SGB Update Sports & Fitness

’47 Partners With Graffiti Artist OG Slick
Ahead of the NBA All-Star Game, ’47 announced the launch of a limited-edition collection of headwear and apparel designed by famed graffiti artist OG Slick.
January Retail Sales Climb 5.4 Percent
An improving economy fueled a healthy 5.4 percent increase in retail sales year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said. Among sectors, sporting goods stores showed the only year-over-year decrease, down 5.9 percent.

Foot Locker, Nike And Jordan Brand Celebrate 10 Years Of House Of Hoops
Timed for NBA All-Star 2018, the @HouseOfHoops Instagram account was launched with content featuring everyone from NBA players Kyle Kuzma, Devin Booker and Andre Drummond, to social influencers including King Imprint, Keone, Kid the Wiz and Lavaado.
PickleballCentral.com Announces Acquisition Of PickleballTournaments.com
Olla LLC, the parent company of PickleballCentral.com, announced that it has completed the acquisition of PickleballTournaments.com.

Asics Americas Profits Recover In 2017
Asics reported net earnings declined 16.7 percent in 2017 due to restructuring activities in its European operations. Profits in the Americas region bounced back as improved margins and a fewer bad-debt write-offs offset a 6 percent sales drop.
HanesBrands Completes Acquisition of Australian Intimate Apparel Seller Bras N Things
HanesBrands announced that it has completed the acquisition of Bras N Things, a leading specialty retailer and online seller of intimate apparel in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Fitbit To Acquire Twine Health
Fitbit Inc. announced that it will acquire Twine Health, a health coaching platform that empowers people to achieve better health outcomes and helps health systems, health plans and workplace health providers lower healthcare costs.
Johns Hopkins University Partners With Cascade Lacrosse
Cascade Lacrosse, a leader in head protection, announced that Johns Hopkins University will wear Cascade helmets for the upcoming 2018 season.

Genesco Exploring Sales Of Lids Sports Group
Genesco Inc. announced that the company is initiating a formal process to explore the sale of its Lids Sports Group business. The company believes the “best long-term interests of the company and its shareholders to focus on building upon our core footwear platform” while the Lids business is undervalued as part of Genesco.

Under Armour Q4 Beats Sales Targets
Under Armour Inc. said it plans to take additional restructuring charges in the range of $110 to $130 million in 2018 while announcing that its fourth-quarter sales exceeded estimates and earnings matched estimates. CEO Kevin Plank said the results “demonstrate that the tough decisions we’re making are generating the stability necessary to create a more consistent and predictable path to deliver long-term value.”

Reebok Classics Partners With Pyer Moss
On Saturday, February 10 at Spring Studios in New York City, Reebok and Pyer Moss and its founder, Kerby Jean-Raymond, unveiled its first collaboration of men’s, women’s and unisex sportswear and footwear styles, during the inaugural presentation for the new Reebok by Pyer Moss line for Fall 2018.

Adidas Originals Launches Collection At NY Fashion Week
Adidas Originals debuted a collaboration with Amsterdam-based designer Daniëlle Cathari with a presentation at New York Fashion Week on February 8. The capsule women’s ready-to-wear collection explores the idea of contrast while paying tribute to the authenticity of the Adidas Originals brand.
Nike Signs Top NFL Prospect Saquon Barkley
Nike signed Saquon Barkley, the Penn State running back expected to be the first running back selected in the upcoming NFL Draft, to an endorsement deal.
GroupeSTAHL Appoints VP, Content Marketing
GroupeSTAHL has appointed Debra Romalia as vice president, content marketing.
Rapha President North America Joins Walton Family Civic Organization
Brendan Quirk will be responsible for positioning Northwest Arkansas as a leading region nationwide for the incubation and recruitment of cycling-related brands, an innovator in cycling infrastructure, and a bucket-list destination for bike tourism.