In 2023, consumers completed over 50 percent of their Holiday shopping before Thanksgiving. However, the peak Holiday period (after Cyber Monday through Christmas Eve) was still the busiest, with 36 percent of shopping. This year that period will only have 27 days.
Author: SGB Media

SylvanSport Expanding Global HQ in the Blue Ridge Mountains
The global headquarters of SylvanSport in Brevard, NC, will reportedly grow by 40,000 square feet, led by the Transylvania Economic Alliance.

Topgolf Callaway Enters Multiyear Agreement with Golf Saudi
The partnership includes the launch of Topgolf across KSA. Golf Saudi will also become the official Saudi distributor of Topgolf Callaway equipment and apparel brands, and Callaway Golf will outfit the Saudi national golf team and sponsor its professional golfers.

Lancer Systems Promotes Bill Lutton to Company President
Lutton has been with Lancer Systems for nearly six years, most recently as engineering manager. Prior to Lancer, Lutton served as VP engineering for O.F. Mossberg & Sons for nearly 13 years.

Macy’s Names Senior VP, Creative and Production
Jason Holzman brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Macy’s. Before his nearly seventeen-year tenure at NBCUniversal, Holzman served as creative director at Euro RSCG. He also held creative roles at BBDO and Ammirati & Puris and, recently, co-authored a graphic novel to be published by the publishing house, Humanoids.

Anechoic Taps Schooler Outdoor Marketing as New Indie Sales Group
Schooler Outdoor Marketing officially launched in January 2023 when two long-standing manufacturer rep agencies—Outdoor Marketing Group and Schooler Associates—merged. The agency manages territories outside the 13 Western states.”

Far Bank Names Industry Vet as Director of North American Sales
Tom Larimer brings to Far Bank vast experience gained from a 30-year career in the fly fishing industry. His recent roles leading national sales teams and brand management operations include decades of guiding and retail experience and a background in product design and casting instruction.

EXEC: Colt CZ Gets H1 Revenue Boost from Sellier & Bellot Deal as Profits Shrink on Costs
Revenues for the first half (H1) increased 41.2 percent year-over-year (y/y) to CZK 9.69 billion, said to be mainly driven by sales growth in the second quarter of 2024 and the consolidation of the newly acquired Sellier & Bellot company as of May 16, 2024.

NSGA Announces Passing of Gymnastics Equipment Icon Bill Sorenson
Bill Sorenson’s success as a competitive gymnast led to his transforming the sport through his innovations in the development of gymnastic equipment, leading to his induction into the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame in 2022.

EXEC: Vista Outdoor Board Backs CSG Deal; MNC Financial Backer Looking at Revelyst
Ultimately, CSG agreed to acquire The Kinetic Group for $2.15 billion, which is ~$250 million higher than the implied valuation of MNC’s last proposal and agreed to purchase shares representing 7.5 percent of standalone Revelyst for $150 million, valuing Revelyst at $2.0 billion.

Pickleball Kingdom to Open in Austin Metro
Jared and Pam Jolly are the club operators. The club will span 30,000 square feet and occupy two buildings, the first of which will open next month.

New Backcountry Owner Taps Schottenstein Affiliates for $112M Financing Support
Schottenstein affiliates Second Avenue Capital Partners, SB360 Capital Partners and Ares Commercial Finance have closed on a $112 million Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan for Backcountry.

Crunch Fitness Franchise to Open Des Moines Facility
Brian Hibbard, CEO of Fitness Ventures LLC, which owns and operates Crunch Fitness locations across the U.S., will operate the $5 million, 40,000-square-foot fitness facility.

Delta Apparel Retains Schottenstein Affiliate for GOB and Liquidations Sales
The liquidation sale will reportedly include the company’s remaining inventory across all categories, including lifestyle apparel, activewear, and accessories.

Pvolve Expands Footprint in Atlanta Market With Second Studio
After 20 years in the corporate world, Clo is taking her lifelong passion for health and fitness and partnering with Pvolve. She will spearhead the development of Pvolve’s newest studio in the city.