SGB Apparel

Tennis Racquet Sales at Specialty Stores Slow to Start 2023

Unit sales of tennis racquets in specialty tennis stores dropped by 7 percent in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period a year ago, reported Sports Marketing Surveys USA (SMS). Despite this, the market remains strong compared to the pre-pandemic period.

Giant Loop Adventure Shop Opens in Bend

Hydration pack and apparel maker USWE Sports, based in Malmö, Sweden, is opening its first retail store in the U.S.—USWE Sports Giant Loop Adventure Shop. Giant Loop was acquired last year by USWE Sports, and the company’s warehouse is the U.S. headquarters for both brands.

New Wave Group Acquires Tenson AB

New Wave Group AB reported it acquired 100 percent of the shares in the Swedish outdoor and lifestyle company Tenson AB. Tenson AB will reportedly be part of the Sports & Leisure operating segment with a primary focus on the retail sales channel.

Levi Strauss Trims Outlook for Year on U.S. Wholesale Weakness

Levi Strauss & Co. reduced guidance for its fiscal year while reporting earnings in its fiscal second quarter ended May 28 arrived slightly below Wall Street targets amid pressures at the U.S. wholesale channel. Wholesale revenues were down 22 percent in the quarter. Beyond Yoga was a bright spot, increasing revenues by 28 percent.

Gillz LLC Rebrands to Outdoor Nation Unlimited LLC

Gillz LLC, based in Jacksonville, FL, rebranded to Outdoor Nation Unlimited, emphasizing the company’s expansion beyond fishing apparel into the broader performance outdoor apparel category. The company’s consumer-facing brands include Gillz, Reel Life, FinTech, and Mad Pelican.