
Mizuno Opens First U.S. Retail Store In Atlanta
Designed to be an immersive environment that tells the Mizuno story through its gear, the Experience Center engages guests through interactive displays using RFID technology and specialized labs for each sport that allow guests the ability to touch, test and then purchase gear custom fit for them, aiding them in their quest to improve their performance.

Is Casual Participation Growth More Important Than Core Growth?
Among the sports seeing healthier gains in core versus casual participants were a number of fitness-oriented activities, including yoga, cross training, bodyweight exercise & bodyweight accessory-assisted training, weight/resistance machines, treadmill and kettlebells. Others seeing higher growth in core versus casual participation included adventure racing, field hockey, volleyball (grass), target shooting (rifle) and mixed martial arts for competition.

Aisle Talk, Week Of April 10
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.

Adidas Partners With Kathrine Switzer
Adidas formed a new partnership with Kathrine Switzer and 261 Fearless ahead of the Boston Marathon in its 29th year as the race’s exclusive footwear and apparel partner.
Nike, Adidas and Under Armour Rank Among Most Valuable Brands
Nike landed at 28 on Brand Finance’s ‘Global 500 2017” ranking of the most valuable brands. Adidas was 138, Under Armour, 275, and North Face, 480.
Warner’s Secures Hosiery License
PVH Corp. announced that two of its subsidiaries have entered into a license agreement with USA Legwear LLC under which USA Legwear will manufacture, sell, distribute and promote women’s hosiery and socks under the Warner’s brand.
Under Armour Adds Board Member
Jerri DeVard most recently served as chief marketing officer of The ADT Corporation, a leading provider of home and business security services.

Foot Locker Celebrates Global Sneaker Culture Around The World
Foot Locker is celebrating sneaker culture around the world this week by sending three lucky Foot Locker customers on intercontinental “Pick Up Trips.”
Payless ShoeSource Picks Liquidators For 388 Stores
A joint venture between Great American Group and Tiger Capital Group will be conducting liquidation efforts at 388 Payless ShoeSource locations.
SFIA Selects Judges for Second Annual ‘Start-Up Challenge’
Gene McCarthy, Jim Weber, Bob Puccini, Mike Zlaket, Jason LaRose and Tony Armand are among the judges for SFIA’s second-annual ‘Start-Up Challenge’ panel.
Sole Appoints Director Of U.S. Sales
Sole, the Canadian footbed company, has officially appointed Zachary Osness as its new director of U.S. sales

Netshoes Looks To Dominate Online Selling In Latin America
In 2016, four brands – Nike, Adidas, Mizuno and Asics – made up approximately 41.2 percent of sales.

Kobe Bryant And Nike Inspire Kids In Los Angeles To Get Moving
“The Mamba League is a fun league for kids to learn the game, have fun and understand the connection that the game has with life in general — hopefully learning some of the work ethic it takes to become a better basketball player and convert that into a being better son, a better daughter and a better student,” said Bryant.
Kohl’s Names Greg Revelle Chief Marketing Officer
Kohl’s announced Greg Revelle, formerly at Best Buy, has been named the company’s chief marketing officer.
Under Armour To Sponsor University Of New Orleans
Under Armour will provide on-field and training gear for the student-athletes who compete for New Orleans’ 14 NCAA Division I programs.