SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Sports Direct’s Parent Company Plans New HQ
Frasers Group, the U.K.-based parent of Sports Direct, submitted a planning application for a new global headquarters campus at Ansty in Rugby, Warwickshire. The company’s current headquarters are in Shirebrook, Derbyshire.
HanesBrands and University of Cincinnati Extend Partnership
HanesBrands and the University of Cincinnati signed a multi-year extension to their primary apparel partnership that gives HanesBrands exclusive rights across all retail channels to design, manufacture and distribute University of Cincinnati fanwear.
Suunto Unveils Plans for U.S. Direct Distribution
Suunto has implemented a new system to directly distribute its products to U.S. retailers, one of the Finnish company’s key initiatives in expanding its business in North America.
On Plans to Double Sales and Reach 60 Percent Gross Margin by 2026
The company plans to grow 2026 net sales to at least CHF3.55 billion, or approximately $3.95 billion at the average September 2023 conversion rate, reflecting a CAGR of over 26 percent based on its 2023 forecast.
Swag Golf Raises $10 Million in Funding Round
Swag Golf, a golf accessory, equipment and apparel company based in Northbrook, Il, closed a $10 million growth round led by Verance Capital, a New York-based growth investment firm focused on sports and entertainment.
Gunpowder, Inc. Adds Three Hires in Strategic Move
The company noted that the hire of Josh Ward, Michelle Gandola and Alex Gaziano in the third quarter of 2023, reflected the Wisconsin-based agency’s “commitment to strengthening its public relations and digital marketing capabilities.”
Nordstrom Plans Another Texas Rack Store
With the addition of this new location, two stores opening this fall in Denton and Allen, and the recently-opened location in San Antonio, Nordstrom will operate 22 Nordstrom Rack stores and eight Nordstrom stores in Texas.
Academy Sports + Outdoors Opens Second VA Store
The 77,000-square-foot space in Fredericksburg, VA marks the sixth store Academy has opened in 2023 on its was to its goal of opening 120 to 140 new stores by the end of 2027.
Wahoo Fitness to Close RGT Cycling Virtual Cycling App
Wahoo Fitness announced plans to close its virtual cycling app RGT, the company acquired in April 2022, to focus on its “structured training content.”
Fanatics Inks CLC Deal to Sell Licensed U.S. College Gear Worldwide
The company signed a long-term agreement with U.S. collegiate licensing company CLC to sell licensed fan gear from U.S. colleges to international college sports enthusiasts through its online sites.
Future Motion Recalls Electric Skateboards After Four Deaths
Future Motion, Inc., the manufacturer of Onewheel electric skateboards, issued a recall of 300,000 skateboards in tandem with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after a series of accidents and four reported deaths.
Freemotion Fitness Appoints VP Sales for North America
Freemotion Fitness, the commercial equipment arm of iFIT, appointed Adam Guier as vice president of sales for North America.
Under Armour to Open First Store in Northern Ireland
Under Armour is opening its first store in Northern Ireland in November with a 2,600-square-foot location at The Boulevard in Banbridge.
Pas Normal Studios Adding Singapore and Munich Flagship Stores
Danish cycling apparel powerhouse added a store in San Francisco this past spring and another store opening recently took place in the heart of Munich, while a new flagship store opened in Singapore over the weekend.
Sportime Clubs and Financial Partner to Launch Pickleball Clubs
Sportime Clubs and Hornig Capital Partners signed a partnership agreement to establish a new company, Sportime Pickleball, LLC, that will develop and operate standalone, pickleball facilities in the tri-state area under the Sportime brand.
