SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Do U.S Office Workers Really Have a Strong Preference to Work in the Office?
Approximately three-quarters of respondents (73 percent) said they would not consider going into the office if their commute was longer than 45 minutes roundtrip, but many opinions differed based on career position.
Circana: July Retail Sales Reveal a Summer Vacation From Discretionary Spending
Circana said products are prioritized based on need, and financial concerns and competitive product offerings across all channels test brand loyalty.
Axil Brands Posts Strong FY Growth, or How to Survive on 73 Percent Gross Margins
Consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024 increased 17 percent year-over-year to a record $27.5 million, delivering gross margins of 73.4 percent of sales and operating margins of 68.0 percent for the fiscal year.
Imperial Promotes David Shaffer to Brand President
Shaffer has been with Imperial for over 13 years, serving in roles including director of marketing, VP of sales and marketing, and, most recently, as senior vice president of sales.
U.S. Census Bureau Reports 5.2 Percent Y/Y Growth for July Core Retail Sales
Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instruments, and Bookstore sales were reported down 6.8 percent y/y from July 2023, doubling the 3.4 percent year-over-year decline reported in June, and down 0.1 percent versus June 2024.
NFL and Fanatics to Stage Pop-Up Shops in Brazil Ahead of Season Opener
The Eagles and Packers will open the 2024 NFL season in Brazil on September 6 at the Corinthians Arena in São Paulo. The NFL and Fanatics will open six retail stores in the country before the first regular-season game, including a roughly 10,700-square-foot superstore and a retail outlet at the NFL Experience.
Walmart’s Strong Second Quarter Drives Wall Street Indices Higher
Walmart Inc. shares were up in the mid single digits on Thursday morning, Aug. 15 and assisted in driving the stock market up as a whole as analysts heralded strong retail numbers.
Dillard’s Q2 EPS Contracts 42 Percent on Lower Sales, Tighter Margins and Rising Expenses
The department store retailer hit the trifecta as sales and margins fell and expenses rose for the fiscal second quarter. The weakest performances came from men’s apparel, accessories and shoes; the best category was cosmetics.
Report: Online Spending Rose in July, but Shifted to Lower Cost Options
Signifyd’s data shows e-commerce sales are still growing, but consumers are relying on discounts and low-cost options as merchants wonder what it means for the coming Holiday shopping season.
Escalade’s Walt Glazer to Retire from President and CEO Roles
Glazer, a shareholder since 1991, a Board Director for the past nine years, and chairman since 2018, will continue serving on the Board after his retirement, pending annual shareholder approval.
Leatt Corporation Swings to Q2 Loss as Global Sales Fall Despite U.S. Growth
Consumer-direct sales increased by 19 percent, and dealer-direct sales increased by 14 percent, which the company believes is a testament to brand recognition and the success of its drive to reach a wider global consumer group.
Peloton and Google Fitbit Ink Multi-Year Content Partnership
As part of the agreement, Fitbit’s U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia Premium Members can access Peloton classes across strength, Pilates, running, boxing, cycling, Barre, and other categories.
Puma Appoints Managing Director for Gulf Cooperation Council States
Johan Kuhlo was promoted to managing director of the GCC, starting September 1. He will oversee the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman and report to Puma CEO Arne Freundt.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Plans New Distribution Center in Fort Worth, TX
Construction on the facility will begin early this fall with a groundbreaking. The building phase is expected to create more than 800 temporary construction jobs. The facility is expected to open in early 2026.
Nordstrom Plans to Open Four New Locations in North Carolina by Spring 2025
In addition to a planned 25,000-square-foot Nordstrom Rack store in Morrisville, NC, the retailer will also open three stores in Mooresville, Raleigh and Matthews, NC this fall and next spring.
