Skechers Expands United Legwear & Apparel Partnership with EU and UK Distribution
Skechers will now have dedicated showroom space at ULAC Europe B.V.’s headquarters in Amsterdam and in its London showroom for its lifestyle and performance socks for men, women and kids.
Allbirds Appoints New VP of Design
Before joining Allbirds, Isreal was the global creative director for Salomon. Before that, he spent a cumulative eight years at Specialized Bicycle Components.
Fitness International Acquires XSport Fitness
The operator of LA Fitness, Esporta Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio brands, announced its acquisition of XSport Fitness, expanding its offerings in Chicago, New York and Virginia markets.
Report: Fishing Participation Sees Growth But Too Much Turnover
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) reported that the post-pandemic increase in fishing participation continues to set record numbers on the water; however, data from a recent report found that churn poses a challenge for the industry, especially among female participants.
U.S. Census Bureau Reports 1.3 Percent YoY Growth for June Core Retail Sales
June’s core retail sales as defined by NRF, based on the Census data but excluding automobile dealers, gas stations and restaurants, were up 0.9 percent seasonally-adjusted MoM and up 1.3 percent unadjusted YoY.
Motocaddy Expands U.S. Sales Team with New Hires
Motocaddy, the electric caddy brand, launched its North American operation in 2020 to offer U.S.-based sales, service and distribution for its electric caddies. The company recently expanded its U.S. sales team with five new hires.
Norco Bicycle Founder’s Family Assumes Full Ownership of Norco Manufacturer
Canada’s largest wholesale distributor of premium bikes, parts and accessories has been independently owned and operated in a partnership between the Lewis and Zalkow families. The Lewis family has now assumed full ownership of the company.
Deloitte Sees BTS Spending Flattening Amid Financial Concerns
Ongoing perceptions of inflation and a cost-of-living squeeze will keep spending steady from last year as K-12 parents weigh prices and priorities in preparation for the new school year as they budget for necessities and make room for a few indulgences.
Pearl Izumi Promotes Daran Godfrey to VP/GM
Godrey has been Pearl Izumi’s director of U.S. sales under the United Sports Brands umbrella for the past two years. Godrey brings two decades of sales management experience in the cycling space to the role.
Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation Adds to Board of Directors
Emily Cope, the deputy director of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, was appointed to the RBFF Board of Directors, enhancing her extensive experience in wildlife and biology.
Rally House Opens in Lakewood, CO
The Lakewood location is the company’s third storefront in the state after opening Rally House Outlets at Castle Rock and Rally House Alcove on Arapahoe at the beginning of June.
Sportsman’s Warehouse Appoints SVP of Marketing, E-commerce & Loyalty
Susan Sanderson is responsible for the company’s digital and traditional marketing, e-commerce, brand strategy, omni-channel experience, and loyalty programs.
Gymshark Opens Second UK Store, Eyes U.S. Expansion
Gymshark Stratford, Westfield store, follows the successful opening of its debut flagship, which opened on London’s Regent Street in 2022. Founder and chief executive, Ben Francis, has his site’s set on U.S. growth with plans to open a New York City pop-up in the next 12 to 18 months.
NRF: Consumers Just Getting Started on Planned BTS Purchases
The NRF noted in its report that while shopping is well underway, most (86 percent) consumers still have at least half of their purchases left to make.
Big Peach Running Co. Partners with Runners Fit on New Franchise Store
The store will remain open while a new sign is installed and other changes are made to convert the store’s branding to Big Peach, with the final conversion steps slated for late July.
