NRF Foundation Gala Raises $2.8 Million For Education
The fourth annual NRF Foundation Gala took place Sunday, January 14, at Pier Sixty in New York City, featuring an uplifting awards program and formal dinner that included both silent and live auctions.
Big Rock Sports Announces Nashville Show
Big Rock Sports LLC announced that the outdoor distributor will consolidate its annual January shows into one industry-leading event next year in Nashville, TN.

Football’s Popularity Slips, But Still Overwhelmingly Americans’ Favorite Sport
Football is still the most popular U.S. spectator sport, but it is losing some popularity. While well below football, basketball and both soccer are both gaining ground with soccer now nearly matching baseball’s popularity.
Garmont Finds Equity Partner
Garmont International Srl, the maker of performance footwear brand for mountaineering, hiking and other outdoor pursuits, announced that Wayne Edy has become a partner in the share capital of the company.
True Fit Secures Investment
True Fit, the data-driven personalization platform for apparel and footwear, announced a new $55 million Series C investment, led by Georgian Partners with participation from existing investors Jump Capital, Signal Peak Ventures, Intel Capital, and new investor Cross Creek Capital.
Mammut Signs Sierra Blair-Coyle
Mammut signed Sierra Blair-Coyle, an elite climber, to its ambassador team.
PGA Merchandise Show Brings Back Inventors Spotlight Showcase
Organized in partnership with the United Inventors Association (UIA), the Inventors Spotlight on the PGA Show Floor showcases new golf and golf lifestyle-related products developed by independent inventors.
NSGA Applauds U.S. Supreme Court Decision To Hear Online Sales Tax Case
The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to hear a South Dakota case on whether online sellers can be required to collect sales tax the same as local stores.

Fila Signs Sponsorship Agreement With WTA Tour’s Ashleigh Barty
Fila announced that it has extended its relationship with Ashleigh Barty, the 2017 Newcombe Medal winner. Barty is on the company’s roster of endorsed ATP World Tour and WTA Tour players who wear the Fila brand on-court.
CamelBak PURSUIT Series Announces New Locations And Dates For 2018
The Outbound’s CamelBak PURSUIT Series has three events planned for Reveille Peak Ranch, TX; Hunter Mountain, NY; and Bear Valley, NC.
Former Black Diamond Equipment Business Leaders Launch Reasonworx
Robert Fry and Jeff Roche, both former executives at Black Diamond Equipment, have launched Reasonworx, a new type of business development collective.

NRF: Holiday Sales Grew 5.5 Percent
Holiday sales during November and December increased 5.5 percent over the same period in 2016 to $691.9 billion as growing wages, stronger employment and higher confidence led consumers to spend more than had been expected, the National Retail Federation said.

Will Puma Be Better Off On Its Own?
On a call with media, Bjørn Gulden, CEO of Puma, said the spinoff from Kering will enable Puma to “continue with our current business strategy that has started to show some good results. We would be able to carry on to invest in becoming the fastest sports brand in the world to create value for our retailers, to improve performance for outlets and, of course, excite consumers.”

Aisle Talk, Week Of January 8
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Sam’s Club To Close 63 Locations
The company will convert up to 12 of the impacted clubs to eCommerce fulfillment centers in a move that will speed delivery of online orders, with the balance of the facilities closing over the next few weeks.