SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Vista Outdoor Removed from S&P CreditWatch After Ammo Business Sale
S&P Global Ratings removed the debt ratings of Vista Outdoor, Inc. from CreditWatch with negative implications following the company’s announcement that it planned to sell its sporting products business to Czechoslovak Group A.S for $1.91 billion on a cash-free, debt-free basis.
Continental Tire Names QBP Preferred N.A. Distributor; Implements MAP
Continental Tire named Quality Bicycle Products its preferred distributor in the U.S. and Canada, making its products more accessible to more retailers.
Fleet Feet Rings the Bell on Wooster, OH Store Grand Opening
Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of specialty run stores, officially announced its Wooster, OH store, which opened in late July, will host a grand opening.
Academy Sports Names Sam Johnson President as Mullican Departs
The retailer announced that Michael Mullican is stepping down as president to pursue personal and professional opportunities. Sam Johnson, EVP of retail operations, is his successor, effective immediately.
Topgolf Sets Opening Date for Memphis Location
Topgolf reported it will open a new venue in Memphis, TN, on October 27 about 20 minutes from downtown. This is the sports entertainment company’s fourth in the state, with other venues in Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville.
The Levy Group Launching Ben Sherman Golf, Dakine Performance Apparel
The Levy Group inked agreements with Marquee Brands to license active apparel for the Ben Sherman brand and outdoor performance apparel for the Dakine brand for 2024.
Report: September Golf Equipment Sales Up Again
Golf Datatech reported that golf equipment sales posted a back-to-back increase in on- and off-course specialty stores in September after experiencing 11 consecutive months of contracting sales through July.
Tyr Sport Opens Store In Long Island
Tyr Sport, the swimwear manufacturer, opened its first retail store at Roosevelt Field in Garden City, NY, with plans to open a second store in Costa Mesa, CA.
Suunto Adds Another Sales Agency to Rep Brand in U.S.
Dan Suher, now head of Americas for Suunto, announced last week the addition of Round Pond Sales Group led by Kyle Rohne and Ian Wauchope to represent Suunto in New England.
Hartford Sales Group Sees 18-Year Agency Vet Rejoin Team
Kevin Alexander has re-joined the Hartford Sales Group, covering the Greater L.A. and Las Vegas area for the award-winning agency. Alexander previously represented HSG’s performance running and outdoor lines from 2003 through 2021
Scheels to Build Second Texas All Sports Store in 2024
Construction on the new 240,000-square-foot All Sports store will begin early next year at CedarView in CedarPark, TX. The Cedar Park Scheels joins The Colony location which opened in a North Dallas suburb in 2020, expanding the company’s reach across the state.
Target COO and Chief External Engagement Officer Announce Retirements
Two of Target’s top executives, COO John Mulligan and Chief External Engagement Officer Laysha Ward, announced their plans to retire.
Nautilus, Inc. Confirms Corporate Name Change
Nautilus, Inc. reported plans to change its corporate name to BowFlex ,Inc., reflecting a focus on the brand, and continued execution of its growth transformation strategy, North Star.
Nike Wants Employees Back in Office More Days in 2024
Nike employees will be required to work in the office four days a week starting in January. Since May 2022, Nike has been requiring three days a week of office attendance.
National Retail Federation Survey Sees Uptick in Holiday Spending
A NRF survey found that consumers expect to spend $875 on average on holiday gifts, decorations, food, and other seasonal items this year, up 5.0 percent from $833 on average that consumers planned to spend in 2022 and in line with the average consumer holiday budget over the last five years.
