SGB Update Sports & Fitness
3Step Sports Acquires EDP Soccer
3Step Sports acquired EDP Soccer, reporting that the merger will make the company the “largest owner-operator of youth soccer leagues in the United States.” EDP Soccer also owns International Sporting Events and New York Club Soccer.
Vuori Opens Stores In New York City and Chicago
Vuori opened new stores in New York City and Chicago, representing a second location for the brand in each city. The NYC store opened on the Upper East Side, the Chicago storefront in Lakeview.
Sports Direct Parent Acquires Menswear Retailer John Anthony
Frasers Group, the U.K.-based parent of Sports Direct, reported it acquired John Anthony, a U.K.-based retailer offering a mix of designer collections from new and established labels.
Sam’s Club to Reopen Store In Grapevine, TX
Sam’s Club reported plans to reopen in Grapevine, TX, in late 2024 after closing the store due to storm damage incurred in December 2022.
Li-Ning Buys Commercial Property to Support New Hong Kong HQ
Based in Beijing, Li-Ning announced plans to acquire a 25-story mixed office and retail building in Hong Kong for $2.2 billion (US$282 million) to house its headquarters.
Fitbit Fined in Australia Over Misleading Claims
Fitbit was fined $11 million by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) after the maker of smartwatches and fitness trackers admitted that it misled consumers over its return policies.
Millennium Health and Fitness Announces New Ownership and Leadership
Millennium Health and Fitness was acquired by CrestPeak.Heather Collins, formerly the company’s COO, is now president. Kathleen Zumbar was appointed COO.
Dick’s SG to Open House of Sport Stores in Florida and Delaware
Dick’s Sporting Goods reported plans to open House of Sport stores at Tampa International Plaza, its first in Florida, and another at Brandywine Town Center, its first in Delaware.
Nike Opens New Store in Tokyo Focused on Running
The purpose for Nike Ginza is to serve local runners at all levels and connect them to one another. In Japan, this is channeled through competitive relay running, a passion that’s visible from late fall through winter during Ekiden season.
Puma to End Sponsorship of Israel’s National Football Team in 2024
Puma will end its sponsorship of Israel’s national football team in 2024, a decision the brand said was made before Hamas’ October 7 attack. Puma has faced boycotts over its sponsorship.
Arrive Recommerce Appoints Backcountry Vet as CTO
The company hired Alec Wilkins as chief technology officer. Wilkins was previously head of product and engineering at Backcountry and CPO/CTO at Overstock.com.
New Guards Group Appoints SVP/GM for Reebok Europe
The fashion group owned by Farfetch Limited hired Adidas veteran Markus Kleber as SVP/GM of Reebok Europe and Reebok Ltd. Farfetch recently announced it would not report Q3 results and canceled guidance.
SportsShoes.com Expands Marketing and Design Teams
SportsShoes.com hired ten new employees within its brand marketing, social media and design departments to support business growth and development.
Strava Appoints Former Nike Exec as CEO
The company hired Michael Martin as CEO, replacing outgoing CEO, Michael Horvath. Martin will also join the Strava Board upon assuming the role on January 2, 2024. Currently, Martin serves as the GM of YouTube Shopping.
Kyrie Irving Joins Kicks Crew as Equity Shareholder, Chief Community Officer
Irving’s role as chief community officer is also expected to showcase a “cause-driven, community-centric approach, empowering new brands and collaborations that blend art and basketball in new ways.”
