
Saxx Adds Two Independent Sales Agencies in U.S.
Mountain High Sales & Marketing in the Great Lakes region and Weekday at Bernie’s in the Mid-Atlantic are actively working to sell Saxx’s Fall 2024 line.

NMMA Appoints SVP of Government Relations
The National Marine Manufacturers Association appointed Robyn Boerstling as senior vice president of government relations, reporting to NMMA president Frank Hugelmeyer.

Report: Varsity Brands Exploring IPO
Varsity Brands, the parent of BSN Sports and Varsity Spirit, is exploring a sale or initial public offering (IPO) that could value the company at more than $6 billion, including debt, sources told Reuters.

NRF and CNBC Develop New Retail Monitor; Report October Trends
The new Retail Monitor partnership reported that total October retail sales, excluding automobiles and gas, were down 0.08 percent from September and up 2.57 percent year-over-year (YoY).

Great Britain Q3 Golf Rounds Played Gives Lift to YTD Trend
Sporting Insights noted that January was the only month in 2023 that saw a dip against 2019 figures, while the remainder of the year has, so far, seen 2023 track, and often exceeded, the “booming totals” seen outside lockdowns during the period 2020/22.

On Third Quarter Sales Jump 46.5 Percent and Diluted EPS Triples
On’s DTC channel recorded growth of 54.6 percent to CHF 164.7 million when compared to Q3 2022, reflecting “the strength of the On brand and ongoing ambition for DTC to outgrow wholesale.” Wholesale channel sales increased 42.6 percent to CHF 315.7 million.

Backcountry To Broaden Reach Going Wholesale With In-House Brand
Backcountry, the online specialty retailer for outdoor gear and apparel, reported it will expand its wholesale business, starting with its in-house Backcountry brand, selling since 2018, through select nationwide retailers, beginning in fall 2024.

Fleet Feet Fort Myers Acquires Run Florida on McGregor
Fleet Feet Fort Myers owners Janene and Brian Urichko agreed to purchase Run Florida On McGregor from friend and owner John Rinkenbaugh, who will join Fleet Feet Fort Myers as an outfitter.

Decathlon’s Kipsta Brand Signs Football Supply Deal with UEFA
Kipsta, the Decathlon-owned global football brand, will replace Molten as the official ball supplier of the Uefa Europa League and Conference League in the next three-year cycle.

Amped Fitness Adds Five Locations Across Florida
Amped Fitness announced the opening dates of five new gyms in Florida. The former fitness centers were acquired earlier this year and have since undergone a renovation.

Birkenstock’s Debt Ratings Upgraded
S&P Global Ratings raised its debt ratings on Birkenstock following debt repayments using proceeds from its recent initial public offering.

Comfort Ones Shoes Acquires Saxon Shoes
Comfort Ones Shoes, the independent footwear chain based in Alexandria, VA., has acquired Saxon Shoes, based in Richmond, VA.

Camping World to Acquire Sixth Missouri RV Dealer
Camping World Holdings, Inc. announced that the company will acquire Youngblood RV in Springfield, MO. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024, increasing the Camping World’s Missouri locations to six.

Kohl’s Opens Store in Downtown Milwaukee
Kohl’s opened a storefront in downtown Milwaukee, WI, as part of the retailer’s plan to open five stores this fall. The store represents a rare urban location for a Kohl’s store, with most historically focused on supporting suburban communities.

Beyond Yoga Opens Store in Chicago
Beyond Yoga, acquired by Levi Strauss in 2021, opened a store in Chicago, representing its sixth location and first outside of California.