SGB Update Sports & Fitness

Report: Tennis Apparel and Footwear Sales Growing at Double-Digit Pace

In the U.S., sales revenue for tennis apparel increased by 15 percent in the 12 months ended June 2023 and is up 38 percent versus three years ago, according to Circana. Tennis shoe sales grew by 21 percent versus the prior year and increased 37 percent compared to three years ago.

Deckers Brands Lifts Outlook on Hoka and DTC Momentum

Deckers Brands raised its outlook for the year after reporting results for the fiscal first quarter ended June 30 that surpassed analyst targets. Direct-to-consumer growth net sales increased 35.3 percent to offset a slight wholesale decline. Among major brands, sales of Hoka’s jumped 27.4 percent while Ugg’s sales decreased 6.0 percent.

SRAM Names VP of Marketing and Communication

Chicago-based bicycle parts manufacturer SRAM has hired Josh Kendrick as its new vice president of marketing and communication (marcom). Kendrick will take over from David Zimberoff, who is moving on after leading the department for more than 24 years.

True Fitness Recalls Showrunner II Consoles

True Fitness recalled about 600 Showrunner II Consoles, including wireless phone chargers, sold with the fitness equipment. An exposed area of the wireless charging board could come in contact with another internal wire, posing a fire hazard.

The Beachbody Company Amends Loan Agreement

The Beachbody Company, Inc. reported that it amended certain financial covenants of its $50 million term loan with Blue Torch Capital to add financial flexibility.

Vista Outdoor’s Earnings Decline on 14 Percent Revenue Slide

Vista Outdoor, Inc. reported earnings declined 54 percent in the fiscal first quarter ended June 25. Sales dropped 14 percent with sales down 26 percent in the Sporting Products segment while gaining 8 percent in the Outdoor Products segment. The company said results were in line with expectations and reiterated its guidance for the year.

Gap, Inc. Appoints Board Member as President and CEO

Gap, Inc., the parent company of active lifestyle retailer Athleta, appointed Richard Dickson as company president and CEO, effective August 22, 2023. In November 2022, Gap, Inc. appointed Dickson to its Board of Directors.

Foot Locker to Open First Store in Thailand

Foot Locker reported it is ready to open its first retail store in Thailand after transferring its operations in Singapore and Malaysia to MAP Active earlier this year.

Garmin Opens  Firstbeat Analytics Lab

Garmin reported that it opened its Firstbeat Analytics Lab in Jyväskylä, Finland. The research and testing facility will support the development of smartwatches, cycling computers and advanced wellness products.

OrderMyGear Appoints VP of Revenue Operations

OrderMyGear promoted Adam Gainey to VP of revenue operations. The company said Gainey would play a pivotal role in developing and executing on strategies that improve client acquisition, growth and satisfaction.