Ottolock Forms U.S. Distribution Partnership with BTI
The new U.S. distribution partnership with with Bicycle Technologies International comes as Ottolock recently added new products to its mobile security offering to pair with its original cinch lock.
RIA Announces ‘Now’ and ‘Future’ Advisory Board Members
The Running Industry Alliance (RIA), the member-based independent national trade organization built for the UK and Ireland’s running industry, announced new members to its Alliance Advisory Boards’ Now’ and ‘Future.’
Sitka Gear to Open Two Stores in Minneapolis
Based in Bozeman, MT, Sitka recently opened a 1,580-square-foot store on October 4 in The Mall of America in Bloomington, MN, and a 2,629-square-foot retail space in Maple Grove.
Whyte’s International Sales Director to Retire
Ross Patterson has worked for 36 years, most of his professional career, at Whyte and its former entity, ATB Sales. Colleague Michelle Lee will succeed him.
Gold’s Gym to Return to Ontario
Toronto native, fitness industry veteran and franchisee, Tony Caparotta, will open 17 venues in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area (GTAH) as part of the company’s planned expansion in North America.
Topgolf Breaks Ground on New Venue in New Braunfels, TX
The new venue will be in the 400-plus-acre mixed-use development of New Braunfels Town Center at Creekside, a master-planned community, with an opening date in late 2025. This will be the 14th venue in Texas for Topgolf.
Nike’s Mark Parker to Step Down from Walt Disney’s Board
Parker has been Chairman since April 3, 2023, and first elected to Disney’s Board in early 2016. The Executive Chairman of Morgan Stanley, James P. Gorman, will succeed Parker.
Ross Stores Opens 47 Locations
Ross Stores Inc. recently opened 43 Ross Dress for Less and four dd’s Discounts stores across 22 states in September and October. These new locations complete the company’s store growth plans for fiscal 2024, with the addition of 89 new locations throughout the year.
Weather Safety Platform for Leagues and Schools Closes Funding Round
Perry Weather has secured $15 million in Series B funding from Arthur Ventures, which also led the company’s latest round of funding.
Sport Alliance Appoints VP of Sales International
Erwin Kost and his team will be responsible for developing the enterprise business with a focus on English-speaking countries and customers. The appointment comes as the gym management software provider secured $100 million of new funding from PSG Equity to drive growth.
X-Vision Optics Expands Midwest Coverage
Farm King will use its extensive retail network in the Midwest to distribute X-Vision’s products in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, meeting the growing demand for its thermal imaging, night vision equipment and accessory lines.
Dick’s SG Opens Next-Gen Store in Selinsgrove, PA
Dick’s Sporting Goods opened a next-generation store, which is a larger store format than a regular Dick’s store, in the Monroe Marketplace in Selinsgrove, PA.
Cox Enterprises Acquires Loop Tackle
Loop Tackle owns and manages Atlantic salmon rivers and invests in conservation, science and education. Cox Enterprises acquisition is expected to better position Loop Tackle, in business for over 40 years, to expand its offerings of sustainable products.
Pajar Canada Acquires Cougar Shoes
Cougar Shoes Co-owner and President Steve Sedlbauer said that the company has experienced financial struggles in recent years due to disruption caused by the pandemic and milder winters in key regions.
REI Co-op Plans Lower Volume of Store Openings for 2025
REI Co-op plans to open six locations in 2025, with three new stores in California, as well as Amherst, NY; Durango, CO; and Lynnwood, WA. The openings mark a moderation in new store growth from the 10 stores scheduled to open in 2024.
