SGB Update Sports & Fitness
The Running Event Partners with NSRA to Open TRE to Indie Shoe Retailers
The Running Event (TRE) has partnered with the National Shoe Retailers Association (NSRA) to grow TRE’s support of the specialty retail industry.
UPS Returns to Negotiating Table with Union
United Parcel Service said it would return to the bargaining table with a better offer for roughly 340,000 Teamsters-represented U.S. workers before their contract expired on July 31.
CPSC Warns Consumers to Stop Using SQM Bike Helmets Sold on Amazon
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning to consumers to stop wearing SQM bicycle helmets. The helmets could fail to protect riders in the event of a crash, posing a risk of head injury. The seller, SQM, headquartered in China, has not agreed to recall the helmets.
SFIA and Running USA Announce Strategic Partnership
The two active lifestyle industry research companies will offer their members reciprocal discounts on reports and collaborate on upcoming new research.
Canada Ports’ Wage Agreement Rejected, Strike Threat Continues
Canada’s west coast ports’ dockworkers’ union voted against the federal mediator’s “recommended terms of settlement” for the contested collective bargaining agreement, threatening to again shut down British Columbia’s ports.
Life Time Partners with Australian Activewear Brand LSKD
Life Time signed an agreement with LSKD, the Australian activewear company, to outfit its nearly 5,000 female coaches, instructors and trainers across its more than 165 athletic country clubs in North America. It has a similar agreement with Ten Thousand as the exclusive men’s fitness training apparel brand.
VF Corp. Names New VP/GM For Vans EMEA Region
VF Corp. promoted Andreas Olsson to VP/GM of Vans EMEA, effective July 17. Olsson had been the VP of sales at Vans for the EMEA region.
QBP Named Exclusive Distributor of Sidi Cycling Shoes and Accessories
QBP said it is launching its long-term partnership with Sidi and existing Sidi retailers in the U.S. with a prebook sales program for the 2024 collection of road, mountain and gravel shoes, and accessories.
Play It Again Sports’ Parent Sees Q2 Profits Improve Sharply
Winmark Corp., the parent of Play It Again Sports, reported earnings improved 14.9 percent in the second quarter ended July 1.
Lezyne Inks Partnership with New Swiss Distributor
German bike accessories brand Lezyne has partnered with Swiss distributor Chris Sports AG, effective September 1, transferring responsibility from current partner TST-GPR.
U.S. Trade Activity Rebounds But Global Trend Continues to Weaken
Volume of new orders and invoices exchanged between U.S. buyers and their suppliers grew at 3 points above its expected range in Q2, recovering from a level 6 points below the baseline in the previous two quarters.
Topgolf Callaway Brands Hires New Investor Relations Manager
Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. said Katina Metzidakis had joined the company as vice president of investor relations and corporate communications, reporting to CFO and chief legal officer Brian Lynch.
Retail Sales Up Again in June Despite Slower Job Growth
The U.S. Census Bureau is reporting overall retail sales in June were up 0.2 percent from May and up 1.5 percent year-over-year (YoY). Sporting goods stores were down 1 percent MoM seasonally adjusted and down 0.9 percent unadjusted YoY.
Dutch E-Bike Maker VanMoof Declared Bankrupt
Dutch e-bike manufacturer VanMoof has been declared bankrupt in the Netherlands. The company had entered into a “suspension of payment” proceeding with court-assigned administrators last week to avoid bankruptcy proceedings while pursuing options to reduce debt, including a sale.
Pvolve Awards 19 New Franchise Studios
Pvolve awarded nine new franchise locations, bringing the total number awarded and open, or in development, to 19 across the U.S. and Canada.
