SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Target Will Stop Accepting Checks at Checkout
Target announced on Tuesday, July 9, that, as of July 15, it will no longer accept personal checks from customers at the time of checkout. The retailer confirmed its decision with the Associated Press, citing “extremely low volumes” of customers who pay by check.
Pickleball Kingdom to Open 30 New Locations in North Carolina
Spearheaded by franchisees Sanjay and Dhaval Patel of Pickleball X Equity, they plan to launch 30 new indoor pickleball clubs in the North Carolina with more locations coming outside the state.
Nordstrom to Open a New Rack Store in Coral Springs, FL
The new Nordstrom Rack in Coral Springs, FL, is expected to open in fall 2025. The 31,000-square-foot store will be located in Pine Ridge Square, a popular shopping center.
GoPro, Inc. Partners with Softbank Subsidiary for Japan Distribution
The new distribution partnership with SoftBank Group’s SB C&S Corporation in Japan will expand GoPro product sales through one of the largest sales networks in the region.
International Golf Federation Enters Partnership with TMRW Sports
Founded by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and sports executive Mike McCarley, TMRW Sports announced a strategic partnership withh the International Golf Federationfocused on harnessing technology to increase golf participation.
NRF: Consumers Face ‘Critical Moment’ Waiting on Fed
National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said the Fed must balance using high interest rates to reduce inflation with the risk that keeping rates too high for too long could slow the economy to the point of recession.
GameAbove Sports Acquires Fourth Founding Big3 Expansion Team
GameAbove Sports announcement follows the purchase of rights to the LA, Miami and Houston Big3 franchises earlier this year. The league is in the fifth week of Big3’s seventh season, which continues to tour nationwide via linear, streaming and digital platforms.
NSGA: Former Board Chairman and Source for Sports Founder Al Anderson Passes Away
Al Anderson, the only Canadian to serve as Board chairman of the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA), passed away on July 2. He was 92.
Lifetime Products CEO Richard Hendrickson Killed in Family Car Accident
The accident also claimed the life of his daughter Sally. Richard’s wife and two of their other children sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the accident. Another daughter was traveling overseas and was not in the vehicle.
Yanre Fitness is Rebranding to YR Fitness
This change by the Chinese strength equipment manufacturer is said to be part of the company’s plan to expand internationally and make its name easier to remember and pronounce.
New Crunch Fitness Location Opens in Pittsburgh, PA Area
Fitness Ventures LLC, reportedly one of the largest growing Crunch franchisees, operates in over 25 states and owns Crunch Fitness Pleasant Hills.
Pickleball Kingdom to Open New Club in Appleton, WI
Spearheaded by GTOne Management Group, led by industry veterans Abhi, Rama, Chandu, and Narsa, the goal is to be open before Winter 2024.
Crunch Franchisee to Open Newest Location in North Round Rock, TX
Led by Crunch Fitness franchisee, The Undefeated Tribe, Crunch North Round Rock will be located in the University Oaks Shopping Center, creating a new offering for North Round Rock residents.
EōS Fitness Opens Five New Locations to Reach 100 Gyms Milestone
The company said it is also moving forward with plans to bring new locations to new markets, including San Antonio and Austin, TX and throughout South Florida.
TruFit Athletic Clubs Strengthens Leadership Team with CFO and HR Chief
With over 37 locations, the fitness club operator added two seasoned executives to its leadership team—Aaron Watkins as the chief financial officer, and MJ Patti has taken on the senior vice president of people and culture role.
