SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Import Cargo Levels Expected to See First Year-Over-Year Drop Since 2023
Import cargo at the nation’s major container ports is expected to see its first year-over-year decline in over a year and a half this month as the effect of tariffs imposed by the administration on the supply chain increases, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
Xponential Fitness NA System-Wide Sales Climb 18 Percent
Xponential Fitness Inc. reported North America system-wide sales climbed 18 percent in the first quarter with overall results in line with expectations. The fitness boutique owner lowered its guidance on global net new studio openings for the year but reaffirmed its guidance on system-wide sales, total revenue, and adjusted EBITDA.
Fox Factory Tops Q1 Guidance
Fox Factory Holding Corp. reported first-quarter loss on a steep goodwill charged related to tariffs but adjusted earnings surpassed guidance with the benefit of cost-control efforts. Sales grew 6.5 percent with gains across its Aftermarket Applications Group (AAG), Specialty Sports Group (SSG) and Powered Vehicles Group (PVG) segments. Guidance was reaffirmed for the year.
CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Reveals April Easter/Spring Break Boost
Growth in the Clothing, Footwear and Accessories store sector accelerated from the March trend, and the sector that includes Sporting Goods stores was up 9.2 percent y/y unadjusted in April after a strong 6.6 percent y/y gain in March.
Peloton Raises Full-Year Mid-Point Guide for Key Metrics, Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA
Company President and CEO Peter Stern said PTON was raising the mid-point of its FY25 guidance for key metrics, including ending paid connected fitness subscriptions, total revenue, and adjusted EBITDA, while maintaining guidance for total gross margin.
Merrell and Saucony Post DD Q1 Growth at Wolverine Worldwide
Merrell increased 13.2 percent (+14.4 percent cc) in the first quarter, and Saucony jumped 29.6 percent (+31.1 percent) year-over-year. International business increased 16.4 percent year-over-year.
OrderMyGear Partners with Stahls to Support Print-on-Demand Retailers
The integration will support print-on-demand stores with single-unit or low order minimums, with decoration and fulfillment at the time of placement, limiting upfront inventory costs and automating the process for fulfilling online orders.
PickleRage Continues Michigan Expansion with Franchise Club in Portage
The club will be in Romence Plaza, which is part of the 168,000-square-foot Shoppes at Romence Village, one of Portage’s premier shopping centers, a quarter mile from Westnedge Avenue in the area’s busiest retail corridor.
Costco April Comps Grow 6.7 Percent x-Gas; E-Commerce Up High Teens
Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $21.18 billion for April, the four weeks ending May 4, 2025, an increase of 7.0 percent from $19.80 billion in 2024.
Fleet Feet Chicago Opens Ninth Chicagoland Store
Fleet Feet Chicago opened its first Chicagoland store in 1996. The Algonquin store marks the ninth Fleet Feet Chicago network store, owned and operated by Dave and Lisa Zimmer.
NRF Chief Economist: Top-Line GDP Figures Overstate the Weakness in the Economy
The NRF reported private final sales to domestic purchasers, a measurement that focuses on consumer and business spending, were up 3.1 percent following a 2.2 percent gain in the prior quarter, suggesting a relatively steady pace of growth.
Golf VX Franchise to Open Second Venue in Dartmouth
The indoor golf entertainment brand, announced a milestone in its franchise expansion with the opening of its newest location, Golf VX Boston, in Dartmouth, MA, this coming June.
Unrivaled Sports Reports $120M Investment Led by Dick’s Sporting Goods
The youth sports platform, led by former Nike COO and CFO Andy Campion, received a $120 million investment led by Dick’s Sporting Goods. Other participants included Miller Sports + Entertainment, Dynasty Equity, LionTree, and The Chernin Group.
Branwyn Appoints Deanne Buck CEO; Sarah Cumming Chief Financial & Ops Officer
Buck succeeds outgoing CEO Jeff Shafer as he and Co-Founder Lauren Shafer transition into advisory roles. Joining Buck on the leadership team is Sarah Cumming, who has been appointed chief financial and operations officer.
Dick’s to Open First House of Sport in Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Dick’s plans to open the store in New Jersey’s Cherry Hill Mall in 2026. The retailer plans to open 16 House of Sport stores in 2025 with a goal to have between 75 to 100 locations nationwide in operation by the end of 2027.
