SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Nike, Inc. Appoints New Converse CEO
Aaron Cain, a 21-year company veteran, was named the new CEO of Converse. He replaces Jared Carver, who is stepping down after serving as CEO for two years.
Costco’s June Comps Get 11.2 Percent Growth from E-Commerce
Excluding gas, Costco’s same-store sales in the U.S. were up 5.5 percent in the U.S. and 6.2 percent overall. U.S. sales were up 7.4 percent year-to-date.
FDRA Urges Trump Administration to Halt New Tariffs on Footwear Ahead of BTS Selling
On Wednesday, July 9, the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America sent a letter to the Trump Administration requesting that it not impose additional footwear tariffs on top of the existing ones ahead of the critical back-to-school selling season.
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The Picklr Names Chief Operating Officer
Abby Olson previously served as VP of Field Operations and VP of Training at Crumbl, where she helped scale the company from fewer than 10 locations to over 1,100 across two countries.
Imperial Appoints National Sales Manager, Golf
Andrew Blatnik joins industry veteran John Anderson, VP of Sales for Golf, in his new role. Currently he serves as the VP of Peter Millar licensing for Imperial.
Deloitte Sees Flat Back-To-School Spending
Deloitte’s 18th Annual Back-to-School Survey finds that spending for K-12 students will remain flat at $30.9 billion this year. Parents surveyed expect to spend $570 per student in grades K-12, down just $16 year-over-year. Overall, parents will spend on essentials, trading down on brands and retailers, and spreading out purchases over time.
Report: Bain Capital Mulls Selling Canada Goose Stake
Discussions remain in the early stages, and there is no guarantee that a transaction will take place, the sources added. Other shareholders may also consider participating in a deal.
REI Sets Grand Opening for Store in Elk Grove
REI Co-op set plans to host a grand opening of its new store in Elk Grove, CA which is part of the Sacramento metropolitan area in Northern California.
Pentland Returns Ellesse to U.S. in New Licensing Deal
The exclusive, long-term licensing partnership will see The Iconic Brand Corporation design, develop, produce, and market Ellesse apparel and accessories in the U.S. in collaboration with Ellesse’s London team. The first collection will launch in Spring 2026.
Osprey and Hydro Flask Parent’s Home & Outdoor Segment Sales Retreat in Fiscal Q1
Helen of Troy, Ltd. reported sales in its Home & Outdoor segment, which includes Hydro Flask, Osprey and Oxo, declined 10.3 percent in the fiscal first quarter ended May 31 due in part to weaker demand for insulated beverageware and the cancellation of orders due to tariffs. Sales are expected to decline in the range of 16.5 percent to 11.5 percent in the fiscal second quarter.
USTA Hires Chief Growth Officer
Mike McGoohan, former president and chief growth officer of Solo Stove, was appointed to the newly created role of chief growth officer for the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Reporting into McGoohan are Play & Competition, USTA Coaching, Marketing, Digital Strategy, Strategy & Innovation, and Industry & Sales departments.
NRF: Import Cargo Levels Drop Again After Tariff Delay Ends; Rebound Expected in July
Ports have not yet reported numbers for June, but Global Port Tracker projects the month to climb 5.9 percent from May but down 3.7 percent year-over-year. July cargo volume is expected to increase 2.1 percent year-over-year, but then fall 10.4 percent in August and 19.9 percent in September as previously paused tariffs take effect.
NFHS Rule Committee Rolls Out New High School Football Arm Covering Standard
The NFHS Football Rules Committee announced the requirement for this new standard in February 2025 and is designed to be a “fairness standard,” not a “safety standard,” aimed at maintaining fair competition in high school football.
Decathlon Acquires French Cycling Team
The French sporting goods chain has agreed to become the sole owner of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale UCI World Tour, the French cycling team with UCI WorldTeam status, at the close of 2025.
Varsity Brands’ Debt Ratings Upgraded
Moody’s Ratings upgraded Varsity Brands, Inc.’s debt ratings due to improving EBITDA margin, stronger free cash flow generation, and declining leverage, supported by momentum in both its BSN and Varsity Spirit businesses.
