SGB Update Sports & Fitness
REI Co-op Names 2024 Vendor Partners of the Year
The outdoor specialty retailer is reporting the honorees of this year’s Vendor Partner of the Year Awards, which the retailer gives to brands that have significantly impacted various aspects of its business over the past year.
Lifetime Products Appoints New CEO Following Death of Richard Hendrickson
Selected for this new role by company Founder Barry Mower, BJ Haacke “brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Lifetime’s operations” to his new position.
Topgolf Names Chief Operating Officer
Erin Chamberlin will join the company on July 22 from Penn Entertainment, Inc., where she has served as SVP of Regional Operations since 2019. Chamberlin will also join the company’s executive leadership team, reporting to CEO Artie Starrs.
Black Diamond Parent Taps Tripp Wycoff to Lead Rhino-Rack Americas Unit
Former Thule executive is now GM of the Americas region, David Cook is global head of OEM and Daniel Bruntsch is head of EMEA sales for the segment that manages the Rhino-Rack, Maxtrax, and Tred Outdoors brands.
Birkenstock to Open First Storefront in Paris
Founded in 1774, Birkenstock’s first free-standing store will open on July 20 in Paris’ Marais district.
Birkenstock Promotes Van Schalkwyk to Managing Director Pasewalk Facility
Thomas van Schalkwyk, a South African national, oversees the daily operations at Birkenstock’s newest 35,000-square-meter production factory in the Berlin-Szczecin industrial park near Pasewalk, Germany. He has extensive experience in the manufacturing sector.
PickleRage to Open New Club in DC/Baltimore Metro Area
Opening its doors in Q4 2024, the club will be directly adjacent to the Thurgood Marshall International Airport in a densely populated community 11 miles north of downtown Baltimore.
Play It Again Sports Parent Sees Flat Q2 on Planned Decline in Leasing Revenue
The company recently made the decision to no longer solicit new leasing customers and pursue an orderly run-off of its middle-market leasing portfolio. Resulting leasing revenue was halved year-over-year.
Fitness Ventures LLC Set to Open Crunch Gym in Greenwood, IN
The 50,000-square-foot Crunch Greenwood will occupy the former Christmas Tree Shoppe at the Greenwood Pavilion when it opens in fall 2024.
Skechers Expands United Legwear & Apparel Partnership with EU and UK Distribution
Skechers will now have dedicated showroom space at ULAC Europe B.V.’s headquarters in Amsterdam and in its London showroom for its lifestyle and performance socks for men, women and kids.
Fitness International Acquires XSport Fitness
The operator of LA Fitness, Esporta Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio brands, announced its acquisition of XSport Fitness, expanding its offerings in Chicago, New York and Virginia markets.
U.S. Census Bureau Reports 1.3 Percent YoY Growth for June Core Retail Sales
June’s core retail sales as defined by NRF, based on the Census data but excluding automobile dealers, gas stations and restaurants, were up 0.9 percent seasonally-adjusted MoM and up 1.3 percent unadjusted YoY.
Motocaddy Expands U.S. Sales Team with New Hires
Motocaddy, the electric caddy brand, launched its North American operation in 2020 to offer U.S.-based sales, service and distribution for its electric caddies. The company recently expanded its U.S. sales team with five new hires.
Norco Bicycle Founder’s Family Assumes Full Ownership of Norco Manufacturer
Canada’s largest wholesale distributor of premium bikes, parts and accessories has been independently owned and operated in a partnership between the Lewis and Zalkow families. The Lewis family has now assumed full ownership of the company.
Deloitte Sees BTS Spending Flattening Amid Financial Concerns
Ongoing perceptions of inflation and a cost-of-living squeeze will keep spending steady from last year as K-12 parents weigh prices and priorities in preparation for the new school year as they budget for necessities and make room for a few indulgences.
