SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Fanatics Reworks Partnership With Major League Soccer
In addition to extending the long-standing e-commerce relationship between the two organizations, the multichannel deal is highlighted by Fanatics gaining worldwide rights to exclusively produce MLS fan gear apparel, headwear and hard goods across all retail and wholesale channels.
Nester Hosiery Appoints Chris Nitzsche As VP Of Sales
Nitzsche joins Nester Hosiery from Quagga Accessories. Prior to Quagga he had held National Sales Manager positions at Woolrich and Elan-Polo.
New Era Makes First NFL Cap Out Of Plastic Bottles
New Era Cap, the official on-field hat of the National Football League (NFL), announced the debut of its first-ever official NFL cap made with plastic bottles in partnership with Repreve.
WYNIT Lands In Bankruptcy Court
WYNIT, the electronics distributor, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Sears Holdings To Close 45 Kmart, 18 Sears Locations
Sears Holdings plans to close 45 Kmart locations and 18 Sears locatons.
American Woman Wins NYC Marathon For First time In 40 years
Shalane Flanagan, long endorsed by Nike, on Sunday became the first women to win the New York City Marathon since 1977.
Adidas Signs Zach LaVine
Adidas reportedly signed Bulls guard Zach LaVine to an endorsement deal. With incentives, the four-year contract could be worth up to $35 million.
Pro Football Losing Fans; Other Sports Holding Steady
The percentage of U.S. adults who self-identify as professional football fans has fallen from 67 percent in December 2012, the last time Gallup asked the question, to 57 percent today. In contrast, every other sport measured in the Oct. 10-11 survey, except for Olympic sports, did not change meaningfully from five years ago.
NSGA Asks U.S. Supreme Court To Hear Online Sales Tax Case
The National Sporting Goods (NSGA) filed a brief along with other retail trade associations on November 2 urging the U.S Supreme Court to hear South Dakota’s case that would require online sellers to be treated the same as local stores for collecting state sales tax.
Badger Sportswear To Acquire Alleson Athletic
Badger Sportswear, a leading manufacturer of athletic apparel and team uniforms, announced that it is acquiring Alleson Athletic, the manufacturer of in-stock uniforms and custom sublimated garments. Together, Badger and Alleson are positioned to become the preferred trade brand sportswear partner.
Moody’s Downgrades Under Armour’s Debt Ratings
Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Under Armour, Inc.’s senior unsecured ratings to Baa3 from Baa2. The outlook is negative.
Asics U.S. Sales Slump In Nine Months
Asics reported sales in the Americas region decreased 5.6 percent, or 7.5 percent on a currency-neutral basis, in the nine months through September 30. The decline was attributed to weak sales in the U.S.
Skechers Brings Out Limited-Edition Meb Shoe For Final Race
To celebrate Meb Keflezighi’s final race, Skechers is introducing a limited edition 36 pairs of his racing shoe will be available for sale at the TCS New York City Marathon expo.
VF Agrees To Acquire Icebreaker
VF Corporation signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire Icebreaker, the Merino-wool specialist based in Auckland, New Zealand. Terms were not disclosed.
Adidas Campaign Celebrates Women Runners
Adidas unveiled its new women’s running film, titled Fearless AF, that spotlights six powerful female Adidas ambassadors – Karlie Kloss, Kathrine Switzer, Mary Keitany, Robin Arzon, Jessie Zapo and Jen Rhines – with the confidence and creativity to change the rules of sport.
