“This second shoe represents evolution and how much I’ve grown as a player. I’m always building on my skills so I can be better than who I was yesterday. I hope consumers appreciate how much we put into this one.” —Jayson Tatum
Author: SGB Media

Life Time Reaffirms Guidance; Names Interim CFO as Houghton Departs
The company expects to be free cash flow positive after all capital expenditures, including new club growth, by the middle of 2024. SVP and Controller Erik Weaver, a 19-year company veteran, will assume the role of interim CFO with the departure of CFO Bob Houghton.

Crunch Fitness Opening First Club in Nebraska
The new gym, located in a former Gordmans space in Lincoln, NE, has 55,000 square feet and $1 million worth of fitness equipment. The gym is set to open on January 5.

Nikola Jokić Inks Signature Shoe Deal with 361° Footwear Brand
Jokić will debut his first signature performance basketball shoe with 361° shortly. Until then, he will wear the Big 3 Future High on-court, the latest performance basketball shoe from 361°.

Report: Merchandise Returns Reach 14.5 Percent in 2023
According to the report released by the National Retail Federation and Appriss Retail, for every $1 billion in sales, the average retailer reportedly incurs $145 million in merchandise returns. Online sales do see a higher return rate, at 17.6 percent.

Report: U.S. Holiday Season Retail Sales at Low End of Forecast
U.S. retail sales, excluding automotive, increased 3.1 percent year-over-year this holiday season, according to a report from Mastercard SpendingPulse measuring the period from November 1 through December 24.

Happy Holidays From SGB Media
In observance of the Christmas holiday, SGB Media is taking time to be with family and will not publish the SGB Updates on December 25. Publishing will resume on December 26 with one Update newsletter daily through December 29.

Terracea Elevates Core Winter Gear for 2024
Terracea, the maker of winter and ski jackets, founded in 2017, will expand its focus beyond the core winter market in 2024 with a collection that integrates everyday style with performance functionality.

5.11 Tactical Adds EDC Products for Winter 2024
5.11 Tactical added everyday carry (EDC) products to its Winter 2024 line to meet the needs of first responders, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who prioritize preparedness.

Recco Continues Global Expansion of SAR Helicopter Detectors
The Recco network will continue to expand in 2024 as the brand partners with more SAR organizations.

American Outdoor Brands Names Chief Product Officer
The company promoted James Tayon to chief product officer. Tayon will continue to lead the company’s strategic product direction, including product innovation, design, development, and marketing.
Nike to Undergo Layoffs, Cost-Cutting Amid Weakening Sales Outlook
Nike, Inc. reported earnings in its fiscal second quarter ended November 30 topped analyst expectations but also announced a program to cut costs by about $2 billion over the next three years, including through layoffs, as it sees a “softer” sales outlook for its fiscal second half.

TRX Partners with Club Pilates and YogaSix
TRX collaborated with Xponential Fitness brands YogaSix and Club Pilates to create a custom TRX Suspension Trainer for both brands.

Yeti Expands Board of Directors with Two New Additions
Rob Katz has acted as the executive chairperson of the Board at Vail Resorts, Inc. since 2021 after serving as CEO from 2006 to 2021. Beth Axelrod reportedly brings over 20 years of strategic human resources leadership and management development expertise to the Yeti Board.

Watershed Drybags Introduces New Material and Colors For 2024
Watershed Drybags introduced a new material, Kryptothane Plus, on all its recreational drybags and three new colors—safety orange, royal purple and smoke green.