Saucony, a division of Wolverine Worldwide, Inc., appointed Chris Deschenes as vice president of U.S. sales. Most recently, he was the vice president of sales for the company’s Wolverine Kids Group.
Category: Sports/Fitness

Yue Yuen Sees Another Sharp Footwear Manufacturing Sales Decline in August
The manufacturer of footwear for most major outdoor and athletic brands, reported that in August, net consolidated operating revenue, declined 19.8 percent after posting a 106 percent increase in the prior-year month.
Volvik USA Announces New Leadership Team
Volvik USA, Inc., the golf ball manufacturer based in Orlando, reported it named Pete Kinney president and John Holst as president of sales
Nebraska Sports Card Retailers Merge Operations
Rickley Sports Cards, LLC, a sports card and memorabilia shop, has completed the acquisition of a sports card shop Perfect 10 Card Company. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.
Performance Health Acquires Sports Medicine Product Distributor Sissel France
With a legacy spanning over 30 years in the medical and paramedical product market, Sissel France’s brands and products are said to “align with Performance Health’s mission to help people feel good, perform better and live their best lives.”
Nike to Permanently Close NE Portland Store Following High Theft
Nike has decided not to re-open its factory store in Portland, OR, which it closed temporarily last fall due to theft and safety issues
Self Esteem Brands Creates Anytime Fitness Master Franchisee for Canada
The parent company of a global portfolio of fitness, health and wellness franchise brands designated AF National Franchising Ltd. as an Anytime Fitness master franchisee for Canada, which includes 225 franchised Anytime Fitness clubs.

Report: New Era Preparing for Initial Public Offering
New Era Cap, LLC is reportedly talking to law firms and investment banks as part of a plan to go public next year. The IPO comes after fourth-generation company leader Chris Koch stepped down last fall from daily operations as private equity firms bought a significant stake in the headwear manufacturer.

Canterbury Renews Contract with Irish Rugby Team
Canterbury agreed a four-year extension to its deal as the official kit partner with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).

EXEC: G-III Apparel Sees Champion Outerwear Extending Reach to Athletic Channels
On the company’s second-quarter analyst call, Morris Goldfarb, G-III Apparel’s longtime chairman and CEO, said he sees G-III’s new multi-year license to produce outerwear under the Champion brand presenting opportunities to reach Dick’s Sporting Goods, Foot Locker and other athletic retailers.

Report: July Golf Equipment Sales Flat at Specialty; Putters Lead Growth
Golf Datatech reported July 2023 retail sales for golf equipment at on- and off-course specialty shops in the U.S. that saw flat sales year-over-year but still grew 50.9 percent versus the pre-pandemic July 2019.

MVP Sports Club Appoints New President as Karl Droppers Retires
Effective September 1, Chuck Osterink, who formerly held the title of chief operating officer, was promoted to president.

BRC Sees Confident UK Consumers Boost August Retail Sales
Total UK retail sales increased by 4.1 percent in fiscal August, against growth of 1.0 percent in August 2022, coming in above the 3-month average growth of 3.6 percent and in line with the 12-month average growth of 4.1 percent.

NRF Acquires Reverse Logistics Association
While hundreds of retail brands offer “gently used” products for sale, others sell excess inventory at a discount. The reverse logistics industry manages the collecting, sorting, repairing, and refurbishing of products for resale or recycling.

Authentic Appoints EVP to Manage Former Boardriders Brand Portfolio
The company hired David Brooks as EVP of action and outdoor sports lifestyle. Most recently, Brooks with the global general manager for RVCA and Boardriders Partnerships at Boardriders.