Scott DeRue joins the company as CEO from Equinox where he was president. DeRue will also join The Ironman Group’s Board of Directors. He succeeds Andrew Messick who announced his retirement after 12 years as CEO, but will remain on the Board.
Category: Sports/Fitness

Report: National Golf Rounds Played End 2023 Up 4.2 Percent
Golf Datatech, which agreed to be acquired by Circana, reported that National Rounds Played for 2023 were up 4.2 percent, with the most significant increase coming out of the Mid-Atlantic region covering New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

WaterRower Acquires CityRow in Rowing Equipment and Content Tie-up
The acquisition complements WaterRower’s almost 40 years of rowing manufacturing, global distribution and Nohrd brand of strength and performance products.

Beyond Yoga Sees Sales Growth Moderate in Fiscal Q4
Sales were up 14 percent for the fourth quarter and =19 percent for the full year, achieving revenues of over $115 million.

S’Well Launches Latest Hydration Product with Explorer Bottle
S’well’s latest product, the Explorer Bottle, uses the same technology as the brand’s original bottles and tumblers but with a new shape for increased functionality when hydrating on the go.

Feel the Course in Asics Gel-Kayano Ace 2
Designed to bring lightweight comfort to the golf course, the Asics Gel-Kayano Ace 2 builds on the brand’s running shoes, giving golfers performance footwear while on the course.

Dunlop Sports Americas Relaunches Never Compromise Putters
“We’re excited to be able to bring back the Never Compromise line and give golfers the opportunity to get a hand-built, fully custom putter fit entirely for their stroke.” —Chuck Thiry, Vice President, Dunlop Sports Americas

REI Co-Op to Lay Off 357 Non-Store Staff; Forecasts Revenue Decline for 2024
The move sees 357 employees affected, “impacting 200 people at the headquarters, 6 in S&CS, 30 in Experiences, and 121 in our distribution centers,” according to the CEO’s letter obtained by SGB Executive. The senior leadership team will be pared down 22 percent in 2024.

Macy’s Shares Recover on Rumors of Another Buyout Bid
Sycamore Partners, the owner of retail brands Ann Taylor and Talbots, has been negotiating with Macy’s since December.

Adidas and Malbon Golf Introduce The Crosby Collection
“The entire collection is an ode to what golf and fashion became at that time in history but also celebrates how those same characteristics and fashion styles from that time still live on with golfers today.” —Dylan Moore, Creative Director, Adidas Golf

Report: The Changing Dynamics of Country Clubs
The pandemic seemingly increased interest in golf and tennis, leading to more visits and members at country clubs, particularly from a younger demographic. As a result, country club visits are up, and foot traffic is above pre-pandemic levels.

Nordstrom Adding Rack Location in Fort Myers, FL
The 31,000-square-foot store will be located at Bell Tower, a central shopping, dining, and entertainment complex in Fort Myers.

Andre Agassi Among Investors in DUPR Pickleball Rating System
The proposed international rating system for pickleball has engaged a new board, ownership, investors, and an influx of $8 million in funding to advance DUPR’s mission to unify the growing sport with technology and a global rating system.

Fitness Ventures Picks Pittsburgh for 48th Crunch Fitness Location
Crunch Pleasant Hills, a 45,000-square-foot fitness facility in Pittsburgh, PA, will take the place of a former LA Fitness facility.

Life Time to Open in Boulder
The 40,000-square-foot space will be renovated as Life Time Boulder, replacing the former Colorado Athletic Club. The site joins Life Time Denver West, opening in Wheat Ridge in the first half of 2024.