EXECUTIVE CHANGES
+++ Norwegian outdoor and action sports brand Sweet Protection has appointed Anin Sophie Schüller as Retail Marketing, Community and Marketing Coordinator for Central Europe
+++ Anta brand CEO Xu Yang has resigned for personal and family reasons, with Anta Group co-CEO Lai Shixian appointed interim CEO as the company continues its mass-market growth strategy and turnaround plan
+++ Brav has appointed former Devold of Norway and Janus CEO Cathrine Stange as interim CEO, effective Aug. 17, 2026
+++ Selle Royal Group has appointed former Trek executive Andy Pliszka as president and CEO of Selle Royal USA, where he will lead the company’s North American operations, including the Crankbrothers brand and distribution business +++
CORPORATE AND M&A
+++ GlobalData said Shein’s expected Hong Kong IPO marks a key milestone, but the company still faces the challenge of convincing investors of its long-term growth potential amid intensifying competition, regulatory scrutiny and pressure on its valuation
+++ German bicycle component manufacturer Acros has established a US-based subsidiary in California to expand its direct sales, distribution and customer service operations in the US and Canada, appointing Enve founder Jason Schiers to lead the North American business
+++ Switzerland-based Garmin has acquired Colorado-based training platforms TrainingPeaks and TrainHeroic to expand its fitness ecosystem with enhanced coaching capabilities for endurance and strength athletes, with financial terms undisclosed +++
TRADE SHOWS & EVENTS
+++ This year’s edition of Yarn Expo Shenzhen, which took place at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center on June 9-11, attracted more than 20,000 visits from 74 countries and regions, with nearly 100 exhibitors participating in the trade show +++
E-COMMERCE & DTC
+++ Temu has partnered with the Portuguese Association for the Development of Communications (APDC) to promote knowledge sharing, support Portuguese businesses and encourage responsible digital commerce through joint industry and e-commerce initiatives
+++ Decathlon has become the first market within the France-based sporting goods retailer’s global network to introduce the European account-to-account payment solution Wero in its German online store, with an in-store rollout planned for more than 110 locations
+++ Nike will end online sales partnerships with thousands of digital retailers in China from January 2027 to consolidate e-commerce through its own channels and selected flagship stores, while maintaining its brick-and-mortar retail partnerships +++
PRODUCT & MARKETING
+++ Portal, an outdoor performance brand founded in 2023 with roots in Oslo (Norway), Vancouver (Canada) and London (UK), has launched the Range Light Tank, a lightweight trail running top featuring Polartec Delta cooling fabric designed to improve moisture management, breathability and comfort during high-intensity activities in warm weather
+++ Regatta Great Outdoors’ branded ice cream van tour across England and Wales drove a 1,969% increase in Regatta Rewards memberships by offering free gelato, giveaways and outdoor activities during a nine-day experiential marketing campaign
+++ Bollé has unveiled a revamped alpine ski team built around Olympic champion Clément Noël and a new generation of French and international athletes as part of a long-term strategy leading to the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps
+++ Guardian Bikes has sold its one millionth bicycle in the US, marking a milestone for the Indiana-based children’s bike manufacturer as it continues to expand its domestically produced, safety-focused product offering
+++ The inauguration of Vibram Park Monte Grappa, a new space dedicated to sports, product testing and community in the heart of Italy’s Sportsystem district, on July 8-10, 2026, welcomed more than 1,000 sports enthusiasts
+++ Rab athlete Maud Vanpoulle completed the iconic Eternal Flame route on Pakistan’s Nameless Tower after a 12,500-km overland expedition that also included major ski ascents and a first ski descent in Tajikistan
+++ The North Face and SportShoes.com have extended their partnership with the RunThrough Trails series for a third consecutive year, supporting three UK trail running events in 2026 with on-site activations, product expertise and community engagement
+++ Deuter is giving away a guided two-day high-alpine expedition with mountain guide Ben Reuter, including a bivouac overnight stay and alpine equipment for two experienced mountaineers, as part of its 2026 Alpine Experience campaign
+++ Strava and Samsung have expanded their partnership by pre-installing the Strava app on new Galaxy Watch models, integrating Strava Routes into Samsung Health and including a 60-day Strava subscription with every Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2
+++ Pennsylvania-based Vargo Outdoors has launched a new line of hybrid trekking poles combining carbon fiber upper sections with Grade 9 titanium lower sections to improve durability in demanding trail conditions
+++ Australian outdoor equipment brand Sea to Summit has introduced XLite, a next-generation collapsible camp kitchen system featuring lighter, space-saving cookware and dinnerware, with an initial product range launching in the US exclusively through REI ahead of the full Spring 2027 rollout
+++ Camelbak has highlighted its discipline-specific back panel and harness technologies across its H.A.W.G., Chase and M.U.L.E. hydration packs, emphasizing body-mapped ventilation, stability and rider comfort for mountain biking, gravel and cross-country cycling
+++ Garmin has introduced the screenless Cirqa Smart Band, offering up to 10 days of battery life, 24/7 health and fitness tracking, and automatic activity detection without requiring a subscription +++
RETAIL & DISTRIBUTION
+++ Salomon has partnered with Foot Locker to expand distribution of selected footwear lines through the retailer’s stores and online channels in key markets beginning July 19, as the brand continues to broaden its international retail presence
+++ A survey by the German Retail Association (HDE) found retailer sentiment has fallen to second Covid-lockdown levels, with rising costs, declining profits and weak consumer demand leaving most businesses pessimistic despite the association maintaining its 2% nominal retail sales growth forecast for 2026
+++ Strider Bikes has become the exclusive US retailer of Kellys children’s bicycles, expanding its product offering beyond balance bikes with three models for riders aged 5 to 12
+++ REI has closed its flagship store in New York City and will shut its only Boston location in August as part of a broader US restructuring aimed at restoring long-term profitability
+++ Germany-based department store chain Galeria is reviewing 33 of its 83 stores, negotiating lower rents and optimized retail space with landlords while warning that closures remain possible if no viable agreements are reached +++
CSR & SUSTAINABILITY
+++ Decathlon UK and leisure operator Everyone Active have launched a strategic partnership offering more than one million members exclusive discounts on Decathlon products to improve access to sports equipment and encourage greater participation in physical activity
+++ US-based public lands advocacy group Runners for Public Lands has joined Washington, D.C.-based Outdoor Alliance, expanding the national coalition representing human-powered outdoor recreation organizations working to protect America’s public lands and waters +++
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