HanesBrands, the parent of Champion, appointed Stephen B. Bratspies as CEO and board member, effective August 3. Most recently, he served as CMO at Walmart Inc. Bratspies will succeed Gerald W. Evans Jr., who previously announced his plans to retire after a 37-year career at HanesBrands.
Category: Sports/Fitness
Nike Signs Norwegian Women’s Soccer Star
Nike has signed Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg to a 10-year endorsement deal. The 24 years-old, already the UEFA Champions League career goals leader, had been with Puma.
Active Industry Steps Up With Donations To Racial Justice Causes
Peloton, Puma, Lululemon and a number of other brands in the active lifestyle space in recent days have announced financial contributions to address racial inequity in the wake of George Floyd’s death that has led to protests across the country.
24 Hour Fitness’ Debt Downgraded On Missed Interest Payments
S&P Global Ratings lowered its debt rating on 24 Hour Fitness Worldwide Inc. after the fitness chain did not make its June 1 interest payment on its senior notes due 2022.
House Transportation Bill Proposes Major Increases For Federal Bike Programs
PeopleForBikes said a new bill has been released by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that would significantly increase federal funding for bikes.
Reebok To Cut Ties With CrossFit Over Founder’s Racial Remarks
Reebok announced that it will end its association with CrossFit after CrossFit’s Founder and CEO Greg Glassman equated the police killing of a black man to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Modell’s Extends Bankruptcy Suspension Until June 15
Modell’s won another extension of the pause in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case as most stores remained closed due to COVID-19 and due to disturbances across retail following the May 25 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Puma Opens Midwest Fulfillment Center In Indiana
Puma has opened a new fulfillment center in Whitestown, IN. With an area of 640,000 square feet, the new center will complement the company’s long-standing California campus.
Nike Commits $40 Million To Black Communities
Nike said on Friday it will be committing $40 million over four years to support black communities on behalf of the Nike, Jordan and Converse brands collectively. This commitment will be focused on investing in and supporting organizations that put social justice, education and addressing racial inequality in America at the center of their work.
Athleta’s Q1 Sales Slide 8 Percent
Gap Inc. reported sales at Athleta were down 8 percent in the first quarter. Store sales were down 50 percent with online sales up 49 percent.
NBA Approves Format To Restart Season With 22 Teams
The NBA Board of Governors approved a competitive format to restart the 2019/20 season with 22 teams returning to play and a tentative start date of July 31. The Board’s approval is the first formal step among many required to resume the season.
Wigwam Mills Reopens Factory With New Generation At The Helm
Wigwam Mills Inc. has reopened its factory as Wisconsin’s stay-at-home restrictions have been eased by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. In addition, the Wigwam Board of Directors announced that leadership of the 115-year old brand has shifted to the fourth-generation siblings Chris Chesebro and Margaret Newhard.
Nike’s “Don’t Do It” Ad Earns Wide Praise But Some Pushback
Nike’s new “Don’t Do It” ad has drawn solid support from viewers although it if falls short of the marketer’s 2018 Colin Kaepernick ads on a couple key measures, according to findings from Ace Metrix, which tracks advertising effectiveness.
The Running Event Confirms 2020 Dates
The Running Event has confirmed that it is moving forward with the 2020 planned event in Austin, Texas from December 1-3, 2020. TRE event registration will open in mid-August.
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