L Catterton Takes Majority Stake in L.A.B. Golf
The partnership will reportedly “support L.A.B. Golf as it accelerates product innovation, enhances its direct-to-consumer experience, grows its presence across the retail channel, and expands internationally.”
EXEC: Nike Shares Jump After JPMorgan Upgrade and Price Target Hike
Shares of Nike climbed $2.97, or 3.9 percent, to $79.24 on Monday, July 28 after JPMorgan upgraded the stock to “overweight” from “neutral” due to progress on reducing inventories, momentum in securing wholesale orders and innovation showing promise for performance product.
Pickleball Kingdom Franchise to Open in Central Kentucky’s The Commons
Lexington native and President of Pickleball X, Sheehan Lake, is opening this facility. “We are thrilled to open Kentucky’s largest indoor pickleball facility and plan on it being the hub for pickleball across the Bluegrass.”
Rack Room Shoes Opens in Greeley, Colorado
The newest location is 5,600 square feet and features footwear for men, women and kids. The store will host a grand opening on August 2. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Rack Room Shoes has over 520 locations nationwide under the Rack Room Shoes and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse brands.
EXEC: PwC Sees Continued Sluggish M&A Activity in Consumer Sector In Second Half
After a timidly optimistic start to the year, the global M&A market cooled in the first half, conditioned by a highly uncertain economic and geopolitical environment, and is expected to remain challenged in the back half, according to PwC’s mid-year report. Between January and May 2025, M&A global volume in the consumer sector fell 9 percent.
Skechers USA Plans to Vigorously Defend Itself in Hands Free Slip-Ins Suit
Skechers’ President Michael Greenberg questioned the timing of Kizik’s lawsuit, which follows the announcement in early May that Skechers would be acquired by 3G Capital for about $9.4 billion.
Xponential Fitness Divests CycleBar and Rumble Brands
Xponential Fitness, Inc. announced that it has completed the divestiture of CycleBar and Rumble to Extraordinary Brands, LLC., the parent of fitness boutique franchises including Row House, Neighborhood Barre, Purvelo Cycle and Eat The Frog Fitness.
Outdoor Voices Founder Ty Haney Returns
Haney’s return follows the acquisition of Outdoor Voices by New York City-based private equity firm Consortium Brand Partners last June. She was recruited soon after the acquisition, and has been working behind the scenes at OV since last August.
Five Iron Golf Partners to Open Locations in Saudi Arabia
In a strategic partnership with Golf Saudi, the first of several venues is expected to open in Riyadh in 2026 and will be designed as one of Five Iron’s flagship locations. Measuring 16,145 square feet, it will be situated on the ground level of the PIF Tower, Riyadh’s tallest building, located in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).
Scheels to Open Location in Blaine, Minnesota
Scheels announced plans to open a 250,000-square-foot store in Blaine, MN, in spring 2028. The location will be the company’s second location in the Twin Cities metro, joining Eden Prairie, and sixth in the state.
Xtech Secures Equity Investment from Eli Manning
Manning wore Xtech Protective Equipment across the final five years of his NFL career, and his industry expertise and first-hand knowledge of Xtech are expected to offer significant value as the company reaches new markets, particularly the youth football market, where player safety is a major concern.
EXEC: On Holdings’ Stock Downgraded on Currency Headwinds, Tariff Concerns
Raymond James reduced its stock rating on On Holdings to “Outperform” from “Strong Buy” and lowered its earnings estimates due to the strengthening of the Swiss Franc and the impact of tariffs. Raymond James’ analyst Rick Patel wrote, “While we see 2Q being ‘less clean’ due to FX, tariffs, and slower wholesale growth (due to timing of launches), we remain bullish on ONON as a long-term story.”
Rouvy Acquires Bkrool Indoor Cycling Platform
Czech-based indoor cycling platform Rouvy reached an agreement to acquire Spain-based competitor Bkrool. The acquisition will support Rouvy’s expansion with Bkrool having a strong presence in Spain (and Spanish-speaking countries), France and Denmark. Bkrool will continue as a standalone brand within The Rouvy Group.
Deckers Brands Nominates Former Starbucks and Hyatt CFO to Board
Grismer brings over 35 years of financial leadership experience at major global consumer companies. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Krispy Kreme and has recently served as Chair of the Board of Directors of Panera Brands.
Puma SE Cuts FY Guide Based on DD Apparel Decline, U.S. Tariffs, and Currency Hit in Q2
The sales decline was reportedly driven by the key markets North America (-9.1 percent currency-adjusted), Europe and Greater China. The company’s second quarter net loss came in at €247.0 million, compared to net income of €41.9 million in Q2 2025.
