of Off The Bench
This strategic move marks Pure Hockey’s first entry into Nebraska and underscores the company’s commitment to serving the needs of hockey players across the U.S. and continued growth trajectory. Pure Hockey also operates a network of 81 retail locations across 30 states nationwide.

PickleRage to Open First South Carolina Member Club
The 40,195-square-foot club in North Charleston will include 13 temperature-controlled indoor CushionX courts, a pro shop with equipment and apparel, advanced tech solutions for booking court times and check-ins, programs, lessons, and clinics.

Foot Locker, Inc. Promotes Frank Bracken to Company President
The current EVP and chief commercial officer was named company president, effective immediately. He will continue to report to company CEO Mary Dillon. He joined Foot Locker in 2010 and has held several senior leadership roles of increasing responsibility across the company.

Jetty to Open Second Surf Shop on New Jersey Coast
Following the success of the Jetty flagship store in Manahawkin, NJ, which opened in 2022, the upcoming retail space in Pier Village will offer consumers the brand’s full apparel collection for men, women and kids.

Surftech Taps Industry Veteran Andy Barnett for General Manager Role
Barnett brings over 10 years of experience from his previous roles at Lost Surfboards, where he initially served as CFO before transitioning to general manager.

Salomon Appoints Nike Vet as Global Brand Creative Director
As Global Creative Director at Salomon, At the core of all Align product is its insole technologyacross all consumer touchpoints, platforms, channels, and regions.

Summit Golf Brands Honors Salesperson of the Year
Paige Golibart operates out of The Bungalow, SGB’s showroom in Jupiter, FL. She represents three of the company’s apparel brands on Florida’s East Coast — B. Draddy, Zero Restriction and Fairway & Greene.