Nike Loses EU Trademark Dispute Against Puma
Nike had sought to trademark “footware” a play on words between “foot” and “software” or “hardware” for tech-related products. Puma has long argued that at least some consumers would misread “footware” to mean software or technology for the feet.
Nike Vet Hired As President of Cosmo Fabrics
Mark Griffie spent over 20 years working at Nike, most recently as VP of materials and sourcing. He will work from Cosmo’s Singapore headquarters, effective July 1.
Game-Set-Match to Open Fifth Store
Plans for the new store in Henderson, NV, include a soft opening in Fall 2024, pending store construction timing, with a grand opening in Spring 2025.
Health & Fitness Association Elects New Board Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer
At its June 3 meeting, the Health & Fitness Association Board of Directors elected Chris Smith as chair, Luke Carlson as vice chair and Al Noshirvani as treasurer.
True Spec Golf Opens in Dublin, Ohio
Partnering with Intown Golf Club, the indoor private golf facility in central Ohio, opened its second store on June 11, complimenting its other brand store in the state.
HIVIZ Shooting Systems Names Director of U.S. Commercial Sales
Christopher Harrison joins joins the company with over 40 years of experience in sales in the firearms and defense industry. He has worked for Paratore Enterprises, NP Aerospace, Tactical and Survival Specialties (TSSi), and Tacprogear.
Target Raises Quarterly Dividend
The retailer reaffirmed announced a 1.8 percent increase in its quarterly dividend to shareholders, now set at $1.12 per common share, from the previous quarterly dividend of $1.10.
Patagonia Hires EMEA Marketplace Director
An outdoor veteran with over 20 years of experience in the industry, Stephan Hagenbusch, formerly at Black Diamond Equipment, assumes the role as marketplace director for the EMEA region.
Yue Yuen’s May Sales Boosted by Manufacturing Growth
Yue Yuen Industrial, Ltd. reported revenues rose 2.3 percent in May to $717.4 million. Sales rose 2.3 percent in its manufacturing segment but declined 8.0 percent in its retail segment.
The Picklr Opens in McKinney, Texas
Anchored by Trader Joe’s, Starbucks, Hollywood Feed, and Christina’s Mexican Restaurant, The Picklr adds a key category, athletics, to the lineup of businesses in Eldorado Plaza.
Tailwind Nutrition Hires Director of Finance
Carter Shae was appointed director of finance. Most recently, he worked as CFO for Cut Clothing overseeing finance, accounting, human resources, customer experience, logistics, and board and investor relations.
Lotto Invests in Pickleball Team
Lotto announced a strategic partnership with the Brooklyn Aces, becoming the first athletic brand in the ownership group of a professional pickleball team. The Italian sports brand joined celebrity owners Kevin Durant, Rich Kleiman, Drake, and Michael B. Jordan.
BDA Acquires European Sports Merchandise Provider
Woodinville, WA-based branding giant Bensussen Deutsch & Associates completed the acquisition of UK-based sports, events and promotional products provider, The Great Branding Company.
Dearfoams Parent Acquired by Marubeni Growth Capital
RGB becomes the first investment of the Next Generation Corporate Development Division of Marubeni in the U.S., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tokyo-based Marubeni Corporation.
Academy Sports’ Q1 Earnings Miss Wall Street Targets
Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. reported first-quarter earnings on an adjusted basis slid 20.8 percent and came in lower than analyst expectations for the second straight quarter. Same-store sales were down 5.7 percent, and gross margins were off slightly. Steve Lawrence, CEO, said, “Our customers remain under pressure in the current economic environment.”
