SGB Update

Whoop Opens New Headquarters in Boston

Whoop opened its global headquarters in Boston’s Kenmore Square near Fenway Park. The 121,000-square-foot space spans eight floors. 

Report: Footwear Retailers Top Retail Foot Traffic Gains Since 2020

Shoe store visits quickly bounced back following the first days of the pandemic when restrictions all but sidelined retail foot traffic and Nike, WSS and Boot Barn look to be well positioned for continued growth for back-to-school based on a report from Placer.ai.

REI Honors Vendor Partner of the Year, Gives Divisional Awards to Four Brands

REI Co-op honored On with its 2023 Vendor Partner of the Year award. The retailer said, “that by marrying style, comfort and functional performance, On continues to bring compelling, functional innovation to REI and attracts customers of all ages and backgrounds to running and hiking season after season.”

FESI Responds to European Parliament Proposal on Sustainable Product Regulation

The Federation of European Sporting Goods Industry said this week that it commends the Parliament’s efforts in recognizing the trade-offs involved in establishing eco-design requirements, a crucial step toward advancing sustainability and environmental responsibility within the sporting goods industry.

Howie’s Hockey Tape Expanding in West Michigan

Howie’s Hockey Tape, the maker of hockey accessories based in Grand Rapids, MI, is expanding to Gaines Charter Township.The company is moving out of its warehousing and distribution facility in Kentwood and building a new facility at 6658 East Paris Drive in Caledonia to include office and warehouse space.

British Sneaker Brand Arne Expands to U.S.

Arne, the sneaker and casual apparel brand based in the U.K., announced its expansion into the U.S. market. Plans include flagship stores in New York and Los Angeles and pop-up shops in to-be-announced locations.

Rapala VMC Corp. Increases Stake In 13 Fishing

Rapala VMC Corp. and James Coble, the majority shareholder of DQC International, which manufactures and markets 13 Fishing rods and reels, reached an agreement whereby Rapala VMC will increase its ownership of DQC International to 60 percent of the Florida-based company. At the same time, Coble will retain a 40 percent share of the company.