SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Self Esteem Brands Creates Anytime Fitness Master Franchisee for Canada
The parent company of a global portfolio of fitness, health and wellness franchise brands designated AF National Franchising Ltd. as an Anytime Fitness master franchisee for Canada, which includes 225 franchised Anytime Fitness clubs.
Canterbury Renews Contract with Irish Rugby Team
Canterbury agreed a four-year extension to its deal as the official kit partner with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).
Report: July Golf Equipment Sales Flat at Specialty; Putters Lead Growth
Golf Datatech reported July 2023 retail sales for golf equipment at on- and off-course specialty shops in the U.S. that saw flat sales year-over-year but still grew 50.9 percent versus the pre-pandemic July 2019.
MVP Sports Club Appoints New President as Karl Droppers Retires
Effective September 1, Chuck Osterink, who formerly held the title of chief operating officer, was promoted to president.
BRC Sees Confident UK Consumers Boost August Retail Sales
Total UK retail sales increased by 4.1 percent in fiscal August, against growth of 1.0 percent in August 2022, coming in above the 3-month average growth of 3.6 percent and in line with the 12-month average growth of 4.1 percent.
NRF Acquires Reverse Logistics Association
While hundreds of retail brands offer “gently used” products for sale, others sell excess inventory at a discount. The reverse logistics industry manages the collecting, sorting, repairing, and refurbishing of products for resale or recycling.
Authentic Appoints EVP to Manage Former Boardriders Brand Portfolio
The company hired David Brooks as EVP of action and outdoor sports lifestyle. Most recently, Brooks with the global general manager for RVCA and Boardriders Partnerships at Boardriders.
CPSC Issues Warning on Cyclingsell Zacro Bicycle Helmets
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to immediately stop using Cyclingsell Zacro adult bike helmets because they can fail to protect a cyclist’s head in the event of a crash. The seller, cyclingsell.com, of China, has not agreed to recall the helmets or to offer a remedy to buyers.
Thélios Acquires Vuarnet from NEO Investment Partners
Thélios said it aims to restore the brand’s former glory, empowering Vuarnet to elevate its product quality and push the boundaries of innovation. Vuarnet’s mineral lens expertise will reportedly benefit Thélios to expand its know-how in this area.
Rally House Sets Plans to Open Three Stores This Fall
Rally House reported it will open three stores this fall in Deptford, NJ; Evansville, IN; and Altoona, IA.
Xponential Fitness Sets Three-Year Growth Targets; Shares Fall 15 Percent
XPOF shares were up 2 percent in the pre-market on Wednesday but fell throughout the day to close down 15.4 percent to $19.07 on Wednesday.
HanesBrands and FSU Extend Exclusive Mass Channel License
The multiyear extension of its apparel partnership gives HanesBrands exclusive rights to Florida State fanwear in the mass retail channel.
BodyArmor to Enter Canada
Coca-Cola will launch the BodyArmor sports drink across Canada in January 2024, marking the brand’s first international expansion since BodyArmor was founded in 2011 and Coke’s late 2021 acquisition.
USTA Launches Investment Fund to Support Tennis Growth
The United States Tennis Association launched USTA Ventures through the USTA Strategic Investment Committee to acquire potential equity stakes in technologies and other companies to advance the growth of tennis in the U.S.
NSGA Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Committee Elects Class of 2024
NSGA Sporting Goods Industry Hall Of Fame announced the Class of 2023, which includes Glenn Barrett, OrthoLite; Cathy Pryor, Hibbett Sports; Karsten Solheim, Ping Golf; and Mike Thompson, Rawlings.
