New Balance is offering Liverpool FC (LFC) fans an opportunity to celebrate their passion with LFC Pub Parties in Pasadena and San Francisco. As the official kit supplier of LFC, New Balance is hosting two free events for Liverpool FC fans to unite off the field in advance of the soccer matches against Chelsea at […]
Author: Thomas J. Ryan
Thomas J. Ryan
Senior Business Editor | SGB Media
tryan@sgbonline.com | 917.375.4699
Macy’s Pilots IBM’s Watson for In-Store, Personalized Shopping Companion
Macy’s announced the pilot of “Macy’s On Call,” a mobile web tool that allows customers to interact with an AI-powered platform via their mobile devices.

Smith & Wesson Moves into Knives
Showing its commitment to invest in its accessories division and diversify from firearms, Smith & Wesson Holding Corp reached a definitive agreement to purchase substantially all of the assets of Taylor Brands, LLC, a leading supplier of knives and outdoor tools.

ICSC: Back-to-School Sales Set for Smart Uptick
The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) said its annual back-to-school survey predicts a robust BTS-selling season this year.

Amazon Kills It On Second Prime Day
Marking its biggest sales day ever, Amazon Inc. said customer orders taken during second annual Prime Day, July 12, surpassed Prime Day 2015 by more than 60 percent worldwide. Sales vaulted more than 50 percent in the U.S.

UBS Global Survey Finds U.S. Athletic Slowdown Fears “Overblown”
A new consumer survey from UBS finds concerns about slowing athletic market growth in the U.S. are “overblown.”.
Sports Authority Strikes Deal with Lenders to Avoid All-Out Liquidation
Sports Authority negotiated a deal with lenders that will allow its liquidation sale process to continue. According to bankruptcy court documents, going-out-of-business (GOB) sales would have ended Friday without the agreement.

Why Was Canadian Tire’s CEO Ousted?
In a shocker, Canadian Tire, the parent of Sports Chek and one of the largest retailers in Canada, ousted its CEO, Michael Medline, less than two years on the job.
Survey: Americans Inspired by Team USA
According to a new nationwide survey, 77 percent of Americans say watching Team USA inspires them to pursue their dreams.

Play It Again Sports Parent Sees Q2 Income Expand
Winmark Corp., the parent of Play It Again Sports, reported net income rose 13.7 percent for the quarter ended June 25, to $5.4 million, or $1.25 per share.

Helly Hansen Delivers Turnaround Year
Helly Hansen, which was undergoing a cash crisis at the start of 2015, scored a major turnaround last year.

UFC Cashes Out
Heralded as the “largest deal ever in the history of sports,” UFC, the fast-growing professional mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, reached an agreement to be acquired by Hollywood mega-talent agency WME-IMG for $4 billion.

What Makes Fleet Feet Tick?
By Thomas J. Ryan Fleet Feet Sports celebrated its 40th anniversary at its annual conference June 21-24. Since opening its first store in Sacramento, CA in 1976, the retailer has become one of the nation’s most successful franchisees, even ramping up its expansion efforts in recent years. Yet the anniversary comes at a challenging time […]

Total Hockey Seeks Sale In Bankruptcy Court
Total Hockey filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition and is looking for a buyer.

Sports Authority Settles Consignment Vendor Claims
Sports Authority reached an agreement that will allow it to sell pre-bankruptcy goods bought on consignment as part of its ongoing liquidation efforts.