Deuter to Integrate Packs With HydraPak Hydration Reservoirs and Soft Flasks
Deuter will integrate customized hydration reservoirs and soft flasks designed by HydraPak into a range of its performance backpacks. Deuter expects to release the first product to the market in Spring 2025.
Thorne Names Chief Growth Officer
Former Kate Spade CMO Mary Beech has been named chief growth officer. Beech will reportedly oversee Thorne’s marketing team and e-commerce business from her base in New York. She will report into Thorne CEO Colin Watts.
Crunch Fitness Appoints Chief Operating Officer
The franchisor’s chief experience officer, Molly Long, was promoted to the company’s new chief operating officer, effective August 12.
Massimo Group Sees 32 Percent Q2 Growth on E-Bikes, UTVs & ATVs Segment Gains
Revenue from sales of UTVs, ATVs, and E-Bikes increased 53.3 percent to $34.2 million in the second quarter, partially offset by a 73.5 percent decrease in revenue from sales of pontoon boats.
Athleta Parent Company Gap Inc. Changing Ticker Symbol to “GAP”
The parent of the Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta retail brands will change its ticker symbol from “GPS” to “GAP” on Thursday, August 22, 2024
Extraordinary Brands Acquires Franchisor Neighborhood Barre
The parent of the Pūrvelo Cycle, Eat the Frog Fitness, and Row House has acquired Neighborhood Barre, marking the fourth boutique fitness brand to join the fitness consolidator.
Gold’s Gym Opens Renovated Space on Path to Atlanta Expansion Plan
The 24,800 sf gym in Dacula is owned by franchisee Koran Winters, who purchased it in 2023. Winters has plans to grow the brand’s footprint in the Atlanta area, with one new gym opening planned per year over the next seven to eight years.
Pickleball Kingdom Continues Expansion in Tennessee
The company is launching two new indoor pickleball facilities in Chattanooga and Memphis, led by franchisees Bappa Mukherji, Anjali Mukherji Doria and Jake Doria
Life Time Files Patent for the “Ultimate” Pickleball
Life Time, operates over 700 pickleball courts nationwide, said that pickleballs on the market often play too slow and the faster balls preferred by pros and higher-end players are inconsistent in bounce and have significant issues with durability.
Life Time Group Holdings, Inc. Commences Secondary Stock Offering of 12 Million Shares
Life Time intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include repayment of indebtedness. The company will not receive any proceeds from selling shares by selling stockholders.
Rally House Adds to Store Count in Wisconsin, Ohio and Minnesota
Rally House continues expansion with new stores in Woodbury, MN; Columbus, OH; and Wauwatosa, WI.
CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Reveals Lower Growth in July Core Retail Sales Trend
July’s increase of 1.7 percent was half the June trend, which showed a 3.4 percent increase y/y. Sporting goods, hobbies, music, and bookstores were up just 1.1 percent y/y, while clothing and accessory stores fell 4.8 percent.
U.K.-Based Activewear Brand Tala Secures £5 Million In Funding
The funds will be used to expand the women’s activewear brand’s international presence, particularly in the U.S., where it has already generated “significant customer and social media traction.” Tala is also exploring opening standalone stores.
S&S Activewear Appoints Chief Commercial Officer
Toby Whitmoyer will oversee sales, marketing and product teams. Whitmoyer will also collaborate with the product and operations teams to ensure strong customer service.
4RUN3, Massachusetts Run Specialty Store and Race Organizer, Shutters
4RUN3, which operated a running store in East Longmeadow, MA and a race management firm that organized races across western Massachusetts, recently filed for bankruptcy and has closed permanently.
