JD Sports plans to expand its North American headquarters in central Indiana, moving to a larger space in the Fishers District mixed-use development project in metropolitan Indianapolis. As part of the plan, the UK-based retailer intends to purchase and renovate The Link at Fishers District, a more than 355,000-square-foot property with renovations to begin in 2027.
Author: Thomas J. Ryan
Thomas J. Ryan
Senior Business Editor | SGB Media
tryan@sgbonline.com | 917.375.4699
EXEC: Grassroots President Sees Outdoor Specialty in Best Shape Since Pandemic
In a LinkedIn post, Gabe Maier, president of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, shared financials from the association’s retail members for 2025 and the first five months of 2026, showing that the independent outdoor specialty channel has recovered from the inventory corrections of 2023 and 2024 and appears to be outperforming big-box chains.
EXEC: Switchback Spring’s Exhibitors See Uptick, but Specialty Attendance Underwhelms
Major exhibitors at the second-annual Switchback Spring show held last week in New Orleans told SGB Executive they remain committed to a national outdoor show and said they had “quality” conversations with the dealers attending the event, but they also lamented about the overall shortage of retailers, particularly independents.
EXEC: Christy Sports CEO Pete LaBore Talks Adventures in Ski Retailing
Pete LaBore, CEO of Christy Sports, spoke with SGB Executive about the ski chain’s recovery efforts post-pandemic, the intricacies of ski retailing, and his passion for the outdoors.
Intersport Adds Fourth Member to Executive Management Team
Switzerland’s Intersport International Corporation GmbH has promoted Stephan Schwarz to the new role of chief strategic brands partnership officer (CSBPO) and added Schwarz to its executive team.
Bogner Appoints Arne Freundt as CEO
German luxury apparel and skiwear brand Bogner has appointed Arne Freundt, former CEO at Puma, as its new chief executive officer, effective June 1. The appointment follows the acquisition last September of a 60 percent stake in Bogner by Katjes Quiet Luxury GmbH, the investment subsidiary of German-based Katjes International GmbH & Co.
EXEC: Varsity Brands CEO Adam Blumenfeld Eyes Growth Opps in Soccer and Lacrosse
Adam Blumenfeld, CEO of Varsity Brands, the parent company of BSN Sports and Varsity Spirit, spoke with SGB Executive about the potential synergies and opportunities arising from BSN Sports’ acquisition of Sports Endeavors, the operator of Soccer.com and lacrosse retailer Lax.com.
EXEC: Gordini USA President Talks 70 Years of Warmth – and New Categories Ahead
David Gellis, president at Gordini USA, talked to SGB Executive about the iconic winter glove maker’s 70-year heritage, its recent entry into the sock category, current business conditions and future plans.
EXEC: Talking Socks with Darn Tough’s Parent President, Angelica Taylor
Angelica Taylor, who was promoted to president of Darn Tough Vermont’s parent company, Cabot Hosiery Mills (CHM), in February, talked with SGB Executive about Darn Tough’s history, the brand’s recent success, its commitment to U.S. production, and sock trends.
EXEC: Academy’s Chief Merchant Talks ‘Better, Best’ Push, Commitment to Newness
Matt McCabe, EVP and chief merchandising officer at Academy Sports + Outdoors, spoke with SGB Executive about the chain’s evolving merchandise strategy, including pushes to feature more premium product, prioritize newness, and reduce out-of-stocks and markdowns. He also shared fresh insights into the Academy shopper.
EXEC: Academy Sports Sets Roadmap to $8 Billion in Revenues
At an Analyst Day event in New York City, Academy Sports revealed a five-year plan to reach $8 billion in sales, largely through the opening of 125 new stores, while improving operating margins from 9 percent to 10 percent. Around merchandising, CEO Steve Lawrence said growth is expected to benefit from a “steady diet of newness,” including new categories, new national brands and private labels, and an amplification of “good, better, best” offerings.
EXEC: Selkirk Sport’s Co-Founders Discuss Pickleball’s Next Phase of Growth
Selkirk Sport’s Co-CEOs, Mike and Rob Barnes, spoke with SGB Executive about the pickleball brand’s recent funding round from Bluestone Equity Partners, pickleball paddles and footwear innovation, the competitive landscape, and pickleball growth drivers.
EXEC: Brooks President Matt Dodge Discusses Emerging Growth Drivers
Matt Dodge, president and COO at Brooks Running, talked with SGB Executive about the running brand’s growth in 2025, what’s working in performance run, the company’s latest lifestyle range, tariffs, and plans to build on its momentum in 2026.
EXEC: The Footwear and Apparel Brands Bringing the Brand Heat in 2026
L.E.K. Consulting Group released its fifth annual 2026 U.S. Footwear, Apparel, and Accessories Brand Heat Index, identifying the brands that have gained popularity, or increasing brand “heat,” across major product categories across the generations in women’s and men’s footwear, apparel, as well as outdoor equipment and sporting goods.
EXEC: FDRA’s Matt Priest Talks SCOTUS Tariff Ruling Fallout
Matt Priest, president and CEO the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), talked with SGB Executive on Friday, February 20, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision ruling that struck down most of President Trump’s global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, including the likely benefits for the footwear industry, the path to refund payouts and where prices could be heading.
SGB Today
Active Lifestyle Market Product and Brand Marketing Stories from SGB PRO PR and SGB Premium PR Partners
Post your Product or Marketing News in the SGB PR Portal