PHIT America Releases “Power of P.E.” Documentary

PHIT America has launched a 28-minute documentary, “Creating Healthier & Smarter Kids: The Power of P.E.,” detailing the negative side effects of physical inactivity. The video will be distributed to P.E. teachers and other school administrators to help highlight the importance of P.E. programs.

Running Awards & Apparel Merges With Racetrackers

Running Awards & Apparel has merged with with Racetrackers Enterprises, Inc. formerly of Spencer, IN. The two companies have supplied running events such as 5Ks, 10Ks and marathons among other races, across the U.S. with custom race apparel, race medals, technical running shirts, and more for over 35 years.

Shopko Files For Bankruptcy

Shopko, the operator of general merchandise stores based in Green Bay, WI,  filed for Chapter 11 in the District of Nebraska. The company is pursuing restructuring as a result of “excess debt and ongoing competitive pressures.”

Activism Paying Off For Patagonia

At a session the NRF Big Show in New York City, Patagonia’s CEO Rose Marcario said the last decade “has been the best decade for us in terms of our business” even as the company has doubled-down on its commitment to sustainability and taken on risks by becoming more politically active around environmental issues. But she regarded Patagonia’s moves to take on hot-button issues as only “a proportional response to what’s going on.”

Crocs Pivots To Growth Mode After Successful Repositioning

The transformation that Crocs Inc. began a few years ago has included everything from shuttering stores to adjusting its channel strategy to closing its company-owned manufacturing facilities. Those efforts to slash costs have paid off for the Niwot, CO-based footwear maker. After shedding $80 million in SG&A expenses in that timeframe, the company can now focus on the next leg of its journey—growth.

TRX Completes Strategic Growth Recapitalization

Structured as a management buyout of previous investors by Equity38, the partnership was ideal for TRX in that it maintains the company’s existing infrastructure, led by founder/CEO and former Navy SEAL, Randy Hetrick; while also arming TRX with the capital and significant additional category expertise and resources from Equity38, to further develop the TRX brand.

Aetrex Worldwide Announces Key Sales Appointments

Aetrex Worldwide Inc.  has added two key sales executives to its growing global team. Jason Israel was appointed vice president of business development in the technology and orthotics division, and Renee Newman joins as the vice president of sales, strategic footwear accounts.

Ping Signs Stewart Cink

Ping has signed Stewart Cink, the 2009 British Open Champion and six-time PGA Tour winner, to an endorsement deal.

UNC, Epoch Lacrosse Agree To Multi-Year Equipment Contract

The University of North Carolina and two-time NCAA champion head coach Jenny Levy have agreed to a multiyear contract with Epoch Lacrosse to be the exclusive supplier of hard goods such as stick heads, shafts, gloves and other select equipment to the Tar Heel women’s lacrosse program.