SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Aleck Makes Multiple Key New Hires
Aleck, the maker of wireless helmet audio and communication systems, made key hires, including Simon de Gruchy as head of finance, Eric Kiner as head of product, with Morgan Kaufer and Krystel Caballo bringing marketing expertise to the brand.
Costco January Comps Fall 15.4 Percent
Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $16.84 billion for the retail month of January, the four weeks ended January 29, 2023, an increase of 6.9 percent from $15.76 billion last year.
New Era Snags Licensing Deal For Formula E Racing
Formula E and international sports and lifestyle brand, New Era, have entered into a multi-year global licensing deal for a range of fan headwear products with New Era supplying the official podium cap for the first time in motorsport.

Peloton Fiscal Q2 Results Surge Past Wall Street Targets
Peloton Interactive Inc. narrowed its loss in the fiscal second quarter ended December 31, boosted by revenues coming well above Wall Street targets. The connected fitness leader also provided an upbeat outlook and also indicated it no longer intends to sell Precor.
Vimazi Adds Sales Reps In Pacific Northwest And East Coast
Vimazi the maker of pace-tuned running shoes hired REPresents.fun and NJ Athletic Co. to its sales team.

NRF Supports Recently Enacted Organized Retail Crime Legislation Bills
The National Retail Federation’s SVP of Government Relations, David French, issued a supporting statement after the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023 and the Organized Retail Crime Center Authorization Act were introduced in the U.S. Senate.
Under Armour Adds Two To Board As Saunders Departs
Under Armour, Inc. appointed Carolyn Everson and Patrick Whitesell to its board of directors effective February 1, 2023. Longtime UA board member Harvey Sanders will retire on March 31, 2023.
Nike Files Footwear Infringement Lawsuit Against Lululemon
Nike Inc. sued Lululemon Athletica Inc. on Monday in U.S. federal court in Manhattan, charging that at least four of Lululemon footwear products infringe its patents.
Nike To Open Store In Tigard
Nike plans to open a store in Tigard, OR, a suburb of Portland, at the Bridgeport Village lifestyle center.

Golf Participation Up In 2022 But December Rounds Fall On Tough Comps
The number of golfers playing on- and off-course grew 10 percent last year to 41.1 million from 37.5 million in 2021, according to the National Golf Foundation. The gains came from off-course participation.

USA Pickleball Sees Strong Membership Growth In 2022
USA Pickleball, the national governing body for the sport, published its annual growth report, showing membership increased nearly 30 percent in 2022 from 2021.
CDC Study: Few Adults In U.S. Meet Physical Activity Guidelines
According to a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 28 percent of the U.S. adult population meets the recommended aerobic and muscle-building activities established by health officials.
Dunning Golf Names Salesman Of The Year And Star Partner
Dunning Golf named Eddie Hellemann as its 2022 salesman of the year and Paul Steward with the 2022 star partner of customer service award.

Academy Sports’ Debt Ratings Outlook Raised
S&P Global Ratings revised its debt rating outlook for Academy Sports + Outdoor, Inc. following a debt repayment. The positive rating outlook reflects the potential for an upgrade if Academy consistently performs during an uncertain economy while sustaining low S&P Global Ratings-adjusted leverage of about 1x.
Report: U.S. Outdoor And Sports Toy Category Sales Fall 11 Percent In 2022
The NPD Group reported that U.S. retail sales of toys generated $29.2 billion in 2022, a decrease of 0.2 percent.