The USTA reported that U.S. tennis participation grew by one million players in 2022, with more than 23.6 million playing the sport for the third consecutive year that the sport has seen an increase.
Author: SGB Media
361 Degrees Sees Flat Growth In Fourth Quarter
361 Degrees International, Ltd. reported retail sales of 361º core-branded product for the fourth quarter of 2022 with roughly flat growth compared to the same period of 2021.
Lululemon Hires Chief Merchandising Officer
Lululemon named Elizabeth Binder as chief merchandising officer, reporting to Sun Choe, chief product officer.
NRF Adds Six Members To Board
The National Retail Federation (NRF) added six new members to its board of directors during its annual winter board meeting.
Retail’s Big Show Expanding To Asia Pacific In 2024
Retail’s Big Show is expanding to the Asia Pacific in 2024 with its annual conference and exhibition. Organizers expect it will draw thousands of retailers and business partners from across the region.
QVC Parent’s Debt Ratings Lowered
S&P Global Ratings lowered the debt ratings on Qurate Retail Inc., the parent of QVC and HSN, due to weaker-than-expected results as profitability and cash flow generation continued to be pressured in the latest third quarter ended September 30.
USA Pickleball CEO Steps Down
USA Pickleball, the national governing body for the sport, reported that Stu Upson will step down as chief executive officer and leave the organization following a transition period.
GT Golf Holdings Acquired by Private Equity Firm
Kinzie Capital Partners LP, a Chicago-based private equity firm, has acquired GT Golf Holdings, Inc., the golf accessories provider based in Vista, CA. The transaction was completed in partnership with the company’s management.
Ski Haus Opens In Woburn
Ski Haus opened its third store in Woburn, MA. The ski retailer also operates locations in Salem, NH and Framingham, MA.

Whole Foods Now Accepting Zappos Returns
Zappos reached an agreement for customers to make returns at Whole Foods. Amazon owns both retailers.
Nordstrom’s Chief Merchant To Retire
Nordstrom, Inc. reported that Teri Bariquit would retire from her role as chief merchandising officer after 37 years with the company. Bariquit will remain in her position to ensure a smooth transition.

Olympia Sports’ IP And Customer Info To Be Auctioned
The intellectual property and related assets of Olympia Sports, which filed for bankruptcy last September to liquidate its remaining 35 stores, are on the selling block, including the trademarks for Olympia Sports, Clever Training and Surf Outfitter.

Selkirk Sport Signs Parenteau To Sponsorship Contract
Catherine Parenteau, the professional pickleball player, finalized a sponsorship contract with pickleball brand Selkirk Sport. She joins the company’s “Gold Card” Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tour professionals, including Tyson McGuffin, Parris Todd, Mary Brascia, Maggie Brascia, Dylan Frazier, James Ignatowich, Travis Rettenmeier, and others. Parentaeu will compete in the 2023 season with Selkirk’s Vanguard Power […]
Nite Ize Launches Z-Series Dual Carabiner
Nite Ize launched the Z-Series Dual Carabiner, available at retail in early spring, featuring dual inner spring gates to clip, carry and secure gear. “We have a passion for finding new ways to connect, carry and secure gear, from the S-Biner to the G-Series carabiner,” said Rick Case, Nite Ize founder and CEO. “The Z-Series […]
Nike Partners With University Of California
Nike has agreed to replace Under Armour as its official provider of apparel, footwear and other gear for the University of California, Berkeley. Nike partnered with BSN Sports on a three-year agreement with the University, effective July 1, 2023.