Skechers Returns To Chevron Houston Marathon

Skechers Performance, a division of Skechers USA, Inc., returns to Houston, Texas on January 20, 2019, for its sixth year as the official footwear and apparel sponsor of the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

Shopko Becomes Latest Casualty Of Online Disruption

Shopko, already weighed down by a heavy debt load due to a leveraged buyout, said competition against the national big box chains and consolidation in the pharmacy industry both played a role in its trip to bankruptcy court. But in an affidavit in Nebraska’s bankruptcy court, Russell Steinhorst, CEO,  blamed the retailer’s eroding operating performance largely on the dramatic shifts across retailer in recent years to online selling.

Foot Locker Makes Strategic Investment In Pensole Footwear Design Academy

Foot Locker, Inc. announced that it has made a $2 million strategic investment in Pensole Inc., which operates the Pensole Footwear Design Academy. The investment by Foot Locker, Inc. deepens Foot Locker’s longstanding partnership with Pensole and extends the companies’ relationship across all aspects of the design process.

New England Patriots Choose Ironturf For Empower Field House

GeoSurfaces North East announced that five-time Super Bowl champion the New England Patriots will now practice on Ironturf, at Empower Field House. Ironturf is manufactured in the United States by GreenFields USA. The just-completed field is approximately 80,000 square feet and is lined for both football and soccer, as Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution, will also practice on the field.

Plug And Play Announces Partnership With PVH Corp.

Plug and Play announced today its strategic partnership with PVH Corp., one of the world’s largest apparel companies and owner of iconic brands, including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, Speedo, Warner’s and Izod. The partnership will help PVH continue to drive ongoing strategic growth initiatives related to supply chain, technology, digital capabilities and consumer-centricity.

Hemisphere Design Works Names Jim Fox New CEO

Hemisphere Design Works, the world’s largest maker of kayaks, announces the hiring of Jim Fox as its new Chief Executive Officer. Fox’s predecessor, Chuck Smith, stepped down from his position following a mutual agreement. Fox will now oversee the company’s continued evolution in a rapidly growing market

Jay Getzel Leaves Mountainsmith To Join Nite Ize

Mountainsmith President Jay Getzel has left the company to join Nite Ize Inc. as director of its outdoor/pet/toy division. Getzel, who brings more than 19 years of outdoor industry experience, will oversee current vertical retail channels and develop new relationships in support of Nite Ize’s expansion into the travel category.

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.”