The British Retail Consortium reported that June retail foot traffic (footfall) was down versus the comp period last year as the hot weather meant that people opted to enjoy the outdoors rather than spend time shopping inside.
Category: Sports/Fitness

NRF Sees Imports Building Toward August Peak Amid Labor Disruptions
The NRF said that despite a tentative contract agreement reached at West Coast ports, retailers are closely following labor disputes at the ports in Western Canada and a potential teamsters strike against United Parcel Service (UPS).
Rally House Opens Second Store in Arkansas
Rally House opened a store in Conway, AR, its second retail location in Arkansas, near the University of Central Arkansas campus.

Neomouv Acquires Portuguese Bike Manufacturer Unibike
Neomouv, the French brand of e-bikes, announced the acquisition, via its parent company VAxE, of 80 percent of the capital of Unibike.
Woom Bikes USA Recalls Kids’ Bicycles
Woom Bikes USA, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), recalled all sizes of its Woom Original 2018 to 2021 model bikes. The bike’s stem and handlebar could detach and cause riders to lose control, posing a fall hazard.

U.S. Jobs Growth Continues to Slow
The Labor Department reported Friday that U.S. employers added 209,000 jobs in June for the 30th consecutive month of job gains, but there was also a continued cooling in the labor market. The retail sector was the hardest hit, recording losses of about 11,000 jobs seasonally adjusted.
SilverSneakers Parent Names President and CEO
Tivity Health, Inc., the parent company of SilverSneakers, Prime Fitness, Burnalong, and WholeHealth Living, named Hill Ferguson president and chief executive officer.
John Reed Fitness Brand Debuts in Santa Monica
The international fitness brand John Reed opened its newest location in Santa Monica, CA offering a “coastal vibe with an airy atmosphere.”
Tasc Performance Co-Founder Al Andrews Passes Away
Al Andrews, co-founder and chairman of Tasc Performance, passed away at the age of 78.
The 20th IHRSA European Congress Returns to Lisbon in 2023
The IHRSA European Congress will hold its 20th venue in Lisbon, Portugal, from October 17-20 at the Lisbon Congress Centre.
Lubbock Christian Partners with New Balance and BSN Sports
Lubbock Christian University, located in Lubbock, TX, entered into a partnership and product supply agreement with New Balance through BSN Sports to be the official apparel and uniform provider for its athletics department.

Tennis Racquet Sales at Specialty Stores Slow to Start 2023
Unit sales of tennis racquets in specialty tennis stores dropped by 7 percent in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period a year ago, reported Sports Marketing Surveys USA (SMS). Despite this, the market remains strong compared to the pre-pandemic period.

Andrew Messick To Retire as CEO of The Ironman Group
Andrew Messick is retiring this year as president and CEO of The Ironman Group after 12 years with the company. Messick will remain a stakeholder and member of its Board of Directors following the recruitment and appointment of a new CEO.
USC Aiken Partners with Under Armour and BSN
The University of South Carolina Aiken reportedly partnered with Under Armour and BSN Sports to outfit its student-athletes beginning with the 2023/24 season.
Adams State University Extends Partners with Nike and BSN
Adams State University Athletics announced that it entered into a five-year partnership with Nike and BSN Sports. BSN Sports will be the official apparel and equipment provider while outfitting ASU student-athletes and coaches in Nike gear.