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.

Vail Resorts Sees Challenging Start To Ski Season
Vail Resorts Inc. reported season-to-date total skier visits for the company’s North American mountain resorts were down 10.8 percent compared to the prior year season-to-date period, impacted by low snow levels in the western regions.
Wolverine World Wide Sued For Leaking Chemical Contaminants In Water
The state of Michigan sued Wolverine World Wide toto reimburse the government for past and future costs of chemical contaminants in drinking water.

Shiekh Shoes Battles Over DIP Financing Replacement
Shiekh Shoes, in bankruptcy proceedings since November 29, is seeking court approval for a new $5 million term loan on more generous terms from the owner’s brother to replace its debtor-in-possession facility. However, Comvest, a junior secured lender, has objected to the new financing and is pushing for a liquidation.

Asics Signs Novak Djokovic As Footwear Ambassador
Asics announced a partnership with world class tennis player, Novak Djokovic to celebrate the launch of an exclusive new tennis shoe, the Gel-Resolution Novak.

Columbia Sportswear Names Ethan Pochman VP Of Marketing
Ethan Pochman joins the brand from Performance Health, a private health and wellness consumer products company, where he served in several leadership roles since 2008, including vice president of sales and marketing, and vice president of global marketing.
Tough Mudder Unveils 2018 New Obstacles
Tough Mudder Inc., announced a new twist on obstacles for the 2018 event season by unveiling the biggest structure to ever hit the obstacle course racing industry, Happy Ending, presented by Merrell, and Kong Infinity, the first obstacle in company history to be designed by members of the global tribe of more than 3 million Mudders.