SGB Update Sports & Fitness

Life Time Opens Second Athletic Country Club in Brooklyn, NY
Continues its expansion across New York, opening Life Time Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, NY.

Pickleball Kingdom Signs Multi-Location Deal in Utah
Led by John Peterson and Kaleb Scholes, Pickleball Kingdom expanded into Utah.

Callaway Appoints New Managing Director for EMEA Region
Ben Sharpe will act as managing director and president for the EMEA region, effective May 1, succeeding Neil Howie, who retires at the end of 2024 after 26 years with the company.

Nordstrom Family Members Look to Take Namesakes Retailer Private Again
The company’s CEO, Erik Nordstrom, and president, Pete Nordstrom, notified the Board of their interest in pursuing a potential transaction pursuant to which Nordstrom would become a private company.

The Picklr to Open New Club in Indianapolis
Six new Picklr locations are planned for central Indiana, with Drew Brees and his partners helping to open 30 new Picklr franchise locations to Indiana, Ohio and Michigan over the next three years.

Topgolf Opens New Three-Story Venue East of Los Angeles
The three-story Topgolf venue anchors the redesigned Montebello Golf Course that the City of Montebello recently transformed into two courses, each with nine-hole layouts.

NRF Promotes Adam Lukoskie to Senior VP
The National Retail Federation promoted Adam Lukoskie, executive director of the NRF Foundation, to also serve as senior vice president of NRF.

Goodyear Taps Into Look & Corima USA Network for U.S. Bike Tire Distribution
Look & Corima USA signed a new U.S. partnership agreement with Goodyear Bicycle Tires to distribute tires and related products in the United States.

Fanatics Inks Retail and Merchandise Partnership with Laver Cup
Fanatics will create and manufacture merchandise for the Laver Cup, working closely with event organizers, which will be sold during the seventh edition of the Laver Cup played in Berlin, Germany, from September 20-22.

Robert E. Griffin, Former CEO and Chair of Escalade, Inc. Passes Away
During Griffin’s steady and visionary leadership, the company grew its sporting goods business from sales of $800,000 in 1962 to sales of $155,000,000 in 2015,

Boston Pickle Club to Officially Open in Boston’s Hyde Park
The facility opened at the end of February and will hold an official opening on April 27, sponsored by Skechers and Joola

Fan Outfitters to Continue National Retail Expansion in 2024
A new Lids Sports Group business, Fan Outfiitters’ stores aim to support the sports fan with local team products

Kempersports Appoints Golf Industry Veteran as VP of Operations
Ryan Phelps brings two decades of experience working in golf management. He began his career in the golf industry as a PGA pro and general manager on Long Island and Cape Cod.

The Good Feet Store Appoints Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Mehta is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over a decade of experience, having received her training at Columbia University and the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.

Planet Fitness Appoints New CEO as Company Plays Defense Over Locker Room Access
The company appointed Colleen Keating as CEO, effective June 10, 2024. At that time, Craig Benson will resign as interim CEO but will continue to serve as a member of the company’s Board of Directors.