SGB Update

Pickleball Kingdom Partners with The Kitchen

Pickleball Kingdom, the indoor pickleball entity, announced an exclusive partnership with The Kitchen, the media website, podcast, and YouTube channel dedicated to pickleball.

Garmin Appoints Co-COOs

Patrick Desbois and Brad Trenkle were promoted to the newly created role as co-chief operating officers (Co-COO), effective July 1, 2024. Desbois had been Garmin’s EVP of operations, while Trenkle led the company’s outdoor segment.

Skeeter Boats Appoints New General Manager

John Clark was the assistant GM, and his responsibilities included managing daily operations, staff, facilities, and Skeeter’s long-term vision. He joined the company in 2006.

Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets Appoints New CEO

Most recently, Jim Bruno, the new CEO, was president at Vista Outdoors’ Bushnell unit, which holds many brands in its portfolio, including Bushnell, Simmons, Primos, Hoppes, Champion, Gold Tip, BeeStinger.

Nike Faces Shareholder Lawsuit Over DTC Strategy

A Nike, Inc. shareholder has filed a securities class action in the District of Oregon’s Portland division, claiming the company misled investors about the financial effects of prioritizing direct-to-consumer sales. Plaintiffs are seeking class-action status, an unspecified amount in damages and a jury trial.

Athleta-Parent Hires Chief Technology Officer

Prior roles for Sven Gerjets include chief information officer, Time Warner; SVP, information technology, DirecTV; chief technology officer, Pearson; director, global e-commerce, Symantec. Most recently, Gerjets was the EVP and chief technology officer from July 2017 to May 2024 at Gap, Inc.

Report: Retail Sales Show Signs of Stabilization in May

The latest report from Circana reveals that U.S. retail sales, encompassing discretionary general merchandise and consumer packaged goods (CPG), have experienced a 1 percent growth, with consumers adapting their spending habits in response to moderating price pressures.

Nike, Converse Sue 52 ‘Counterfeiting Networks’

Nike and sister brand, Converse, filed a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against 52 alleged counterfeit networks, which collectively operate 98 websites and 267 social media handles, over the sale of counterfeit goods.

Smith & Wesson’s Revenues Expand 10 Percent in Fourth Quarter

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. reported earnings on an adjusted basis gained 43.1 percent in the fiscal fourth quarter ended April 30. Sales advanced 9.9 percent. Mark Smith, president and CEO, said, “We continue to expect healthy demand overall for firearms in fiscal 2025.”

BioLite Acquires MPowerd

Co-founded in 2012 as a B Corp. and Benefit Corporation by John Salzinger, MPowered CEO Seungah Jeong and the sales and marketing departments will join the BioLite team.