SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Survey: SMB Retailers Optimistic on In-Store Holiday Shopping
The 5th Annual State of Small Business Survey by Verizon Business revealed that 52 percent of small and medium-sized businesses and retailers are gearing up for an in-store holiday season, an increase of 13 points from 2023.
ICSC Holiday Survey Sees Consumers Spending the Most Since 2018
ICSC also released its forecast for the Holiday selling season based on results gathered in its Annual Holiday Shopping Intentions Survey. It indicates that retail sales are expected to grow from 3.0 percent to 3.5 percent.
The Picklr to Expand its Pickleball Format into Canada
The Picklr reported YTD that it has sold “over 390 locations in 42 states, with plans to open at least 30 new clubs in 2024 and an additional 70 in 2025.”
Needham Hires Tom Nikic as Apparel and Footwear Analyst
Needham & Co. has hired Tom Nikic, a veteran analyst in the active lifestyle space, as managing director, equity research, apparel & footwear.
TSG Consumer Partners Appoints Managing Director
TSG Consumer Partners announced the expansion of its portfolio operations group, TSG Vantage and appointed of Brian Crandall as managing director.
Report: U.S. Fitness Facility Memberships Reach Historic High
Beyond membership growth, HFA reported that fitness facility attendance increased for a third consecutive year. The average member visited a fitness facility 81 times in 2023, up from 78 visits in 2022 and 72 visits in 2021.
Sony Expands Sports Data Business With KinaTrax Acquisition
KinaTrax camera systems are used in over 75 stadiums and labs across Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball and NCAA member organizations, with expansion into other sports leagues. The technology has collected biomechanics data for pitchers and hitters in baseball games.
Play It Again Sports Parent Sees Flat Profits In Q3
Winmark Corp., the parent of Play It Again Sports, reported flat earnings in both the third quarter and nine months ended September 28.
Magic Surf Brazil Hires Director of International Sales
With Ty Zulim’s leadership, Magic Surf Brazil reported that it is “well-positioned to strengthen its presence in key international markets while maintaining its commitment to cutting-edge technology and excellence in surfboard manufacturing.”
Jetset Pilates Opens First NYC Studio Opening in SoHo
Jetset Pilates officially opened the doors of its first New York City studio in SoHo.
Crunch to Open Studio in Indianapolis
The $5 million, 40,000-square-foot fitness facility will open in Spring 2025. Operated by Crunch Fitness franchisee Fitness Ventures.
Arris Composites Selected for U.S. Army for Study on Carbon Fiber Boot Plates
The company was selected by the U.S. Army for a study on the use of advanced carbon fiber plates in military boots. The project builds on Arris’ development of a carbon fiber plate for Brooks’ Hyperion Elite 4 running shoe.
Shoe Show Reports Cyber Security Incident
The retailer reported a cyber security incident involving a Shoe Show employee e-mail account. Shoe Show filed a data breach notice detailing the incident with the Attorney General of Maine, on October 9.
Deloitte Forecasting 8 Percent Bump in 2024 Holiday Season Spending
The firm reported that consumers will bargain shop even if it means choosing value over loyalty. The business advisory firm also sees a ramp up in experience gifting to more than offset flat sales in traditional merchandise.
YogaSix Opens First Studio in Germany
The opening of the Frankfurt studio is part of YogaSix’s ongoing global expansion, which includes more openings in Germany and a debut in Japan as a result of a Master Franchise Agreement signed earlier this year. Christophe Collinet and Daniel Hoffman of LifeFit Group are leading the expansion efforts.
