EXEC: Rudy Project Acquires Rudy Project North America to Work Direct with Dealers
EXEC: Coats Group Execs Outline Product and Financial Upside from Ortholite Deal
EXEC: Sports Direct Owner Frasers Group Acquires Near 6 Percent Stake In Puma SE
EXEC: Assessing Under Armour’s and Mizuno’s Q4 Business in South America
EXEC: The Footwear and Apparel Brands Bringing the Brand Heat in 2026
SGB Update
AAFA Appoints New Balance CEO Joe Preston as Board Chairman
The American Apparel & Footwear Associationhas appointed new members to its Board of Directors, including Joe Preston, president and CEO of New Balance Athletics, Inc., as chair, and Danilo Amoretty, SVP Product Supply and Operations at Carhartt, Inc., as vice chair.
Beachbody’s Q4 Sales Slump 35.8 Percent, Profitability Improves
The El Segundo, CA-based fitness and nutrition company’s sales fell 35.8 percent in the fourth quarter but were at the mid-point of guidance. Beachbody posted earnings for the second consecutive quarter that topped guidance.
Xponential Fitness Undergoes CFO Transition
Xponential Fitness, Inc. announced that John Meloun, chief financial officer, has separated from the company, effective March 9. Robert Julian has been appointed interim chief financial officer, effective March 16.
NRF: Retail Sales Inch Up in February for Fifth Consecutive Monthly Gain
February retail sales once again delivered a moderate monthly increase, marking the fifth consecutive month of sequential growth, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. Healthy year-over-year gains were also seen. NRF CEO Matthew Shay said, “Despite harsh winter weather, consumer spending grew once again in February, supported by continued wage gains and overall low unemployment levels.”
Academy Sports Opens Stores in Ohio and Oklahoma
As part of its ongoing national growth strategy, Academy is opening two new stores – one in North Canton, OH, and the other in Muskogee, OK. With these stores, Academy now has four locations in Ohio and 14 in Oklahoma, with plans to open 20 to 25 new stores in fiscal 2026.
SGB Executive
EXEC: Nike Earns Barclays Upgrade on N. America Recovery Signs
Barclays on Wednesday, March 11, upgraded its rating on Nike, Inc. to “Overweight” due to “recent operational progress, financial inflections, and management’s disciplined actions,” as well as the depressed valuation of Nike’s stock given progress in resetting the North America region.
EXEC: Yuen Yuen Sees Casual Growth Outpace Active Growth in 2025
Revenues generated by manufacturing of athletic/outdoor shoes, casual shoes and sports sandals increased 2.5 percent year-over-year. The overall results were impacted by the Pou Sheng China Retail business where revenues decreased 7.0 percent year-over-year.
EXEC: Brooks President Matt Dodge Discusses Emerging Growth Drivers
Matt Dodge, president and COO at Brooks Running, talked with SGB Executive about the running brand’s growth in 2025, what’s working in performance run, the company’s latest lifestyle range, tariffs, and plans to build on its momentum in 2026.
On Brand Opens Largest China Flagship in Shenzhen
Zurich, Switzerland-based On opened a new flagship store in Shenzhen, China’s third-most-populous city after Shanghai and Beijing. At roughly 8600 square feet, the space is the largest store for the brand in China and part of the company’s goal to hit the 100-store mark in the country.
EXEC: Nike Brand Owner in Brazil Sees Wholesale Recovery for Brand in 2025
The Fisia division at Grupo SBF, which houses the Nike business, saw net revenue growth of 6.2 percent in 2025, reportedly driven by the recovery of the Wholesale channel, which grew 9.4 percent for the year.
