SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Health & Fitness Association Hires Communication Coordinator
The Health & Fitness Association, formerly IHRSA, hired Kelsi Steinkamp as its communication coordinator.
Long-Time Nike Board Member Douglas Houser Passes Away
Douglas Houser, an attorney who incorporated Nike and served on the company’s Board of Directors for 50 years, passed away at the age of 89.
S&S Activewear Completes Acquisition of Alphabroder
S&S Activewear completed the purchase of Alphabroder, uniting two branded apparel distributors to support customers and suppliers across corporate and consumer markets.
On Brand to Open First Australian Store
The 390-square-meter flagship store draws inspiration from Melbourne’s “urban landscape,” is is the company’s 42nd globally.
26North Acquires Onelife Fitness
Onelife Fitness was acquired by 26North from Delos Capital. The fitness company has locations across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern U.S.
Fanatics Acquires European Sports Collectibles Live Selling Platform
Fanatics, Inc. announced that it has acquired Voggt, a European live-commerce platform that sells sports collectibles and trading card games. Voggt will join Fanatics Live, launched in 2023, a Fanatics-based digital marketplace similarly focused on sports trading cards and memorabilia.
Beyond Yoga Launches Club Beyond, a NYC Experiential and Retail Pop-Up
From October 11-16, Club Beyond, located at 31 East 17th Street, will offer two to three classes a day in fitness and wellness with guests and instructors, with workshops, brand experiences and the first Beyond Yoga retail store in the city.
Report: Growing Participation Rates Supporting Outdoor Rec Sales and M&A
Capstone suggested that financial performance across the sector is expected to improve as firms work through excess inventories, limit promotion activity, and mitigate margin pressures.
Academy Sports’ Debt Ratings Raised by S&P
S&P Global Ratings raised Academy Sports And Outdoor Inc.’s debt rating because the retailer has sustained S&P’s adjusted leverage well below the 2x area despite modest EBITDA margin contraction.
Health & Fitness Assoc. Rebrands Annual IHRSA Show to The HFA Show
The decision on the new show name came after an extensive review and feedback process with rebranding experts, members, supplier partners, exhibitors, and association leaders
Topgolf to Open Venue in Bryan, TX
TopGolf Bryan, TX, will open on October 18 in Travis Bryan Midtown Park in a former BigShots sports lounge
Ames Watson to Lead Champion’s U.S. Collegiate and Teamwear Business
Ames Watson will oversee Champion’s U.S. collegiate apparel and teamwear business through GearCo, which is managed and operated by Ames Watson, following its sale to Authentic Brands Group.
Dick’s SG to Hire Fewer Seasonal Workers This Year
The retailer plans to hire nearly 8,000 seasonal workers for this year’s holiday season, a step back from the 8,600 planned hires in 2023. A steady decline in employee turnover since 2021 led DKS to a decrease in the number of seasonal workers this year.
Elevate Outdoor Collective Promotes Josee Larocque to CEO
The parent company of the K2, Marker, Dalbello, Völkl, Ride, Line, Backcountry Access, Atlas Snow Shoe, Tubbs Snowshoes, and Madshus brands said COO Larocque replaces CEO John Colonna, who is leaving the company to pursue other interests.
Report: Holiday Shopping Intentions Driven by Consumer Optimism, Quest for Value
This year’s household food and grocery costs will impact holiday shopping for 62 percent of consumers, but more holiday shoppers, 57 percent, feel positive about personal finances than in 2023.
