SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Report: Tennis Participation Adds One Million To Roster
The USTA reported that U.S. tennis participation grew by one million players in 2022, with more than 23.6 million playing the sport for the third consecutive year that the sport has seen an increase.
361 Degrees Sees Flat Growth In Fourth Quarter
361 Degrees International, Ltd. reported retail sales of 361º core-branded product for the fourth quarter of 2022 with roughly flat growth compared to the same period of 2021.
Lululemon Hires Chief Merchandising Officer
Lululemon named Elizabeth Binder as chief merchandising officer, reporting to Sun Choe, chief product officer.
NRF Adds Six Members To Board
The National Retail Federation (NRF) added six new members to its board of directors during its annual winter board meeting.
Retail’s Big Show Expanding To Asia Pacific In 2024
Retail’s Big Show is expanding to the Asia Pacific in 2024 with its annual conference and exhibition. Organizers expect it will draw thousands of retailers and business partners from across the region.
USA Pickleball CEO Steps Down
USA Pickleball, the national governing body for the sport, reported that Stu Upson will step down as chief executive officer and leave the organization following a transition period.
GT Golf Holdings Acquired by Private Equity Firm
Kinzie Capital Partners LP, a Chicago-based private equity firm, has acquired GT Golf Holdings, Inc., the golf accessories provider based in Vista, CA. The transaction was completed in partnership with the company’s management.
Olympia Sports’ IP And Customer Info To Be Auctioned
The intellectual property and related assets of Olympia Sports, which filed for bankruptcy last September to liquidate its remaining 35 stores, are on the selling block, including the trademarks for Olympia Sports, Clever Training and Surf Outfitter.
Nike Partners With University Of California
Nike has agreed to replace Under Armour as its official provider of apparel, footwear and other gear for the University of California, Berkeley. Nike partnered with BSN Sports on a three-year agreement with the University, effective July 1, 2023.
The Sports Shop Shutters After 45-Year Run
The Sports Shop in Elk Grove, CA, closed after 45 years in business.
Adidas Loses Trademark Lawsuit Over 3-Stripe Design
Adidas lost a trademark infringement lawsuit Thursday that the company brought against Thom Browne, the American fashion designer, after claiming the fashion brand used its “three stripes” logo design without permission.
Champion Parent Expects Q4 Sales At Top End Of Outlook; CFO To Exit
HanesBrands Inc. expects to report fourth-quarter 2022 net sales slightly above the top end of its outlook range and adjusted operating profit at the mid-point of the range.
Therabody Names CEO
Therabody hired Monty Sharma as president and chief executive officer. Co-founder and CEO Benjamin Nazarian becomes Therabody’s executive chairman, effective immediately.
Fitbench Adds VP Of Sales
Fitbench tapped the expertise of 25-plus-year industry veteran Brian Weaver as vice president of sales.
Rawlings To Retain Miken Sports Plant In Caledonia
Rawlings reportedly made its Miken Sports plant in Caledonia, MN the North American headquarters for its slow-pitch business; this follows the company’s announcement in July 2021 that said it would close the plant within two years.
