NRF: Widespread Shutdowns Unlikely Amid Omicron Surge

In a statement, National Retail Federation (NRF) Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said the COVID-19 Omicron variant brings uncertainty to the economy in 2022 and could contribute to inflation, but is unlikely to cause widespread shutdowns or slowdowns.

Fanatics Acquires Topps Trading Cards And Collectibles Business For $500M

Fanatics said it has completed the acquisition of Topps trading cards confirming widespread reports of a potential deal. Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin said in a statement, “With trading cards and collectibles being a significant pillar of our long-term plans to become the leading digital sports platform, we are excited to add a leading trading cards company to build out our business.”

NSGA Announces 2022 Hall Of Fame Class

The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) announced Michael Gotfredson Sr., of Road Runner Sports, Wilson “Bill” Hunt of Champro and Bill Sorenson of American Sports Products Group as inductees to the organization’s Hall of Fame.

Emerald Acquires MJBiz

Emerald Holding, Inc. announced that it has completed the acquisition of MJBiz, the event producer and content platform serving a wide range of companies operating in the cannabis industry.

Clarus Appoints COO And CFO

Clarus Corp. announced that Aaron J. Kuehne has been promoted to the new role of executive vice president and chief operating officer and Michael J. Yates has been appointed as chief financial officer.

Texworld New York Shifts To Virtual-Only Show

The Winter 2022 edition of Texworld New York City and Apparel Sourcing New York City trade shows, scheduled to run January 25-27, has moved to online-only following the nationwide rise in COVID variant cases.

Happy New Year!

SGB Media wishes all the best to you and your family as we head into 2022. We look forward to working together throughout the upcoming New Year!

Amazon To Sponsor Thrive Outside Community Initiative

Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), announced a new sponsorship by Amazon to fund the expansion of its Thrive Outside Community Initiative. Amazon joins L.L. Bean, Patagonia, REI, Thule, VF Corporation, Winnebago Industries, Wolverine Worldwide, and Yeti as a partner in the initiative.