SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Planet Fitness Operators in Texas Sued for Illegal Videotaping Incident
The claims in the lawsuit include negligence, gross negligence and invasion of privacy. The plaintiff, who alleges she was videotaped nude inside a tanning room, is seeking more than $1 million in monetary relief, including compensatory and punitive damages, and requests a jury trial.
Topgolf Breaks Ground on New San Joaquin Valley Location in California
The new two-level location in Madera, California is slated to be the first major tenant for the Central California campus of Valley Children’s Hospital’s new planned mixed-use development.
Fleet Feet Appoints Jason Jabaut President, Expands Exec Team
Fleet Feet officially named Jason Jabaut, a 20-year veteran of the running store franchisor, as president while also announcing several promotions and new hires within tech areas to build out its leadership team. As president, Jabaut will lead marketing & digital, vendor management and franchise operations.
ICSC Survey Sees Consumers Focusing on Value and Experiences this Holiday Season
The trade association human experience remains a core part of holiday shopping, and retailers that transform a simple errand into an outing or a memory are most likely to capture consumer dollars this season and beyond. Growth in sales is forecast between 4.3 percent and 4.9 percent this year.
ONDO Acquires Hong Kong’s Champion System
ONDO, best known for its signature No Show Socks, has acquired Champion System, the maker of custom apparel for cycling, triathlon, running and team sports. The deal is ONDO’s first acquisition and represents the company’s first step toward building a broader portfolio of performance brands.
Nike Canada GM Takes Japan VP/GM Role
Nike Inc. has appointed Michael Hunter, former general manager (GM) of Nike Canada, as VP and GM, Nike Japan
S&S to Open New Distribution Center in Phoenix
S&S, formerly S&S Activewear, plans to open a new 500,000-square-foot distribution center in the Phoenix metro area, marking its latest investment to modernize its North American footprint. Slated to begin operations in late summer 2027, the fully automated facility will expand S&S’s capacity across the West and Southwest.
Life Time to Open Club at Boston’s Seaport District
Life Time plans to open a new athletic club at Boston’s Seaport District in late 2027, marking Life Time’s eighth in the Greater Boston market since debuting in 2015. The approximately 45,000-square-foot club will overlook Boston Harbor and occupy a prominent location within Commonwealth Pier.
ISSA’s Andrew Wyant Returns as CEO
The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), which provides education and certification for fitness trainers, announced that Andrew Wyant will return as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Wyant, who led ISSA from February 2018 to April 2024, and continues to serve on its board of directors, succeeds Warren Heffelfinger.
Delaware’s Al’s Sporting Goods to Close
Al’s Sporting Goods in downtown Wilmington, DE, will close in December after 91 years in business. Owner Bob Hart is retiring.
Nike’s Debt Ratings Downgrades on “Protracted” Turnaround, Cash Flow Declines
S&P Global Ratings lowered its debt ratings on Nike because its business turnaround is now expected to take “significantly longer” than the rating agency’s forecast, resulting in “sharply lower” revenue, profit, and cash flows over the next 24 months than previously assumed.
Centric Brands Appoints EMEA VP of Sales, Under Armour
Centric Brands appointed Dan Moneypenny, formerly of Footasylum and Castore, as VP of sales for its Under Armour business in the EMEA region.
Alo Yoga Opens First Store in Greater China
Alo Yoga opened its first physical retail spaces in Greater China, launching a massive flagship in Hong Kong and its first mainland China pop-up experience in Shanghai.
Fabletics Opens First Store in India
Fabletics opened its first-ever retail storefront in India through a partnership with Reliance Brands Limited. Fabletics operates 137 stores globally, including 126 in the U.S.
Nike’s Fiscal Q1 Sales Miss Street Targets; Guidance is Well Below Expectations
Earnings topped analysts’ expectations in the fiscal first quarter ended August 31, but sales missed and the company provided earnings and sales guidance for the year that were significantly below analyst targets.
