SGB Update Footwear

SFIA Launches Super Regionals Series

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association is launching a Super Regional Series in November, offering members, partners and industry leaders the opportunity to come together to discuss business insights and topics driving today’s sporting goods and fitness environment.

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.

Sorel to Open Pop-Up in Brooklyn

The 900-square-foot space is opening from October 13 to 22 in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, NY and will be Sorel’s signature orange color.

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.