SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Nike Ends Sponsorship of Hockey Canada
Nike ended its sponsorship of Hockey Canada. Last year, Nike was one of several major partners that paused its sponsorship deal with Canada’s governing hockey body amid heavy criticism of the organization’s handling of sexual assault allegations involving members of its 2018 World Junior team and settlement payouts.
Oberalp Group Extends Italian Distribution for Fischer for Five Years, Adds One/Way Brand
The Oberalp Group has been the distribution partner for the traditional Austrian brand Fischer in Italy since 2012 and will remain so until 2028. For the first time, the Oberalp Group has been secured the distribution rights of the One/Way brand, which is also owned by Fischer Sports.
Thule Group Appoints New CFO
Thule Group appointed Toby Lawton as chief financial officer and a Group management team member based at its Headquarters in Malmö, Sweden. Lawton will assume his position latest in January 2024.
Rally House Opens Stores in Iowa, Illinois and Michigan
Rally House opened stores in Clive, IA; Champaign, IL and Troy, MI, respectively.
Signa Sports Adds Accell Group’s Former CEO to Board
Signa Sports United N.V. (SSU) announced plans to appoint Anthonie Anbeek, most recently CEO of Accell Group, to its Board of Directors, effective April 1, 2024.
Canada Ports Strike to End After Tentative Deal Is Reached
A 13-day-old strike that disrupted shipments at Canada’s western ports, including the Port of Vancouver and Prince Rupert, is scheduled to end after the dockworkers’ union and a group of employers agree on a tentative deal.
Slinger Bag Appoints Board Members
Connexa Sports Technologies, Inc., the parent of the Slinger Bag tennis ball launcher and Gameface.ai, appointed Steven Crummy and Rodney Rapson to its board of directors.
Whoop Opens New Headquarters in Boston
Whoop opened its global headquarters in Boston’s Kenmore Square near Fenway Park. The 121,000-square-foot space spans eight floors.
Report: Footwear Retailers Top Retail Foot Traffic Gains Since 2020
Shoe store visits quickly bounced back following the first days of the pandemic when restrictions all but sidelined retail foot traffic and Nike, WSS and Boot Barn look to be well positioned for continued growth for back-to-school based on a report from Placer.ai.
REI Honors Vendor Partner of the Year, Gives Divisional Awards to Four Brands
REI Co-op honored On with its 2023 Vendor Partner of the Year award. The retailer said, “that by marrying style, comfort and functional performance, On continues to bring compelling, functional innovation to REI and attracts customers of all ages and backgrounds to running and hiking season after season.”
Life Time Opens Athletic Country Club Location in Arlington, VA
Life Time opened an athletic country club in Arlington, VA, on July 14. The development also is home to Life Time Work, the company’s co-working destination, which will open on July 17.
FESI Responds to European Parliament Proposal on Sustainable Product Regulation
The Federation of European Sporting Goods Industry said this week that it commends the Parliament’s efforts in recognizing the trade-offs involved in establishing eco-design requirements, a crucial step toward advancing sustainability and environmental responsibility within the sporting goods industry.
Howie’s Hockey Tape Expanding in West Michigan
Howie’s Hockey Tape, the maker of hockey accessories based in Grand Rapids, MI, is expanding to Gaines Charter Township.The company is moving out of its warehousing and distribution facility in Kentwood and building a new facility at 6658 East Paris Drive in Caledonia to include office and warehouse space.
Former Hibbett CFO Lands at Leslie’s Inc. with TNF Veteran CEO
Leslie’s, Inc. appointed former Hibbett Sports CFO Scott Bowman as CFO, effective August 7. Bowman joins the company on July 17 and will serve as CFO designate through August 6.
Rally House To Open K-State Official Team Stores
Rally House agreed to become the official team store for Kansas State. The retailer has several stores in the state of Kansas.
