United Sports Brands Names CEO
Phil Gyori was appointed CEO. Most recently, he was the CEO of Pelican Products. His hire follows the company’s recent acquisition by Norwest Equity Partners.
Authentic Inks Partner for Billabong Big & Tall / Plus Size
Profile Ent., a specialist in the Big and Tall/Plus women’s apparel space for over 30 years, will manufacture, wholesale and distribute Billabong Big & Tall men’s and Plus women’s apparel in the U.S. and Canada.
Report: Gen-Z Strava Athletes Most Likely to Build Community for Workouts
The report concluded that while it’s no surprise that Gen Z’s behaviors and habits vary from other generations, they also have different motivators, barriers and interests when it comes to staying active.
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Names SVP of Communications & Operations
Whitney Potter Schwartz will reportedly oversee branding and communications, strategy, and events for ORR and support the development and operations goals through new partnerships to “elevate” the organization’s policy objectives for the outdoor economy at the national level.
National Golf Foundation Makes Board Appointments
The National Golf Foundation (NGF) added Craig Kessler, PGA of America COO, Geoff Cottrill, Topgolf’s chief brand officer, and Edric Funk, Toro’s VP of golf, grounds, and irrigation, to its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2024.
Genesco Appoints Chris Santaella as Chief Merchant of Journeys Group
Santaella joins Journeys from Foot Locker, where he worked for over three decades in successive roles, most recently as senior vice president and chief merchandising officer for Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker and Champs Sports.
Bell Slope Bike Helmets Recalled
About 11,000 Bell Slope adult bike helmets are being recalled. The strap anchor could dislodge from the helmet when sufficient force is applied, violating CPSC federal safety guidelines.
Clarus Ammo Business Sold to Owner of Savage Arms and Pure Archery
Clarus Corp. said in a regulatory filing that the entity acquiring Sierra and Barnes Bullets is Bullseye Acquisitions, LLC, an affiliate of JDH Capital Company, the owner of Savage Arms and Pure Archery.
NSSF: December Adjusted NICS Background Checks Climb 1.6 Percent
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) reported that the December 2023 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) number increased by 1.6 percent, its third consecutive positive month. For the year, adjusted checks were down 3.5 percent.
Authentic Inks DC Shoes Brand Management Deal with BBC International
BBC International will be tasked with the global design and sourcing for DC Shoes footwear, snowboard boots and the wholesale distribution of the DC Shoes brand in the U.S. and Canada.
Sacks Parente Golf Adds Industry Veteran to Board
Jane Casanta reportedly brings “a rich background in the golf industry” to Sacks Parente Golf, having served in various marketing and product development roles at the Acushnet Company for 26 years, including as director of marketing for Titleist Gloves and Accessories worldwide.
Therabody Pushes Back Against Hyperice Claims
Hyperice filed a lawsuit in federal court on January 2, 2024 against Therabody, the maker of the Theragun line of percussive massage guns, alleging infringement of the company’s patented percussion massage technology.
Costco’s Global Sales Climb 10 Percent In December
Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $26.15 billion for the retail month of December, an increase of 9.9 percent from $23.80 billion last year. U.S. sales were up 7.3 percent.
Report: U.S. Holiday Online Sales Grow 4.9 Percent
Online spending in the U.S. during the 2023 holiday season climbed 4.9 percent to $222.1 billion in November and December, according to Adobe Analytics. Growth was reportedly driven by sizeable discounts across electronics, toys and apparel, as well as increased usage of the flexible ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ payment option.
Lazydays Promotes Dillard to VP Operations
Amber Dillard was promoted to VP of operations, effective immediately. The company said Dillard’s tenure began in 2011, “reflecting over a decade of commitment and service to the company.”
