SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Wearable Technology Named Top Fitness Trend For 2022
With more people turning to their smartwatch or fitness tracker to monitor exercise and sleep quality, it’s not surprising that 4,500 health and fitness pros surveyed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) identified wearable tech as the new top trend in fitness for 2022. Rounding out the top-five were home exercise gyms, outdoor activities, strength training with free weights and exercise for weight loss.
On Launches Kenya-Based Trail Running Team
Swiss running brand On has launched Milimani Runners, an elite trail running team based in Iten, Kenya.
Nike Unite To Open In Orlando
A Nike Unite store is set to open at Waterford Lakes Town Center in Orlando, FL according to the Orlando Sentinel.
REI Expands Technology Leadership Team
REI Co-op announced it has expanded its technology leadership team with two new vice presidents. Analyn Nouri was hired as vice president of platform engineering and the retailer promoted 15-year employee Todd Wilson to vice president of product engineering.
Pickelball Central Receives Majority Investment
Pickleball Central announced a majority investment from Dallas, TX-based investment firm Dundon Capital Partners LLC.
NFL, Fanatics Face Antitrust Suit Over Amazon Merchandise Sales
The National Football League (NFL) its teams and licensing partner, Fanatics, Inc. were hit with federal antitrust claims in San Francisco, CA by a merchandising business and a consumer claiming they conspired to “strangle the competition” and monopolize NFL product sales through Amazon’s third-party marketplace.
Anytime Fitness Debuts “Real AF” Platform
Anytime Fitness launched its “Real AF” marketing platform to support personalized fitness and nutrition coaching and interaction between the company’s coaches and members both in person or via its mobile app.
TapouT Co-Founder Joins Lions Not Sheep Apparel
Lions Not Sheep apparel company has hired former TapouT Co-founder Dan Caldwell as president and chief operating officer, effective January 3, 2022.
NBA Approves More Advertising Patches On Apparel
NBA’s board of governors has approved more advertising on team gear, according to a report from ESPN. The updates include allowing a 3 inch-by-3 inch patch on teams’ shooting shirts and warm-up jackets.
Selfridges Sold To Thai-Austrian Alliance
British luxury department store chain Selfridges is being sold to a Thai retailer and an Austrian property firm. The deal for the majority of Selfridges Group is worth around £4bn ($5.4bn).
Meta Director Of Sport Joins Professional Triathletes Organisation’s Board Of Directors
The Professional Triathletes Organisation announced that it has appointed Peter Hutton, director of sports partnerships at Meta, to its Board of Directors.
Mastercard: U.S. Holiday Sales Grew 8.5 percent
According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday retail sales, excluding automotive, increased 8.5 percent year-over-year this holiday season, running from November 1 through December 24. Notably, online sales grew 11.0 percent compared to the same period last year, its preliminary insights show.
PXG Opens Detroit Studio
PXG recently opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Michigan. PXG Detroit, located in Troy, represents the golf club’s 12th U.S. retail and fitting studio.
Escalade Appoints CEO And President
The Board of Directors of Escalade Inc. announced the appointment of Walter P. Glazer, Jr. as CEO and president effective January 1, 2022. Glazer has been serving as interim CEO and president.
Li & Fung Sells Logistics Arm To Maersk For $3.6 Billion
Li & Fung Limited entered into a transaction for shipping giant Maersk to acquire its logistics business, LF Logistics Holdings Limited (LF Logistics) and its various entities, valuing the business at $3.6 billion on an enterprise value basis.
