Happy New Year!

SGB Media wishes all the best to you and your family for the New Year. We will resume posting the SGB Update and Executive newsletters on January 2, 2023. Cheers!

Dr. Martens Sees 24 Percent Currency-Neutral Growth In First Half

Dr. Martens PLC reported sales grew 16 percent in the first half through September 30 and gained 24 percent on a currency-neutral basis. By region, performances were as expected with continued strong Americas growth, up 57 percent currency-neutral, EMEA up 12 percent currency-neutral and APAC up 4 percent currency-neutral.

Wearable Technology Named Top Fitness Trend For 2022

With more people turning to their smartwatch or fitness tracker to monitor exercise and sleep quality, it’s not surprising that 4,500 health and fitness pros surveyed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) identified wearable tech as the new top trend in fitness for 2022. Rounding out the top-five were home exercise gyms, outdoor activities, strength training with free weights and exercise for weight loss.

REI Expands Technology Leadership Team

REI Co-op announced it has expanded its technology leadership team with two new vice presidents. Analyn Nouri was hired as vice president of platform engineering and the retailer promoted 15-year employee Todd Wilson to vice president of product engineering.

NFL, Fanatics Face Antitrust Suit Over Amazon Merchandise Sales

The National Football League (NFL) its teams and licensing partner, Fanatics, Inc. were hit with federal antitrust claims in San Francisco, CA by a merchandising business and a consumer claiming they conspired to “strangle the competition” and monopolize NFL product sales through Amazon’s third-party marketplace.

Climashield Sold To PE Firm

Crown Capital Investments (CCI), an Atlanta-based private equity investment firm, has acquired Climashield to its manufacturing portfolio of companies.

Anytime Fitness Debuts “Real AF” Platform

Anytime Fitness launched its “Real AF” marketing platform to support personalized fitness and nutrition coaching and interaction between the company’s coaches and members both in person or via its mobile app.

Selfridges Sold To Thai-Austrian Alliance

British luxury department store chain Selfridges is being sold to a Thai retailer and an Austrian property firm. The deal for the majority of Selfridges Group is worth around £4bn ($5.4bn).