Pickleball Injuries Could Cost Americans Upwards Of $500 Million In 2023
Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., could cost Americans from $250 million to $500 million in medical costs in 2023 tied to higher injury rates, particularly among seniors, according to a report from UBS.
KOA, Holo Footwear Announce Multi-Year Partnership
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) and Holo Footwear announced a collaboration on a footwear line. The limited-edition KOA x Holo camp shoes will launch at Nordstrom in August.
Under Armour Makes Senior Leadership Changes
Under Armour reported the company made senior leadership changes, including hiring Marriott veteran Jim Dausch as EVP, chief consumer officer, effective July 24, and promoting Danny Miles to EVP, chief technology officer. Effective July 3, Dan Leraris, UA’s head of apparel, will begin serving as the company’s interim CPO.
Xponential Fitness Defends Itself Against Negative Short-Seller Report
Shares of Xponential Fitness, Inc. bounced sharply on Wednesday, after the franchiser of boutique fitness brands, including CycleBar, StretchLab and Club Pilates, denounced a bearish investor’s report that led to a record selloff in the previous session.
L Catterton Appoints Peter Chang As Managing Partner
L Catterton, the consumer-focused investment boutique, hired Peter Chang as managing partner and co-head of Private Credit. With Shahab Rashid, Chang will co-lead the firm’s direct lending strategy.
Signa Sports’ Fiscal Q2 Revenues Slide 24 Percent
Signa Sports United N.V. (SSU) reported a wider operating loss in the fiscal second quarter ended March 31 as sales dropped 23.5 percent. The Berlin-based owner of numerous e-commerce sites focused on tennis, outdoor, and team sports said the results reflect continued weak demand versus pre-pandemic levels and “severely elevated” inventories across the marketplace.
Fanatics Bests DraftKings In Bid For PointsBet’s U.S. Operations
Sports-betting company DraftKings, Inc. is no longer pursuing the acquisition of the U.S. business of PointsBet Holdings, Ltd. The move comes after Fanatics upped its bid for the Australia-based PointsBet’s U.S. business.
Report: Younger Consumers Trading Handbags For Totes, Waist Packs And Backpacks
The $8.8 billion handbag market in the U.S. faces a generational dilemma—younger women are less likely than the older demographic to buy and carry a handbag. Although 18- to 34-year-olds accounted for a decline in the overall handbag market over the past year, sales in totes and shoppers were up 11 percent—fanny, waist and chest packs increased 56 percent.
Nextorch Industries Hires VP Sales & Marketing
Nextorch Industries hired Jordan Brothers as vice president of sales and marketing for North America, overseeing all marketing functions.
REI Names Controller And VP Of Distribution And Fulfillment Operations
REI Co-op promoted Michelle Kirkpatrick to vice president, controller and Ruchi Christensen to vice president of distribution and fulfillment operations.
Vans Names Global Chief Marketing Officer
Vans announced that Drieke Leenknegt had joined the company as global chief marketing officer, effective July 5. Leenknegt joins Vans from its sister brand, Timberland, where she served as its global chief marketing officer.
U.S. Consumer Confidence Reaches 17-Month High
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index hit 109.7 in June, reaching a 17-month high and topping expectations, marking the highest monthly reading since January 2022 and a pickup from 102.5 in May.
Reima North America Hires Wholesale Experience Manager
Reima North America hired Kelly Buck as the company’s wholesale experience manager. Reima said this strategic addition to the team is a testament to its commitment to delivering excellent service and expertise to its valued wholesale customers.
TRX Acquires Australian Fitness Equipment Company
TRX announced it acquired YBell, an Australian fitness equipment company, and said the strategic acquisition enhances its patented product offering and training solutions.
Golf Rounds Played Surge In May
Rounds of golf played in May jumped by 10.0 percent on a national level year-over-year and are now running up 5.5 percent for the first five months of 2023, according to Golf Datatech.
