SGB Update Sports & Fitness

New Children’s Activewear Brand Super Heroic Raises $7 Million
Super Heroic, a new children’s sneaker brand launched by former Jordan Brand design director Jason Mayden, has raised $7 million in funding.

Asics America Group’s First Half Sales Decline 6 Percent
Asics America Group (AAG) said net sales decreased 5.9 percent year over year for AAG in the first half. Asics America saw a decrease in net sales of 11.5 percent year over year. The decline was “largely due to market forces and additional retail partner store closings.”

Topgolf To Open Third Greater Phoenix Location
Pending City Council approval, Topgolf will begin construction on the 65,000-square-foot venue later this year, with an expected opening toward the end of 2018.

Walmart Heirs Acquire Rapha
Rapha, the British cycling lifestyle brand, stated that U.S.-based RZC Investments is now the majority shareholder in the business.

Louisville Slugger Slowpitch Softball Partners With Jeff Hall
The softball player will represent the brand and serve as an ambassador for its new line of Jeff Hall signature bats.

Asics Profits Dip In First Half
Asics reported net profit decreased 1.4 percent in the first half despite a profit turnaround in the Americas region. Sales fell 3.3 percent due to declines in Japan, Europe and the Americas.

Nike Extends Partnership With British Athletics
British Athletics confirmed an extension to its partnership with Nike as official team wear provider until 2030.

Nike Launches Sneakrs In Europe
Nike launched its Sneakrs app in Europe. The app is available in 19 countries and across 14 languages.

Under Armour Signs Mavs Rookie Dennis Smith Jr.
Under Armour has signed Dallas Mavericks rookie Dennis Smith Jr. to an endorsement deal, according to ESPN.

Gaia’s Revenues Surge In Q2
Gaia Inc. reported total revenues were up 56 percent in the second quarter to $6.6 million

Columbia Announces Resignation Of Prana Brand CEO Scott Kerslake
Kerslake intends to resign his position, effective August 18, in order to assume another leadership position in an adjacent industry.

GU Energy Labs Unveils Small Batch Collection
Last fall, GU Energy Labs turned to its community of athletes to nominate and vote for the next great Energy Gel flavor. After the votes were tallied, GU’s innovation team hit the kitchen.

Wilson Launches Custom Racket Shop
The platform was created by Wilson LABS, the company’s innovation hub, as a result of athlete feedback.

Double Dutch Is Back! Summer Classic National Competition
Last weekend, for the first time in more than 30 years, jump ropes were swinging at New York’s Lincoln Center.

Unifi Announces Executive Team Additions And Promotions
Unifi Inc. appointed Richard E. Gerstein as executive vice president, global branded Premium Value Added (PVA) products and chief marketing officer, and John Vegas as executive vice president, global chief human resources officer, effective August 14 and 21, respectively.