SGB Update Sports & Fitness
RILA Encouraged By Path Forward With China On Trade
Retail Industry Leaders Association’s vice president for international trade, Hun Quach, issued a statement following President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the G20 meeting in Argentina.
Golf Rounds Played Plunge In October
According to Golf Datatech, golf rounds played in the U.S. tumbled 10.3 percent in October.
Nike Earns Ad Age’s Marketer of the Year
Nike earned Ad Age’s 2018 Marketer of the Year for its Just Do It campaign starring Colin Kaepernick and how it sparked conversations.
FDRA Applauds Trade War Ceasefire
The Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA) applauded the move by the Trump administration to suspend new trade tariffs.
RYU Announces “Respect” Collaboration Featuring Designs From Local Artists
RYU Apparel Inc., creators of urban athletic apparel, celebrates its flagship opening in Williamsburg with a capsule collection highlighting four local New York artists.

NRF Welcomes Delay Of January 2019 Tariff Increase
The National Retail Federation praised the Trump administration’s decision to hold off on tariff increases that were set to take effect January 2019.

Performance Running Footwear Sales Rebound with Strength in Run Specialty Channel
As another strong running community gathering at The Running Event (TRE) comes to a close this week the industry is flying high once again after a couple of years of declining sales in the run specialty channel.
Sears Secures Court Approval For Additional $350 Million Loan
Sears won court approval for $350 million in bankruptcy financing that will keep the retailer operating through the holiday selling season as it attempts to reorganize.
New Balance To Sign Kawhi Leonard
New Balance, in another major step in its return to basketball, has signed Kawhi Leonard, the star forward for the Toronto Raptors, to an endorsement deal.
The Northwest Company Supports Tackle Kids Cancer Campaign
The Northwest Company, leader in the home textile industry and the No. 1 throw and blanket manufacturer in the U.S., has partnered with the Hackensack Meridian Health’s Tackle Kids Cancer (TKC) campaign to raise needed funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research.

Spartan Launches Trail Events
With the growing sport of trail running attracting more than 9.1 million annual U.S. participants, Spartan, the world’s largest obstacle course race (OCR) and endurance brand, plans to expand its fitness footprint with the launch of a new race product, “Spartan Trail.” The new trail running series, combines a classic approach to trail running with the Spartan ethos.

Asics America Appoints Sean Mannion As VP Of Sales
Asics America Corp. has appointed Sean Mannion, formerly at Under Armour, as VP of sales. His last position at Under Armour was general manager and senior director of sales, managing footwear, apparel and accessories in the sporting goods, mall and family retail channels.
Fila Extends Partnership With Karolina Pliskova
Fila announced that it has extended its partnership with World No. 8 and global tennis star Karolina Pliskova.
Smartwool Rolls Out Advocacy Efforts
Throughout the holiday season, Smartwool is pledging to donate to Protect Our Winters and SOS Outreach. At the same time, Smartwool employees are tackling hands-on projects to show their support for Colorado families experiencing food insecurity, members of the military serving overseas, and underserved youth around the country.
FLA Re-Accredits New Balance
The Fair Labor Association (FLA) announced the reaccreditation of the New Balance social compliance program, confirming that the company has policies and practices in place to monitor and remediate labor abuses in its global supply chain.