SGB Update Apparel

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.

REI Lays Off Nearly 275 Retail Employees

REI Co-op is laying off about 275 retail employees, roughly 2 percent of its in-store workforce, as the retailer implements updates to its store operations system and labor structure.

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.

REI To Open Huntington Station Store

The 21,000-square-foot store in the Huntington Shopping Center in Huntington Station, NY will host a grand opening November 3-5. It is REI’s seventh store in the Tri-State area.

KUIU To Open Dallas Store for Direct-to-Consumer Brand

The company said that based on the active consumer base in Dallas, it’s the ideal location for a brick-and-mortar store. KUIU said being DTC-focused provides the company with data and insights on its customers.

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.

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.

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. 

SportChek Exec Joins Ross Stores as President, Operations

Ross Stores, Inc. reported that it named Stephen Brinkley to the newly-created role of president of operations, reporting to Michael Hartshorn, group president and chief operating officer, effective October 30.

Authentic Brands Group Taps Shaq to Run Reebok Basketball

Reebok appointed Shaquille O’Neal as president of Reebok Basketball with Allen Iverson serving as vice president of the division. Both NBA legends have longstanding relationships with Reebok and its parent company, Authentic Brands Group.