SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Skratch Labs Opens New European Headquarters and Distribution Facility
Skratch Labs, based in Boulder, CO, expanded its distribution network to Europe to serve endurance sports retailers and establish Skratch’s DTC online sales capabilities through its new European domain. Skratch Labs tapped industry veteran Sebastian Eckmann as managing director to lead European operations.
Xponential Fitness Appoints Former Adidas NA President as CEO
Mark King, the former president of Adidas North America, was hired as Xponential Fitness’ new CEO. He will also join the company’s Board of Directors.
Adidas Investigating China Corruption Allegations
Adidas received an anonymous letter indicating potential compliance violations in China and is “intensively investigating this matter with external legal counsel.
Piper Sandler Bolsters Consumer Equity Research Team
Anna Andreeva will join the New York office and is responsible for footwear, softlines and global brand analysis. Andreeva began her career in equity research at J.P. Morgan, where she was part of the number one-ranked Institutional Investor team covering specialty retail.
Consumer Sentiment Falls to 7-Month Low
University of Michigan Survey Director Joanne Hsu stated, “While consumer sentiment declined this month, the 3.5 Index point dip is relatively minor in the grand scheme. That decline is within the margin of error for the survey.”
Auburn’s Aid Station, Trails and Ales To Close
The running store opened in 2018 and moved in June 2021 to 927 Lincoln Way in Auburn, CA, nearly doubling its square footage.
Duca Del Cosma Names Area Director In Southeast Asia
Amike Krakers, originally from the Netherlands, has lived in Asia for almost two decades and brings expertise to promoting lifestyle brands to the role that will see her support product distributors across the region.
Fromuth Racquet Sports Acquires Tennis-Point
Online retailer Tennis-Point, formerly owned by Signa Sports United, has been acquired by Fromuth Racquet Sport. In the short term, Tennis-Point will be operated as a separate business and keep its name and contact details.
Retrospec Recalls Some Beaumont Plus ST Bikes
Retrospec is recalling about 530 Beaumont Plus ST bikes. The front disc brake rotor and brake pads could be misaligned, posing a crash hazard.
Numerator: Consumer Confidence Held Steady in May
Consumer confidence was about flat compared to April, with 41 percent of consumers very or somewhat comfortable spending money on discretionary purchases.
Report: Under Armour to Begin Move into New Headquarters in November
The space will also include a two-story, 30,000-square-foot Under Armour Brand House store and a two-story, 30,000-square-foot fitness performance center.
Momentec Brands Names Chairman, CFO and SVP of Product Development
Formed out of the merger of Augusta Sportswear Brands and Founder Sport Group, Momentec Brands appointed David Baxter as chairman, Mike Moore as chief financial officer, and Joel Bennink as SVP of product development. Most recently, Baxter was the president of Under Armour for the Americas Region. Bennink spent 13 years at Under Armour, where he led the growth and development across Team, Golf and Curry-branded apparel.
Lululemon Financial’s SVP Appointed Figs’ CFO
The medical apparel brand hired Sarah Oughtred, Lululemon’s SVP, financial planning & analysis since 2021, as its chief financial officer.
Crunch Fitness Opens in Kansas
Fitness Ventures LLC, a growing Crunch franchise, operating in over 25 states, owns Crunch Fitness Shawnee, KS.
Planet Fitness Launches Accelerated Share Repurchase Program
Planet Fitness entered into a $280 million accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement with Citibank, N.A.. The company will acquire shares under the Agreement as part of its $500 million share repurchase authorization previously announced.