SGB Update Sports & Fitness
EoS Fitness Opens in Houston’s Fifth Ward Neighborhood
EoS Fitness opened a new 34,000-square-foot location close to downtown Houston in the Fourth Ward neighborhood, its fifth gym in the city and sixth in Texas.
HanesBrands Forms Apparel Partnership with Texas A&M
HanesBrands signed a deal giving it exclusive design rights to manufacture and distribute Texas A&M fanwear at mass retail and campus/local channels. The University opened a “Champion Station” in-store shop inside its Memorial Student Center Barnes & Noble Bookstore to support the partnership.
Reebok Opens Full-Price Store in Mexico
Reebok opened its first freestanding full-line store at Mexico City’s Fórum Buenavista shopping center as it ramps up its international expansion.
Inov-8 Opens First U.S. Store
Inov-8 opened its first U.S. store in Meridian, ID. The U.K.-based footwear manufacturer’s stores now number three, with the other two in England.
Moody’s Lifts Life Time Group’s Debt Ratings on Improving Results
Moody’s raised its debt ratings on Life Time Group Holdings, Inc. due to the owner and manager of fitness and recreational sports centers improving performance, including membership, revenue, EBITDA trends, and steps the company has taken to reduce leverage.
Nike CFO of Consumer, Marketplace & Brand Departing for Lysol’s Parent Company
Reckitt Benckiser Group named Shannon Eisenhardt, currently CFO of Nike consumer, brand & marketplace, as CFO of Lysol’s parent company, replacing current CFO Jeff Carr, who is retiring in March 2024. She joins RBG on October 17, 2023.
Puma Makes Leadership Appointments in Europe
Puma has appointed Javier Ortega as general manager Europe, effective September 1. Esteve Planas will succeed Ortega as area general manager for Southern Europe.
Wolverine World Wide’s Debt Ratings Lowered by S&P
S&P Global Ratings reduced the debt ratings of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. as the footwear manufacturer continues to underperform its expectations with “tough industry headwinds to continue to pressure the company’s operating performance at least over the next several quarters.”
Gympass Secures $85 Million In Equity Funding
Gympass announced it raised $85 million in a Series F funding round at a valuation of $2.4 billion, led by EQT Growth, with participation from Neuberger Berman.
Logo Brands Signs 10-Year Licensing Agreement with Utah Utes
The University of Utah is the company’s 35th strategic partnership. Beginning January 1, 2024, Logo Brands and the University of Utah will enter into a 10-year exclusive agreement in the tailgate and inflatables categories.
Peloton Sees Q4 Shortfall on Higher-Than-Expected Subscription Churn/Recall Costs
Peloton Interactive Inc. posted a wider loss than expected in the fiscal fourth quarter as it was impacted by above-plan subscription churn as well as higher-than-expected costs related to a recent recall.
Foot Locker, Inc. Posts Q2 Loss, Cuts Outlook as Sales Fall and Margins Contract
The retailer is pausing its cash dividend payments in the fall after reporting sharp Q2 declines in total sales and comp sales, a loss in GAAP net income, slimmer margins, and a business that reportedly softened further in July.
Alterra Mountain Company Closes on Schweitzer Acquisition
The addition of Schweitzer brings the company’s year-round mountain destinations to 17 in North America, including the world’s largest heli-ski operation.
Franklin Sports Named Official Ball Sponsor of Pickleball Australia
As part of the agreement, Franklin’s X-40 and X-26 pickleballs become the official balls of Pickleball Australia via member associations, clubs, individual members, and sanctioned tournaments.
Dick’s SG Lays Off Corporate Staff to Streamline Cost Structure
A source told Bloomberg News that Dick’s had laid off 250 corporate employees as part of the plan. Retail staff were not impacted.
