SGB Update Sports & Fitness

Pvolve Signs Four New U.S. Franchise Studio Deals
The newly signed deals “mark a strategic expansion into key regions,” in Orange County, CA; Lincoln Park, IL; Barrington, RI; and Pleasantville, NY.

Kohl’s BOD Terminates New CEO for Cause; Forecasts Q1 Comps Down in Mid Singles
Multiple sources are publishing that Buchanan was terminated after an investigation found that he violated the retailer’s code of conduct by entering into a “highly unusual” business deal.

Crunch Franchise to Open in Oklahoma
Crunch OKC Midwest City in Midwest City, OK, will open this fall. The 47,000-square-foot fitness facility will be located in the Uptown Center next to Family Dollar.

EXEC: Daiwa Parent Warns on FY Sales Results; Will Exceed Profit Forecast
The company reported that outdoor, sports, and leisure industry markets plateaued due to the diversification of consumption into other leisure activities and the impact of rising prices amid the normalization of economic activity.

Ernie Els Expands Role in Jondo Eyewear as Investor
As an ambassador and investor, Els, four-time Major’s Champion and World Golf Hall of Farmer now plays an active role in shaping the brand’s growth and long-term vision.

Pure Hockey Expands Network to SD with Hockey Headquarters Acquisition
The company has been on a growth surge with this deal, completed after acquiring Off The Bench in Omaha, NE, in March to bring its network to 82 retail locations across 31 states nationwide under the Pure Hockey and Pure Goalie brands.

Report: More U.S. Consumers Will Abandon Shoe Purchases Based on Price
The new Spring 2025 U.S. Footwear Consumer Survey from AlixPartners and the FDRA found that consumers are more likely to abandon a purchase due to cost, with 78 percent of respondents in its latest survey stating they halted a purchase due to price, up 12 percentage points from 2024.

Authentic Brand Group Inks Sock License for Tapout Brand
Grey Matter Concepts will manufacture and distribute Tapout-branded socks across the U.S. and Canada. Authentic plans to launch the first collection through select retailers and online timed with the Holiday 2025 shopping season.

Garmin’s Fitness and Outdoor Segments Deliver Double-Digit Growth
Garmin, Ltd. reported sales rose 12 percent in its Fitness segment and 20 percent in its Outdoor segment while its Marine segment showed a 2 percent decline.

Report: Decathlon Plans Sale of 30 Percent Stake in China Business
The potential sales comes as Decathlon announced in March that Javier López, who had previously led Decathlon’s value chain, was appointed CEO, replacing Barbara Martin Coppola who had served in the role since March 2022.

U.S. Consumer Confidence Sinks to Near Five-Year Low
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index fell to 86 on the month, down 7.9 points from its prior reading and below the Dow Jones estimate of 87.7. It was the lowest reading since May 2020.

Stahls’ Names Sales Director for EMEA Region
Industry veteran Thomas Heuer will work closely with Martin Borley, executive managing director for Stahls’ UK and Europe, and Stephanie Schnur, managing director of Stahls’ Europe, to drive regional growth and strengthen customer relationships.

Riddell Snaps Up Xenith Assets
The report that Xenith was “officially a part of Riddell Sports” was shared on the social media accounts of both companies and confirmed in a statement from a Riddell spokesperson.
Moody’s Lowers Under Armour’s Debt Ratings
Moody’s Ratings downgraded Under Armour, Inc.’s debt ratings on its expectation that weakening consumer discretionary spending and increased tariff costs are likely to lead to lower earnings over the next 12-18 months.

Mizuno USA Strengthens Running Division With Key Hires
The company promoted Will Cutler as associate marketing manager while hiring Nico Betancourt as territory manager and Hope Nixon as running brand specialist.