Opening August 1, the new store steps from Wrigley Field, will feature a large selection of single cards, sealed boxes, authentic memorabilia, and exclusive Chicago Merchandise.
Author: SGB Media

Next Level Apparel’s Debt Ratings Downgraded by Moody’s
Moody’s lowered the debt ratings of YS Garments LLC, doing business as Next Level Apparel due to refinance risk associated the Torrance, CA-based clothing company’s revolver due February 2026 and its term loan due August 2026.

D&M Holding Inks Partnership to Address Ukrainian Ammo Propellant Shortages
The company is partnering with the Ukrainian Defense Industry Joint Stock Company to manufacture specialty chemicals in the U.S. to address the shortage of propellant used in the production of ammunition for the Ukrainian defense forces.

Bombas Promotes Jason LaRose to CEO; David Heath Moves to Executive Chair
Company President Jason LaRose, a former Under Armour executive, to CEO. Bombas Co-Founder David Heath becomes executive chair. LaRose is responsible for expanding Bombas beyond direct-to-consumer, with only 7 percent of revenues currently coming from wholesale.

PickleRage Signs Three New Franchisees, Continues Nationwide Expansion
The latest franchise locations include Western Wayne County, MI; Union County, NJ; and Hillsborough County, NH. PickleRage indoor facilities cater to casual and competitive play.

Yamaha Marine’s Torqeedo Appoints Director of Sales
Mary Jo Reinhart will lead OEM and retail sales across North America for Torqueedo, overseeing key distributor relationships and core business operations for its low-voltage product line. Reinhart began her career at the company in 2011 as a customer service rep.

Kohl’s Appoints JD Sports Exec as Chief Digital Officer
Arianne Parisi, most recently chief digital officer for JD Sports Fashion Plc, has been named the retailer’s chief digital officer. Starting on July 28, Parisi will join the company’s executive leadership team and report directly to Interim CEO Michael Bender.

Turner’s Outdoorsman Appoints President
Rob Zubak brings 35 years of experience to the role. Most recently, he was the company’s chief operating officer. The hunting, Shooting and fishing retailer operates 38 stores across California and Arizona.

Lululemon Inks Franchise Partner to Enter Market in India
The collaboration will see LULU launch its first retail store in the country in addition to having a dedicated e-commerce presence on both Tata CLiQ Luxury and Tata CLiQ Fashion platforms.

NFL, Fanatics Antitrust Lawsuit Over Amazon Sales Dismissed
The ruling frees the NFL, its teams and Fanatics from a lawsuit brought in 2022 by merchandise business Casey’s Distributing, Inc., which alleged that the companies conspired to exclude it from selling NFL-licensed products on Amazon’s marketplace, leaving consumers with fewer options and higher prices.

Nike’s Debt Downgraded on Lower Profitability, Tariff Risks
S&P Global Ratings lowered its debt ratings on Nike, Inc., due to recent sales and margin declines that it expects will continue in its current fiscal year as well as ongoing tariff risks. The rating agency said, “We believe it will take multiple years to regain the market share lost to both apparel and footwear competitors and return Nike to historical levels of profitability.”

Rygr Taps Saks, Backbone and TNF Veteran as Company President
Hlidek replaces Brian Holcombe, who co-founded Rygr in 2016 and assumed the role of president in 2023. The company said Holcombe’s nine-year tenure helped shape the agency’s “strong foundation, culture and client portfolio.”

Ireland’s Gym+Coffee Appoint Former Nike Exec as CEO
Niall Horgan, Diarmuid McSweeney and Karl Swaine founded the Dublin-based brand in 2017 and operate seven stores in Ireland. Jason Crawford, formerly of Nike and Adidas, will take on the role as CEO as the founders step away from the Ireland-based athleisure brand’s day-to-day operations.

Pickleball Kingdom Franchise to Open in Hilliard, OH
The 36,000-square-foot club, owned and operated by franchisee Steve Niehoff, will be the third franchise club established in the state, following the openings of the franchise clubs in Cincinnati and Centerville.

Winnebago Industries to Undergo Additional Iowa Layoffs
Winnebago Industries will lay off an additional 121 employees at its Iowa facilities in Charles City and Waverly. The RV manufacturer plans to consolidate those operations into its Forest City and Lake Mills facilities.