SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Five Iron Golf to Open in Dubai; Secures Development Rights in the UAE
Five Iron Golf will open its most expansive venue in Dubai, spearheaded by entrepreneurs Matthew Csillag and David Zabinsky, alongside General Manager Andrew Bostock. With a multi-unit franchise agreement spanning six sites in the UAE, the team secured exclusive development rights in the region.
Under Armour Issues Tepid FY Outlook as Company Resets Weak U.S. Business
The company reported fiscal 2024 Q4 net revenue was down 5 percent year-over-year to $1.3 billion for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, while reported EPS shrank to to 2 cents a diluted share in Q4 from 38 cents in the prior-year Q4 period.
HanesBrands and TCU Extend Long-Term Apparel Partnership
HBI secured a five-year extension of its current partnership with Texas Christian University, renewing the exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute Horned Frog fanwear in the mass retail channel.
U.S. Sporting Goods Segment Retail Sales Decline in April as Market Grows 3.9 Percent
Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Bookstore sales were reported down 4.7 percent YoY from April 2023 and down 0.9 percent versus March 2024. Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores sales were up 2.7 percent YoY.
Vision Fitness Launches Commercial Line, Appoints GM
A Johnson Health Tech brand, launch a full commercial line of strength equipment designed for value-conscious health clubs, hotels, and other vertical channels. Chris Torggler was named general manager of the U.S. Vision Commercial Group.
Puma Appoints Bas van den Bemt as Managing Director Central Europe
Bas van den Bemt is Puma’s new managing director for central Europe, starting July 1, overseeing business in the Dach and Benelux regions. He replaces Nina Graf-Vlachy, who decided to pursue opportunities outside the company. Lucynda Davies will take over Van den Bemt’s role as managing director of Puma UK and Ireland.
REI and PeopleForBikes Assess Active Transportation Participation in New Study
The majority of survey respondents, 68 percent, said their frequency of bike trips would increase if dedicated infrastructures were present. In comparison, 62 percent expressed that finding safe infrastructure for active transportation in their respective cities was hard.
Mytheresa Gets U.S. Lift to Posts Strong Fiscal Q3 Growth
The company’s U.S. business continues to be a growth driver with the highest regional growth, increased share of total business and record number of top customers in the third quarter fiscal year 2024.
Jetset Pilates Announces Key Additions to Executive Team
Pilates franchise introduces key hires to strengthen its team and empower franchise success—Sarah Buie, head of franchise development, Jo Gomez, senior director of product and talent, Lisa Thorsen, director of marketing and merchandise, Taylor Talcott, head of franchise services, and Erin Hildebrand, director of franchise development.
Meijer Opens New Supercenters in Michigan and Northeast Ohio
Meijer opened its first store in Michigan in 1934. Today, it opened a new 159,000-square-foot supercenter in Hillsdale, MI and two new 159,000-square-foot supercenters in Northeast Ohio. This summer, the retailer will celebrate its 90th anniversary as a family-owned Midwest retailer.
On Holding Posts Another Strong Quarter in Q1, Led by Expanding DTC Sales
On’s total net sales reached CHF 508.2 million, an increase of 20.9 percent year-over-year and a 29.2 percent increase on a constant-currency basis. The results were led by strong demand and momentum in On’s direct-to-consumer channel.
GU to Open First Overseas Flagship Store in New York in Fall 2024
GU (pronounced as the letters “G” and “U”) was founded in 2006 as a sister brand of Uniqlo and operates approximately 470 stores in Asia, mainly in Japan; this is the first official opening of a store outside of Asia.
United States Golf Association Officially Opens Golf House Pinehurst
The seven-acre campus is adjacent to the Pinehurst Resort & Country Club’s main clubhouse. It includes the USGA’s equipment-testing and research facility, the USGA Experience, an outdoor educational landscape feature, the recently relocated World Golf Hall of Fame, and administrative offices.
MyFitnessPal Appoints New Chief Product Officer
The company said Tim Holley most recently served as VP of product for Etsy and also led product management and product design at SoulCycle.
Crunch Franchise Opens Crunch Edmond in Oklahoma
The new gym in Edmond, OK, is operated by The Undefeated Tribe, reported to be one of the fastest-growing franchises within the Crunch Fitness system, with locations open in Texas and Oklahoma and ten more in development this year.
