New business models & startups
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News briefsDecathlon expands BuyBack scheme in UK
Decathlon has broadened its BuyBack program to encompass all sports equipment in the UK, following the success of its initial launch focusing on unwanted bicycles. The initiative now covers fitness equipment, racket sports gear, camping essentials, and water sports items like kayaks and paddleboards. Customers can participate by completing a ...
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ArticleXXL reports stronger gross margin, lower sales in Q1
XXL ASA, which reiterated its objective to deliver 500-750 million Norwegian kroner (€43.9-65.8m) in Ebitda improvement over the next 12 to 15 months, delivered stronger gross margins but lower sales in Q1. It was the ninth consecutive quarter with negative growth for the Norwegian group that faced a difficult year-over-year ...
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News briefsAdidas secures Liverpool kit sponsorship deal
In a recent report by SportBusiness, it’s been revealed that Adidas has outbid Nike for the kit sponsorship of Premier League club Liverpool. Adidas will assume the role in 2025, replacing Nike after a relatively short five-year tenure. This transition follows Nike’s takeover from New Balance as LFC’s technical sponsor ...
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ArticleHanesBrands reports progress towards sustainability goals in 2023 Summary
HanesBrands Inc. has disclosed substantial progress towards its sustainability objectives in the 2023 Sustainability Summary Report. The report underscores the strides made across its brands like Hanes, Champion, Bonds, Maidenform, and Bali, underlining commitments to People, Planet, and Product. The company achieved noteworthy milestones in 2023, securing approval on its ...
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ArticleRussia’s Sportmaster posts a 2023 revenue hike
Russian sporting goods behemoth Sportmaster solidified its position as the country’s largest fashion retailer in 2023, thanks to a 14 percent hike in revenue to 160 billion rubles last year. Sportmaster generated nearly 70 percent more revenue than Kari and twice as much as Gloria Jeans; the companies ranked second ...
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ArticleSprandi poised for comeback in Russia
Sprandi, a once iconic brand in the Russian market, can reportedly resume sales in the country after almost two decades of absence. At the end of 2023, a local wholesale supplier, A Sport, obtained several certificates of conformity from a Russian technical regulator, allowing it to sell sporting shoes under ...
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News briefsNew Balance signs Marvin Harrison Jr. ahead of NFL Draft
Source: New Balance New Balance has added wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to its roster of athletes in anticipation of the 2024 NFL Draft. Harrison Jr., who played college football at Ohio State, earned All-American honors twice and clinched the prestigious Fred Biletnikoff Award in 2023 for ...
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News briefsTSG named official volunteer supplier for 2025 Freestyle World Championships
Swiss action sports brand TSG has been unveiled as the official volunteer supplier for the FIS Freestyle World Championships 2025. The company will provide helmets and goggles tailored specifically for the event. With equipment finalized for over 600 volunteers, TSG joins the lineup alongside Schöffel, offering high-quality ski clothing. ...
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News briefsLi Ning updates on Q1 performance
The Chinese group Li Ning reported a mid-single-digit decline in same-store sales for the period ended March 31. Retail channel comp sales were down by a low single-digit percentage, and wholesale channel sales fell by the mid-teens. Meanwhile, e-commerce virtual stores experienced year-over-year percentage growth in the low-20s. The ...
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News briefsLululemon to close Washington State distribution center, cuts over 100 jobs
On Monday, Lululemon, the Canadian athleisure brand, announced its decision to shut down its distribution center in Sumner, Washington, resulting in the termination of more than 100 employees. The closure, confirmed by a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filed with the state’s employment security department, will see layoffs commencing on ...
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ArticleDecathlon closes one more store in Sweden, only has one left
Decathlon revealed plans to shut down three of its stores in Sweden, citing challenges amid the global economic climate. The closures will affect Decathlon Kungens Kurva, Decathlon Barkarby and Decathlon Uppsala, impacting a total of 72 employees. Explaining the decision, a Decathlon spokesperson stated: “The Swedish market is specific and ...
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ArticleJD Sports plans to acquire Hibbett in £899m deal, accelerating US expansion
JD Sports has announced its agreement to acquire US sportswear brand Hibbett for £899 million, aiming to accelerate its expansion in the United States. The move is expected to bolster JD Sports’ growth plans in North America, enhance its Complementary Concepts division, and strengthen its relationships with brand partners. Additionally, ...
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News briefsCallaway appoints new Managing Director and President for EMEA region
Callaway has named Ben Sharpe as the new 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. Sharpe, a seasoned leader in the global golf industry, previously served as Chief Franchise ...
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News briefsNike and USA Olympic athletes address controversy over women’s track and field kit
Nike and several USA Olympic athletes have responded to online backlash regarding the design of the women’s Team USA track and field kit. A photograph of the uniform sparked criticism, with many labeling it as “sexist” and “revealing.” The photograph, circulated by Citius Mag, compared the women’s high-cut bodysuits to ...
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News briefsEcco releases golf shoe with YouTuber and influencer Rick Shiels
Ecco Golf joins forces with golf YouTuber Rick Shiels to unveil an exclusive edition of the Biom C4 shoe. Limited to 500 pairs, this collaboration “captures Shiels’ personal style” and will be exclusively available on the brand’s website. The shoe incorporates Shiels’ logo on the heel and ...
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News briefsNike’s headquarters to undergo major layoffs, impacting hundreds
Nike’s headquarters in Oregon will see significant layoffs affecting hundreds of employees by June, according to a WARN notice filed with the state of Oregon on April 19. Confirming its restructuring plans, Nike revealed that by June 28, approximately 740 employees will have been impacted by two rounds of layoffs. ...
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News briefsE-comm star leaves J.Lindeberg, starts his own agency
After bidding farewell to J.Lindeberg, industry expert Andreas Koschnike is embarking on a solo journey, focusing on retail, e-commerce, and branding under the banner of Accexe AB. Reflecting on the past two years on LinkedIn, Koschnike highlighted achievements at J.Lindeberg, such as bringing the e-commerce division in-house, fostering growth despite ...
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News briefsChinese firms Stella and Xtep provide operational updates
Footwear manufacturer Stella International reported an 18.9 percent increase in consolidated Q1 revenues to $338.4 million from $284.6 million for the three months ended March 31. Shipping volume increased by nearly 22 percent year-over-year, led by the sports category, to 11.7 million pairs. However, the average selling price (ASP) of ...
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ArticleAgilitas Sports obtains licence for Lotto in India, Australia and South Africa
New York-based brand management firm WHP Global announced a new long-term license for Lotto with Indian sportswear and athleisure solutions platform Agilitas Sports. The license gives Agilitas exclusive rights to design, manufacture, promote and distribute the Lotto brand in India, Australia and soon in South Africa. The acquisition of the ...
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News briefsSuperfeet supports US track & field athletes ahead of Paris 2024
Source: Superfeet Insole specialist Superfeet announced its support of several female Team USA hopefuls in their quest to compete in the Paris Games. Leveraging a partnership with Parity, a sports marketing platform dedicated to closing the gender income and opportunity gap, Superfeet collaborates with seven track and ...
