SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Amazon’s Annual Prime Day Returns in July
Over the course of last year, Amazon customers saved nearly $24 billion from deals and coupons—with Prime members enjoying the vast majority of those savings—including over $2.5 billion during Prime Day 2023,
UK Retail Sales Rebound in May
Retail sales in the United Kingdom rose 2.9 percent in May, up from a revised 1.8 percent fall in April, the Office for National Statistics said.
JF Fitness of North America Secures Capital Investment, Acquires Crunch Franchisee
Trive Capital and 808 Capital Partners have announced an investment in JF Fitness of North America, a Crunch Fitness franchisee operating 24 gyms across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. JF Fitness has acquired Team Roldan with eight gyms across the South.
The Picklr Closes Series B Financing with $59 Million Valuation
The round wqs led by Pickleball, Inc., the parent company to some of the largest pickleball brands in the world, including the Carvana Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour), Pickleball Central, Pickleball Brackets/Pickleball Tournaments, PickleballTV, Pickleball.com and TopCourt.
Target Corporation Shifts Senior Merchant and Marketing Roles
Christina Hennington, currently chief growth officer, has been named chief strategy and growth officer, Rick Gomez has been appointed chief commercial officer, and Lisa Roath, current CMO, will take on the role of chief merchandising officer of food, essentials and beauty,
Fleet Feet Opens in North Augusta, SC
The store is the second for owners and operators Michael and Jenafer McCauley, who opened their first store in Augusta, GA, 15 years ago.
Sports Direct Owner Acquires Luxury Website
Frasers, the U.K.-based parent of Sports Direct, has acquired Coggles, an online seller of designer fashion, from THG as part of a multi-year partnership that also includes Frasers using THG’s technology in some parts of its business.
Stan’s NoTubes Hires Product Manager and Engineer
Brendon Brogan was hired by Stan’s NoTubes as a product manager and Kai Gabriel as an engineer, who interned for the company while attending Penn State University for mechanical engineering with a minor in engineering design.
Pickleball Kingdom Partners with The Kitchen
Pickleball Kingdom, the indoor pickleball entity, announced an exclusive partnership with The Kitchen, the media website, podcast, and YouTube channel dedicated to pickleball.
Garmin Appoints Co-COOs
Patrick Desbois and Brad Trenkle were promoted to the newly created role as co-chief operating officers (Co-COO), effective July 1, 2024. Desbois had been Garmin’s EVP of operations, while Trenkle led the company’s outdoor segment.
Nike Faces Shareholder Lawsuit Over DTC Strategy
A Nike, Inc. shareholder has filed a securities class action in the District of Oregon’s Portland division, claiming the company misled investors about the financial effects of prioritizing direct-to-consumer sales. Plaintiffs are seeking class-action status, an unspecified amount in damages and a jury trial.
Rally House Expansion Continues in Texas
The retailer announced the first of several stores to open in a new market for the company in Houston, TX with Rally House Houston Outlets.
Athleta-Parent Hires Chief Technology Officer
Prior roles for Sven Gerjets include chief information officer, Time Warner; SVP, information technology, DirecTV; chief technology officer, Pearson; director, global e-commerce, Symantec. Most recently, Gerjets was the EVP and chief technology officer from July 2017 to May 2024 at Gap, Inc.
Report: Retail Sales Show Signs of Stabilization in May
The latest report from Circana reveals that U.S. retail sales, encompassing discretionary general merchandise and consumer packaged goods (CPG), have experienced a 1 percent growth, with consumers adapting their spending habits in response to moderating price pressures.
Athleta Hires Former Nike Exec to Lead Design
Athleta has hired Tania Flynn, formerly VP of apparel design at Nike, as head of design.