SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Asics Names New President and CEO for North America
Koichiro Kodama will return to Asics North America as president and CEO, effective immediately. He was CEO of Asics North America from February 2019 until December 2020. He replaces Richard Sullivan, president and CEO of the North American business since January 2022.
Consumer Sentiment Slides in October
The University of Michigan’s preliminary Index of Consumer Sentiment for October declined 7.5 percent from month-over-month in September to 63 from 68.1 and below the 67.4 reading that analysts had expected.
Under Armour Hires Gap Inc. Vet as Chief Supply Chain Officer
The company hired retail industry veteran Shawn Curran as chief supply chain officer, reporting to President and CEO Stephanie Linnartz. After three decades working at Gap, Inc., Curran will join Under Armour on October 16.
Decathlon to Open First Store in British Columbia
Decathlon plans to open a flagship store in spring 2024 at Metropolis at Metrotown, marking its first store in British Columbia and its 19th in Canada.
Life Time to Acquire Arden Hills Athletic & Social Club Property in Sacramento
Life Time announced plans to acquire the property of Arden Hills Athletic & Social Club in Sacramento and reopen the facility as Life Time Arden in early 2024.
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.
