Asics Names New President and CEO for North America
Koichiro Kodama will return to Asics North America as president and CEO, effective immediately. He was CEO of Asics North America from February 2019 until December 2020. He replaces Richard Sullivan, president and CEO of the North American business since January 2022.
Consumer Sentiment Slides in October
The University of Michigan’s preliminary Index of Consumer Sentiment for October declined 7.5 percent from month-over-month in September to 63 from 68.1 and below the 67.4 reading that analysts had expected.
Under Armour Hires Gap Inc. Vet as Chief Supply Chain Officer
The company hired retail industry veteran Shawn Curran as chief supply chain officer, reporting to President and CEO Stephanie Linnartz. After three decades working at Gap, Inc., Curran will join Under Armour on October 16.
Decathlon to Open First Store in British Columbia
Decathlon plans to open a flagship store in spring 2024 at Metropolis at Metrotown, marking its first store in British Columbia and its 19th in Canada.
EXEC: Surveys Reveal Run Specialty’s Challenges with Gen Z
A recent member survey from the Running Industry Association (RIA) found that while the run specialty channel has made progress in attracting the Gen X demographic, with Millennials not far behind, a significant opportunity remained to attract more Zoomers.
Life Time to Acquire Arden Hills Athletic & Social Club Property in Sacramento
Life Time announced plans to acquire the property of Arden Hills Athletic & Social Club in Sacramento and reopen the facility as Life Time Arden in early 2024.
Lacrosse, Flag Football, Cricket on Short List for 2028 LA Games
The organizing committee for the Los Angeles Games reported it will propose adding flag football, lacrosse, squash, and cricket to the Olympic program for 2028. The organizing committee is also aiming to bring baseball and softball back.
EXEC: Giant Group Sales Fall in Third Quarter
Consolidated revenue for the third quarter declined 24.5 percent year-over-year as sales in each month of the quarter declined more than 20 percent. Still, the decrease in September was a a sequential improvement versus sharper declines in July and August.
Dick’s SG To Open House of Sports in Miami
Dick’s Sporting Goods reported that the company submitted plans with Miami-Dade County to open a House of Sports in Miami in a space formerly occupied by a Nordstrom store in the Dadeland Mall.
Running USA’s COO Departs
Running USA’s Board of Directors announced that Christine Bowen, chief operating officer and VP for the past 14 years, stepped down from her role, effective September 30.
EXEC: Anta Sports Sees Fila Q3 Retail Trend Lagging First Half Gain
The company, which runs retail stores in China for the Anta brand, Fila, Descente, Kolon Sport, and Amer Sports, reported that Fila brand retail sales posted low-teens positive growth in the third quarter, down from the mid-teens growth from the first half.
Har-Tru Acquires Armor Crack Repair
Har-Tru, LLC, a specialist in court construction and surfacing solutions based in Troy, VA, has acquired Armor Crack Repair, which specializes in court crack repair and maintenance.
Moody’s Affirms PureGym’s Debt Ratings Following Refinancing
Moody’s Investors Service affirmed the debt ratings of PureGym following the London-based budget fitness chain refinancing. Moody’s said the refinancing removed debt maturity risks and marginally improved PureGym’s debt leverage.
Dryvebox Signs First Franchised Partner
Dryvebox, which offers a mobile golf simulator experience, awarded its first franchise partner in Florida and opened up franchising opportunities in California.
Consumer Prices Rose More Than Forecast in September; Apparel CPI Declines
One bright spot for consumers was in the month-over-month CPI for Apparel, which declined 0.8 percent from August, most likely owing to the de-stocking and promotional environment at retail.
