NRF Economist Says Conditions ‘Moving in the Right Direction’ Despite Slower Growth
The U.S. economy did better in the first half of 2023 than early indicators suggested and appear to be “rolling forward” even as the rate of growth slows for the remainder of the year, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.
Crunch Franchisee Opening Another Charlotte Location This Summer
CR Fitness Holdings, LLC is opening Crunch Charlotte University, a $5 million, 36,000-square-foot fitness facility in the Town Center Plaza, less than a mile from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
National Cycling League Hires New CEO
The National Cycling League (NCL) hired experienced sports veteran Andrea Pagnanelli as chief executive officer.
EXEC: Deloitte Study Find Sports Fandom Getting More Immersive
Deloitte’s inaugural study, 2023 Sports Fan Insights: The Beginning Of The Immersive Sports Era, found that despite concerns over past pandemic-driven closures of live sporting events, today’s sports fans remain strong, with younger fans craving spectator sports experiences.
Levi Strauss Trims Outlook for Year on U.S. Wholesale Weakness
Levi Strauss & Co. reduced guidance for its fiscal year while reporting earnings in its fiscal second quarter ended May 28 arrived slightly below Wall Street targets amid pressures at the U.S. wholesale channel. Wholesale revenues were down 22 percent in the quarter. Beyond Yoga was a bright spot, increasing revenues by 28 percent.
Clarks Hires Under Armour Retail Chief as UK Managing Director
Clarks hired Bob Neville, most recently global vice president of retail at Under Armour, as managing director for the U.K. and Ireland, effective August 2023.
Brooks Running Launches Resale Program
Brooks Running launched ReStart, its first re-commerce program to refurbish and resell used Brooks footwear in the U.S.
Marin Mountain Bikes Adds Territory Manager And Inside Sales Rep
Marin Mountain Bikes, Inc., based in Petaluma, CA, announced that industry veterans Mike Miranda and Keith Ketterer had joined its U.S. sales team as territory manager and inside sales representative, respectively.
Revo Continues Growth With Distributors In New Markets
Revo, the performance sunglass manufacturer, reported it added distributors in new markets.
Amped Fitness Acquires Four Gyms In Florida
Amped Fitness announced it acquired four former YouFit gyms in Florida, enabling the fitness chain to enter four new markets. The company expects to open the gyms in September 2023.
Puma Commits To Sourcing Bovine Leather From Deforestation-Free Supply Chains By 2030
Puma reported it signed up for the Deforestation-Free Call to Action for Leather, launched by global non-profits Textile Exchange and Leather Working Group.
Lululemon Launches On Zalando
Expanding on its presence in Europe, Lululemon agreed that Zalando, a European online fashion and lifestyle platform, would be its preferred European online retail seller.
Fanatics Partners With Rakuten To Serve Japanese Sports Fans
Fanatics reported it launched its first online marketplace in Japan, opening a store on Rakuten Ichiba, operated by global internet services leader Rakuten Group, to improve access to licensed sports merchandise for customers in Japan.
The Association Of Pickleball Players Partners With Universal Tennis
The Association of Pickleball Players agreed to make Universal Tennis, the creator behind the UTR Rating for tennis, its official ratings partner.
Kit And Ace Acquired By Unity Brands
Kit and Ace, the technical apparel company started by Lululemon Athletica founder, and ex-CEO, Chip Wilson and his family, was reportedly acquired by Unity Brands, the company run by Canadian retail veteran Joe Mimran.
