SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Lacrosse, Flag Football, Cricket on Short List for 2028 LA Games
The organizing committee for the Los Angeles Games reported it will propose adding flag football, lacrosse, squash, and cricket to the Olympic program for 2028. The organizing committee is also aiming to bring baseball and softball back.
Dick’s SG To Open House of Sports in Miami
Dick’s Sporting Goods reported that the company submitted plans with Miami-Dade County to open a House of Sports in Miami in a space formerly occupied by a Nordstrom store in the Dadeland Mall.
Running USA’s COO Departs
Running USA’s Board of Directors announced that Christine Bowen, chief operating officer and VP for the past 14 years, stepped down from her role, effective September 30.
Har-Tru Acquires Armor Crack Repair
Har-Tru, LLC, a specialist in court construction and surfacing solutions based in Troy, VA, has acquired Armor Crack Repair, which specializes in court crack repair and maintenance.
Moody’s Affirms PureGym’s Debt Ratings Following Refinancing
Moody’s Investors Service affirmed the debt ratings of PureGym following the London-based budget fitness chain refinancing. Moody’s said the refinancing removed debt maturity risks and marginally improved PureGym’s debt leverage.
Dryvebox Signs First Franchised Partner
Dryvebox, which offers a mobile golf simulator experience, awarded its first franchise partner in Florida and opened up franchising opportunities in California.
Authentic Brands Group Taps Shaq to Run Reebok Basketball
Reebok appointed Shaquille O’Neal as president of Reebok Basketball with Allen Iverson serving as vice president of the division. Both NBA legends have longstanding relationships with Reebok and its parent company, Authentic Brands Group.
Barre3 Acquires The Barre Code
Barre3, the barre fitness company based in Portland, OR, acquired fellow studio operator, The Barre Code. With the acquisition, Barre3 said it has 185 studios nationwide and a digital platform with subscribers in more than 100 countries.
Gatorade Grows Double-Digits In Third Quarter
PepsiCo reported sales of the Gatorade sports drink brand grew double-digits in the fiscal third quarter ended September 9 as increased prices offset a mid-single-digit decrease in unit volume.
Sporting Insights Appoints Joint Managing Director
The U.K.-based market research firm announced that Richard Payne has taken on a new position as joint managing director of the company, alongside managing director, John Bushell.
Pure Hockey to Open Two Stores In Ohio
Pure Hockey announced plans to open two stores in Ohio in mid-October in Columbus and Mayfield Heights. The openings mark the retailer’s entrance into Ohio.
Report: UK Holiday Spending Increase Will Fall Short of Inflation Growth
The 3.4 percent growth for the holiday selling period, driven by 9.3 percent inflation for the year, still falls short of last year’s increase and marks a second quarter of slowing growth in 2023.
Core Health & Fitness Appoints New CEO
Core Health & Fitness appointed industry veteran Bryan K. O’Rourke as chief executive officer. O’Rourke will work together with Founder and Chairman Michael Bruno.
NRF: Import Volumes Slowing Heading Into Holiday Selling
Import cargo volume at the major container ports in the U.S. has hit its expected peak for the year and should gradually slow moving into the holiday season, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation(NRF) and Hackett Associates. Ports have not reported September numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 1.94 million TEU, down 4.3 percent year-over-year. October is also forecasted at 1.94 million TEU, down 3.1 percent year-over-year.
Gatorz Eyewear Hires New Head of Marketing
The performance eyewear manufacturer, appointed industry veteran Scott Sorensen as head of marketing, overseeing consumer and product marketing strategies, strengthening the brand’s positioning and executing growth initiatives.
