SGB Update Footwear
Grassroots Expects 5.9 Percent Growth in Spring Connect Buyer Attendance
Grassroots indicated that the 148 retail businesses and 147 exhibitors are essentially flat versus last year’s Spring Connect Show, but individual buyers increased 5.9 percent year-over-year to 391 buyers.
Josh Allen Invests in The Cashmere Fund
The Buffalo Bills QB and 2025 NFL MVP is the newest investor in The Cashmere Fund, and partnering with the Fund’s subadviser, Cashmere LLC, a next-generation venture fund making startup investing more accessible.
Nike Promotes Jennifer Hartley to Chief Strategy Officer, ELT
Jennifer Hartley, a 14-year company veteran also joins Nike’s Executive Leadership Team. CFO Matt Friend said that Hartley will work to “develop, drive and deliver Nike’s strategic agenda.”
Report: Consumers Willing to Spend More for Brands if Prices Increase
A recent report from UserTesting, a provider of human insights for the enterprise, reveals that brand loyalty isn’t just holding steady in 2025, it’s becoming a safe haven for consumers navigating higher prices and watching their wallets.
Capezio Acquired by Argand Partners
Founded in the U.S. in 1887, Capezio is an iconic global brand in the dancewear sector. The company designs and manufactures technical footwear, apparel and accessories that support dancers and athletes to practice, compete and perform. It is headquartered in Totowa, NJ.
New Balance Reopens London Flagship
The flagship store reopened on April 17 “putting people, not products, at the center” of the redesigned space. To mark the reopening, New Balance will host a series of events around the 2025 TCS London Marathon.
Rural King Opens New Kingsport Store
The store carries a wide range of outdoor lifestyle and work brands, including Ariat, Browning, Carhartt, Columbia, Frogg Toggs, Henry Rifles, Huk Apparel, Keen Utility, Plano, Realtree, Remington, Under Armour, and Wolverine.
Recall: The North Face Women’s Shellista V Mid Waterproof Boots
The North Face has received 28 reports of the top hook catching on the lace of the other boot, including 15 reports of minor injuries in the United States.
Play it Again Sports Parent Gets Q1 Bottom-Line Bump from Settlement
The run-off of the franchisor’s leasing portfolio for the Plato’s Closet, Once Upon A Child, Play It Again Sports, Style Encore and Music Go Round retail brands that was first announced in May of 2021 is “substantially complete.”
OIA Reports Outdoor Retail Sales Trends Returned to Growth in 2024
Outdoor market retail sales totaled $28 billion in 2024, up 1 percent year-over-year. OIA noted that overall Apparel sales remained stagnant, Equipment sales declined slightly, and Accessories and Footwear saw positive growth in 2024.
Planet Fitness Franchisee Joins NewRoad Capital Partners
The new partner at the firm, Vincent Love, is based out of Denver, CO. He is a Planet Fitness franchisee, owning five gyms in Colorado and Wyoming.
Under Armour Appoints Three New Members to Board of Directors
Effective April 15, Dawn N. Fitzpatrick, Eugene D. Smith, and Robert J. Sweeney joined the company’s Board of Directors, which also includes Douglas E. Coltharp, Jerri L. DeVard, Mohamed A. El-Erian, Carolyn N. Everson, David W. Gibbs, Karen W. Katz, Eric T. Olson, Kevin A. Plank, and Patrick W. Whitesell.
Under Armour Taps Cam Ward to Lead Strong NFL Draft Class for the Brand
Cam Ward, Luther Burden III, Nick Emmanwori, Matthew Golden, and Tyler Booker are the latest additions to the UA Football roster.
Former Reebok Exec John Frascotti Elected Executive Chair of Newman’s Own BOD
Frascotti led multiple high-growth business units at Reebok International, Ltd. including the company’s sports footwear and apparel division, acquisitions, global sports marketing, and licensing.
TSG Consumer Appoints Managing Director and Chief Legal Officer
TSG’s representative past and current partner companies in the active lifestyle market include Backcountry, Canyon Bicycles, Nuun, Planet Fitness, Revolve and CorePower Fitness.
