Inbound cargo volume at the major container ports in the U.S. will continue to slow during the final weeks of 2023 after peaking later than expected in the fall, according to the Global Port Tracker* report released by the NRF and Hackett Associates.
Category: Sports/Fitness

NRF: Economy Delivers “Vigorous Growth” Despite Slowdown
According to the National Retail Federation’s Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz, after a challenging year, the economy remains healthy despite slowing.

EXEC: Lululemon’s Tepid Holiday Guidance Overshadows Strong Q3
Lululemon Athletica, Inc. lifted its overall full-year outlook after earnings and sales in the third quarter ended October 29 topped guidance for the third straight quarter but also forecast fourth-quarter guidance that came in lighter than expected in an apparent sign to investors of a potential sales slowdown.

Delta Apparel Posts Wider Fiscal Q4 Loss as Sales Fall 21 Percent
Salt Life Group segment net sales were $12.5 million in Q4, compared to prior-year fourth quarter net sales of $14 million. Net sales in the Delta Group segment were $78.9 million in Q4, compared to $101.5 million in the prior-year fourth quarter.

Lululemon’s Q3 Earnings Dip On Charge Tied to Mirror Shutdown
Lululemon Athletica, Inc. reported earnings declined slightly due to a charge related to its move to discontinue its Mirror platform as part of a new partnership with Peloton. Excluding the charge, earnings and sales topped guidance for the third straight quarter and Lululemon again lifted its outlook for the year.

Varsity Spirit Enters Beauty Space For Cheer Athletes
Varsity Spirit reported it entered the beauty space with a line of skincare, haircare, cosmetics and fragrances designed for spirit athletes.

Crunch Fitness Names Preferred Fitness Equipment Supplier
Crunch Fitness selected Life Fitness as a preferred supplier for its U.S. locations, supplying commercial fitness equipment for strength and cardio to Crunch clubs. Crunch has been a Life Fitness customer for over 30 years.
EXEC: Sports Direct Gets Fiscal H1 Boost from New Brands
Frasers Group reported retail revenue increased 4.0 percent in the first half ended October 29 to £2.69 billion ($3.4 bn), helped by a “strong underlying performance” from Sports Direct due in part to the addition of new brands, including On Running, The North Face, Columbia Sportswear and Salomon.

Tanger Acquires First Open-Air Lifestyle Center
Tanger acquired Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville, AL for $193.5 million using cash on hand and available liquidity. Management expects the center to deliver a first-year return in the mid-eight percent range, with potential for additional growth over time.

Franklin Sports Launches FS Tour Pickleball Paddles
The FS Tour Series includes four pickleball paddles intended to meet the needs of different athletes’ styles of play in “power, control, touch, and hand speed.”

Topgolf Adding Second Arkansas Location in State Capital
Topgolf is wrapping up the year with a second Arkansas venue. Topgolf Little Rock will open on December 22 in the state’s capital. The location will be Topgolf’s 98th outdoor venue and 88th in the U.S.

Flywheel Sports Co-Founder Named CEO of Body20
Body20, the fitness boutique focused on electro-muscle stimulation, hired Jay Galluzzo, former CEO and co-founder of Flywheel Sports, as CEO, succeeding Greg Breitbart, who will transition to a member of the Board of Directors.

ICSC Board of Trustees Elects New 2024 Chair and Vice Chair
The ICSC Board of Trustees elected Jim Taylor, president & CEO, Brixmor Property Group, to serve as ICSC’s chairman and Angele Robinson-Gaylord, SVP, store development americas, Starbucks, to serve as vice chairman for the 2024 term.

FWV Sells CGPR to Integrated Travel and Recreation Marketing Firm
Off Madison Ave acquired PR Agency CGPR from French/West/Vaughan (FWV), the Raleigh, NC-based marketing agency that acquired the company in February 2020. CGPR is the fifth merger and acquisition by Off Madison Ave since 2005.

Peloton’s Chief Marketing Officer Exits to Join Verizon
After less than a year at the company, Peloton Chief Marketing Officer Leslie Berland, has joined Verizon Communications, Inc. in the same role.