SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Nike, Converse Sue 52 ‘Counterfeiting Networks’
Nike and sister brand, Converse, filed a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against 52 alleged counterfeit networks, which collectively operate 98 websites and 267 social media handles, over the sale of counterfeit goods.
Amazon to End Plastic Use In Shipping
Amazon will eliminate “almost 15 billion plastic air pillows annually to reduce its environmental footprint.” The company will use 100 percent recycled paper filler, which is recyclable and “offers the same, if not better, protection.”
Trending: 2024 Midyear Per Race Participation Increases
RunSignup reported a mid-year update on race trends, showing that pre-race registrations have continued to increase after nearly matching 2019 numbers in 2023. On average, registrations grew 8 percent compared to 2023.
PickUp USA Expands into Boston
The new Hanover, MA location is a franchised outlet owned by James Medeiros, a long-time community resident, with a target opening date of early July.
FootBalance Appoints New CEO
Most recently, Atul Midha, was the global retail director at Eton Shirts. He also held senior leadership roles at Giorgio Armani, and other fashion retail and tech startups.
Intercollegiate Tennis Association Appoints New CEO
David Mullins will spend the next six months as the CEO designate, continuing his work with the ITA’s current CEO, Dr. Timothy Russell. Mullins officially takes over as the Association’s CEO on January 1, 2025.
Rip-It Appoints CEO
Janelle Anderson was named the new CEO of Orlando, FL-based Rip-It Sports.
F45 Training Names Master Franchisee for South Africa Region
Karen Loader, CEO of Functional Fitness South Africa Pty, Ltd., is reportedly an existing multi-unit F45 Training franchisee in Bryanston and Fourways, headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Authentic Inks Deal to Manage Sportswear and Activewear for Tapout Brand
Wholesale apparel company One World Brands will design, manufacture and distribute activewear and swimwear for men, women and kids.
Delta Apparel to Shutter DTG2Go Operations, Eliminates 115 Jobs
As part of the DTG2Go Exit Plan, Delta announced that it has permanently ceased production operations related to all DTG2Go manufacturing effective June 13, reducing the number of company employees by approximately 115.
Centric Brands Inks Global Licensing Partnership with Messi Brand
The product categories will offer a diverse range of styles that embody the Lionel Messi brand, featuring men’s, women’s and kid’s categories, including apparel, outerwear.
JCPenney Invests $40 Million in Supply Chain Upgrades
As part of the retailer’s self-funded $1 billion reinvestment strategy announced last year, the centerpiece of the upgrade is implementing the Joey Pouch sorting system at its distribution center in Reno, NV.
Studio Pilates International Continues U.S. Expansion
The Australian-based reformer Pilates company with over 100 locations worldwide, announced its continued expansion with four new U.S. studios in Nashville, TN, opening this fall.
Retail Sales in May Weaker Than Forecasted
Retail sales increased slower than expected in May versus the prior month, as high interest rates and inflation pressured consumer spending.
Sendhit Partners with BTI on U.S. Distribution
Sendhit, a French mountain bike parts company, entered into a strategic partnership with Bicycle Technologies International (BTI) to bring Sendhit’s products to the U.S. market.