SGB Executive Sports & Fitness
EXEC: Hoka Growth Concerns Cloud Deckers Brands Fiscal Q2
Deckers Brands maintained its guidance calling for Hoka to deliver growth in the low-double-digits in its fiscal year despite the running brand seeing sales slow to high-single-digits in the fiscal first quarter ended June 30 and expected to expand at a similar rate in the current quarter. DECK shares are running down about 4 percent in mid-day trading due to investor skepticism over Hoka’s ability to accelerate growth in the back half of the fiscal year.
EXEC: Visits to Adidas Stores Spike in June During FIFA World Cup
Placer.ai data found that visits to Adidas stores in the U.S. surged during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, increasing 44.7 percent year-over-year during the first full week of group-stage play for the week ending June 15. Levels remained elevated heading into July.
EXEC: Nike Found Liable for $7.5 Million in Damages in Sex Discrimination Lawsuit
A Portland jury found Nike liable in a sex discrimination lawsuit brought by a former employee. The jury determined that Nike should pay at least $7.5 million in damages and nearly $20,000 in backpay after it “willfully” violated the Federal Equal Pay Act.
EXEC: Puma Appoints Vice President E-Commerce
Puma has appointed Dusan Hamlin, who previously worked at Reebok and Adidas, to the newly created role of vice president e-commerce, effective immediately, report to Puma’s Chief Commercial Officer Matthias Baeumer.
EXEC: China Retailers and Wall Street React as Nike Narrows China Online Partners
Nike, Inc. revealed plans to cut off thousands of online distributors in China beginning in January, shifting to selling online through its own website and app, as well as on new Nike-branded digital storefronts on popular Chinese e-commerce platforms Tmall, JD.com and Douyin.
EXEC: JD Sports Appoints Interim Chair
JD Sports Fashion appointed Darren Shapland, an independent non-executive director, as interim chair, effective immediately, following its Annual General Meeting on July 21. His appointment follows the departure of Andrew Higginson, who announced in April that he intended to step down.
Salomon Appoints 20-Year Nike China Veteran as New GM for China
Vincent Du grew his career at Nike, having served in Nike Greater China for 20 years. His most recent role being vice president of merchandising for Greater China prior to his departure.
EXEC: Franchise Equity Partner Acquires Planet Fitness’ Australian Franchisee
Franchise Equity Partners (FEP), a private investment firm, has acquired Bravo Fit, the Planet Fitness franchisee in Australia, from existing shareholders including Planet Fitness, which has exited its minority ownership position as a result of the transaction.
EXEC: Adidas Blows Past World Cup Sales Expectations
Adidas sold four times as many jerseys and twice as many match balls as it did during the last World Cup, according to an e-mailed response to questions from Bloomberg News.
EXEC: Anta Brand and Fila Each Deliver LSD China Retail Gain in Q2 for Anta Sports
Anta Sports Products, Ltd., which operates retail stores in China for the Anta brand, as well as Fila, Descente, Kolon Sport, and Amer Sports, reported that retail sales, in retail value, for the Anta brand in the second quarter saw low-single digit positive growth year over year.
EXEC: Saucony Sees Sharp Slowdown of China Retail Sales Growth in Second Quarter
Xtep International Holdings, Ltd. reported retail sell-throughs for its flagship Xtep brand declined mid-single-digits year-on-year in the second quarter, while sell-throughs for its licensed Saucony business delivered low-single-digit growth.
EXEC: Lululemon Cut to Sell by Truist Securities on Dimming Recovery Prospects
Truist Securities reduced its rating on Lululemon Athletica to “Sell” from “Hold” as the firm believes the yoga-themed retailer’s turnaround will prove more challenging than current price levels show.
EXEC: PWC Survey Finds Major Apparel Lift from GLP-1 Users, Mixed Payback for Fitness Activities
A recent PWC study found the apparel category driving huge benefit from GLP-1 drugs, with spending on the category increasing 9.9 percent within six to eight months after users start taking it. The impact on fitness is more mixed, with cardio activities experiencing healthy increases from GLP-1 adoption, but group fitness and strength training has seen little benefit.
EXEC: Asia Footwear Manufacturer Stella International Sees Modest Growth in Q2
The China-based manufacturer of footwear for Nike, Saucony, Under Armour, Merrell, Timberland, Ugg and others reported unaudited consolidated revenue inched up 1.2 percent in the second quarter ended June 30, driven by a 1.3 percent increase in pairs.
EXEC: Frasers Group’s Sports Direct UK Segment Posts DD Profit Growth as Sales Decline
Frasers Group reported that profits at its UK Sports segment rose 17.6 percent in its fiscal year ended April 26 as higher gross margins tied to Sports Direct’s Elevation Strategy and reduced expenses offset sales declines due to store rationalization at its Game UK chain and restrained consumer spending. The retailer warned that consumer spending will likely remain challenging this year.
