Blink Fitness said it had “decided to execute an efficient and value-maximizing sale process to optimize its footprint and position the business for long-term success.” To facilitate the sale process, Blink voluntarily filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the District of Delaware.

Throughout its sale process, Blink said it “intends to continue to provide members with the high-quality fitness experience they have come to expect. The company remains committed to its recently announced strategic initiatives to reinvigorate its most popular gyms, elevate its member experience and deepen its community connections, with a continued focus on democratizing fitness for all.”

Blink stated that it has “demonstrated continuous improvement in its financial performance over the past two years with revenue increasing by nearly 40 percent.” In 2024, the company reported that it expected to “build on this momentum and deliver the best top and bottom line performance over the last five years.”

“Over the last several months, we have been focused on strengthening Blink’s financial foundation and positioning the business for long-term success,” said Guy Harkless, president and CEO of Blink Fitness. “After evaluating our options, the Board and management team determined that using the court-supervised process to optimize the company’s footprint and effectuate a sale of the business is the best path forward for Blink and will help ensure Blink remains the destination for all people seeking an inclusive, community-focused gym. We thank our entire corporate and gym team for their continued dedication to our members, as well as our vendors and partners for their ongoing support. We look forward to emerging from this process as an even stronger business.”

In connection with the court-supervised process, Blink has received a commitment of $21 million in new debtor-in-possession financing from its existing lenders. Once the Court approves this latest financing, combined with cash generated from the company’s ongoing operations, it will support the business during this process.

Blink Fitness said it has filed certain customary motions with the Court seeking approval to continue to support its operations during the court-supervised process, including paying employee wages and benefits without interruption. The company intends to fully pay vendors and suppliers under normal terms for goods and services provided on or after the filing date.

The Equinox Group has made similar moves to improve the company’s finances. CNBC is reporting that luxury fitness center Equinox, which falls in the group’s holdings alongside brands such as SoulCycle and Pure Yoga, completed a $1.8 billion funding round in March, in part to refinance its $1.2 billion of debt.

Earlier this year, Equinox launched a $40,000 annual gym membership aimed at its most affluent member base to improve its finances.

CNBC pointed out that this all comes as a CNBC/Generation Lab Youth and Money Poll, which polled 1,034 people ages 18 to 34 in the U.S. in August, showed that roughly one-third of Americans in that age range spend between $1 and $50 a month on exercise and fitness, while 47 percent report spending “nothing at all.”

Additional information regarding the company’s court-supervised process is available at Blink’s restructuring website, BlinkFitnessFuture.com.

361 Degrees trades and reports in renminbi (RMB) or “Yuan” currency.

The Group’s product categories each posted double-digit growth for the six-month period ended June 30:

• Revenue from 361° Footwear products increased 20.1 percent y/y;
• Revenue from 361° Apparel products grew 15.7 percent y/y;
• Revenue from 361° Kids products increased 24.2 percent y/y to RMB 1.13 billion, accounting for approximately 22.0 percent of the Group’s total revenue in the half; and
• Revenue from 361° Online-exclusive products surged 16.1 percent to RMB 1.25 billion.

During the first half, contribution of the Group’s e-commerce business increased by 16.1 percent y/y to RMB 1.25 billion, accounting for approximately 24.4 percent of the Group’s total revenue. The company said e-commerce sales continues to perform well during the “618” period (see additional SGB Media coverage at bottom).

The company is clearly outpacing the growth in the China domestic market. According to outside research cited by the company, the total retail sales of consumer goods nationwide in China in the first half of 2024 amounted to RMB23.6 trillion, representing an increase of 3.7 percent year-over-year. Specifically, online retail sales of physical goods nationwide amounted to RMB5,959.6 billion, representing a increase of 8.8% year-over-year.

First half gross profit was RMB 2.13 billion, representing an increase of 18.3 percent, compared to RMB 1.80 billion in the 2023 first half. Gross margin was 41.3 percent of net sales in the first half, representing a decrease of 40 basis points versus the 2023 first half.

The profit attributable to equity shareholders increased 12.2 percent to RMB 789.7 million (H1 2023: RMB 703.6 million), equivalent to earnings per share of RMB 38.2 cents.

As at 30 June 2024, cash and cash equivalents (including bank deposits and cash in hand, and fixed deposits with original maturities not exceeding three months) amounted to RMB 3.41 billion (31 December 2023: RMB 3.60 billion).

Trade and bills receivable turnover days decreased from 149 days to 148 days as compared to that on December 31, 2023.

Inventory turnover days dropped from 93 days to 85 days as compared to that on December 31, 2023.

The Board has declared an interim dividend for the six months ended June 30, 2024 of HKD$16.5 cents (equivalent to RMB 15.4 cents) per ordinary share, representing a dividend payout ratio of 40.3 percent.

Image courtesy 361 Degrees International Limited

Under the terms of the agreement, Pixel users in the U.S. can connect with Garmin Response’s emergency response coordination services when cellular and Wi-Fi coverage is unavailable using Pixel’s Satellite SOS feature. The integration opens future opportunities for Garmin Response to provide its services across additional Android devices.

“Garmin welcomes the opportunity to expand our proven, premium satellite emergency response coordination services to the Android ecosystem, starting with Google Pixel 9 in the U.S. Each year, Garmin Response supports thousands of SOS activations, likely saving lives in the process. We are looking forward to collaborating with Google to help people connect to emergency services when they need them,” said Brad Trenkle, Garmin co-chief operating officer.

How Satellite SOS on Google Pixel Works
Pixel 9 users who encounter an emergency in the U.S. and are outside cellular or wi-fi range can access the Google Satellite SOS feature and connect with Garmin Response, staffed 24/7. Professionally trained emergency incident coordinators will gather relevant information and begin coordinating a response using Garmin Response’s global network of law enforcement agencies, emergency services providers, search and rescue professionals, embassies, coast guards, and other service providers. Garmin Response maintains communication with the person and, when appropriate, their designated emergency contacts until it resolves the incident.

Emergency Response Capabilities
Garmin Response coordinates over “17,000 SOS activations a year, providing emergency response coordination services in over 150 countries across every continent and the world’s oceans.” A global database of local first responders enables response coordinators to quickly contact the most appropriate agency in time-critical situations, and support is offered in multiple languages. 

Image courtesy Garmin

“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our friend and colleague, Goksel Ozturk, country managing director of VF in Turkey,” the company wrote in a LinkedIn post. “Goksel dedicated over 10 years to VF, building and leading a remarkable team with empathy, kindness and fairness.

“His ability to connect with and uplift those around him made him not just a leader but a mentor and friend to many. Goksel’s legacy will live on in the hearts of his team and throughout our company.

“Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones and the entire VF Turkey team during this difficult time.

“Thank you, Goksel, for everything you’ve done. You will be deeply missed.”

Read the LinkedIn post and comments here.

Ozturk worked for VF Corporation since 2014. Before that, he worked with Levi Strauss & Co. for 3.5 years and Nike, Inc. for 4.5 years.

Image courtesy VF Corp.

Glazer, a shareholder since 1991 and a Board Director for the past nine years, will continue serving on the Board after his retirement, pending annual shareholder approval. He has served as Chairman of the Board since 2018 and CEO since 2021.

Glazer reflected on his time as CEO, “It has been an absolute privilege and honor to lead Escalade and work with our talented teams during extraordinary times. Escalade is well-positioned for the future while continuing to deliver for our loyal consumers, trade partners, and shareholders. Our mission is ‘connecting family and friends, creating memorable moments and playing life to the fullest.’ My family has supported me while I’ve been away working with Escalade for the past few years. With Escalade in a strong position, it is time for me to reconnect with my own family and create memorable moments with them.”

Under Glazer’s leadership, Escalade saw “significant growth and successfully navigated the post-pandemic return to normalized demand.” Notable achievements include the acquisition of Brunswick Billiards, the implementation of a decentralized, consumer-centric organizational structure accompanied by a robust leadership development program, a focus on capital allocation and strategic optimization of assets, including the recent sale of the company’s Rosarita, Mexico facility, and a commitment to total shareholder return.

Glazer successfully guided the company during and after the pandemic, maintaining “strong operational and financial performance during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.”

Escalade, Inc. reported in July that second-quarter total net sales declined 7.7 percent year-over-year to $62.5 million. The company attributed the decrease to softening consumer demand and channel inventory de-stocking, particularly in the indoor/outdoor games categories; however, the decline was partly offset by growth in the company’s Stiga Table Tennis, Bear Archery, and Brunswick Billiards brands.

“At a category level, our second quarter net sales reflect solid demand for our Stiga table tennis, Bear Archery, and Brunswick Billiards product assortments,” offered Glazer at the time. “However, as we progressed through the second quarter, our retail partners became incrementally more cautious in many categories, opting to keep channel inventory low amid concerns around the pace of consumer demand.”

Ned Williams, lead independent director, praised Glazer’s leadership: “On behalf of everyone at Escalade, I want to express our deepest gratitude for Walt’s leadership and unwavering dedication as president and CEO. Walt’s commitment and outstanding leadership have guided Escalade through a period of unprecedented growth and transformation. His focus on developing future leaders and ensuring that Escalade consistently delivers value to consumers and trade partners has positioned the company for continued long-term success. We are extremely grateful for Walt’s contributions and look forward to working with him during the CEO transition process and beyond as he will continue to contribute to Escalade through his service as a director after his retirement as president and CEO.”

Founded in 1922, and headquartered in Evansville, IN, Escalade designs, manufactures, and sells sporting goods, fitness, and indoor/outdoor recreation equipment.

Images courtesy Escalade, Inc. 

Opening dates are subject to change based on weather and conditions. Dates announced thus far include:

• Mid-October, pending early season conditions, Keystone (CO)
• November 8: Breckenridge (CO)
• November 15: Vail Mountain (CO)
• November 22: Whistler Blackcomb (BC), Heavenly (CA), Northstar (CA), Park City Mountain (UT)
• November 27: Beaver Creek (CO), Crested Butte (CO)
• December 6: Kirkwood (CA), Stevens Pass (WA)

The company said, “Navigating its mountain resorts will be more seamless than ever as Vail Resorts continues investing in the guest experience.”

Whistler Blackcomb and Hunter Mountain (NY) added new lifts to increase uphill capacity and distribute skiers better across the mountains.

Vail Resorts owns and operates a worldwide network of ski resorts, including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 other resorts in North America; Andermatt-Sedrun and Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia, with availability to use the company’s Epic Pass.

Vail Resorts also operates over 250 retail and rental locations in North America.

“Consumer-direct sales increased by 19 percent, and dealer-direct sales increased by 14 percent, which we believe is a testament to strong brand recognition and the success of our drive to reach a wider group of consumers globally,” offered company CEO Sean Macdonald. “While sales to our global distributors decreased by 33 percent as distributors continued to manage industry-wide stocking dynamics, current ordering patterns and the addition of some very exciting new distributor partnerships in the United Kingdom, Europe, and emerging markets are a highlight that we believe will filter through to our results over the next several quarters.”

At a product level, declines in helmet sales and other products, parts, and accessory categories during the second quarter were partially offset by increases in body armor sales and neck braces.

“It was particularly encouraging to see neck brace, body and limb protection, knee brace, and MTB apparel returning to growth on a global basis,” Macdonald continued. “We also continued to ship promising ADV apparel orders during the quarter and look forward to delivering a pipeline of innovative product categories to the growing ADV market over the next several quarters.

The company attributed the decrease in worldwide revenues to:

• Helmet sales declining $2.09 million year-over-year;
• Body Armor sales increasing $0.21 million;
• Neck Brace sales growing $0.05 million; and
• Other products, parts and accessory sales decreasing $0.44 million.

Company Founder and Chairman Dr. Christoper Leatt remarked, “Our new MTB portfolio of bicycle components, including handlebars, grips and ultra-light stems and pedals, are all more examples of Leatt innovation, design, and technical expertise.”

Region Summary

• U.S. sales increased to $3.73 million, and
• International sales decreased to $6.34 million.

“We are beginning to see progress in a return to sustainable growth,” added Macdonald. “Encouraging growth in sales at the consumer and dealer direct level has started to filter through to ordering from our distributors, and we have started to see a level of growth in some key product categories. While there are still some challenging industry and economic headwinds globally as inventory is digested, we believe that this promising uptick in ordering patterns will filter through to our results in due course and is a trend that will contribute to growth over the next few periods and beyond.“

Income Statement Summary
The loss from operations was $1.13 million for the second quarter, compared to an operating profit of $1.31 million for the second quarter of 2023.

Net loss for the second quarter was $1.06 million, or a loss of 16 cents per diluted share, compared to net income of $776,139, or 12 cents per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2023.

Balance Sheet and Cash Management Summary
Inventory levels reportedly continued to stabilize and decreased by $5.65 million or 28 percent over the last six months, as the company said it continues to seek opportunities to turn over slower-moving inventory.

Leatt said it continued to meet its working capital needs from cash on hand and internally generated cash flow from operations.

“Cash increased by $1.98 million, to $13.33 million, with cash flows provided by operations of $2.99 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Our liquidity also continues to improve as our team continues to manage working capital efficiently,” Macdonald detailed.

The company’s current ratio was 9.6:1 on June 30, 2023, compared to 6.3:1 on June 30, 2023.

Outlook
Macdonald added, “Although there are still some challenging industry and economic headwinds globally, inventory continues to be digested, participation remains strong, and ordering patterns continue to improve and have started to filter through to our international distributors. We also continue to see very encouraging growth trends at the dealer and consumer level as the demand for Leatt products continues to be very encouraging.

“We continue to invest heavily in consumer brand recognition and building out a high-performing team of sales and marketing professionals around the world as industry-wide turbulence presents an opportunity to grow the Leatt family by adding talented team members. Although these investments typically take time to add to our financial results, we believe that investing in brand momentum and building a great team remain cornerstones of our future growth plans,” concluded Macdonald.

Image courtesy Leatt Corporation

Chris Rodgers has assumed responsibility for the digital and e-commerce strategy for RCBS. In this role, Rodgers will oversee the Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) website sales operations, channel strategy, website updates, and all aspects of digital marketing. Additionally, Rodgers will manage the Amazon business for RCBS and will assist as needed with other Hodgdon Powder Company brands.

“I am excited to join RCBS, a company I have long admired,” said Rodgers. “My passion for shooting and reloading, combined with my experience in digital marketing and e-commerce, aligns perfectly with the company’s mission. I look forward to driving digital innovation and growth for both RCBS and Hodgdon.”

Rodgers joins RCBS from Vista Outdoor. At Vista Outdoor, he reportedly held various roles in e-commerce sales, trade marketing and direct-to-consumer (DTC). Prior to Vista Outdoor, Rodgers worked at VML, a global digital marketing agency where he honed his skills in digital strategy and marketing.

Reloading industry manufacturer RCBS has hired Chris Rodgers as the digital and e-commerce senior manager and Joel Hodgdon as the company’s new marketing director. Both hires are effective immediately.

Chris Rodgers will oversee the company’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) website sales operation, channel strategy, website updates, and digital marketing. He also manages RCBS’ Amazon business and assists with other company brands.

Rodgers joined RCBS from Vista Outdoor, where he held various roles in e-commerce sales, trade marketing and DTC. Before that, he worked at VML, a global digital marketing agency where he honed his digital strategy and marketing skills.

“With the addition of RCBS, we needed a digital marketing professional who could seamlessly integrate our brands into the digital marketplace,” said Aaron Oelger, VP of marketing and corporate strategy at Hodgdon Powder Company. “Chris’ extensive experience in digital marketing, coupled with his deep understanding of the reloading and shooting industry, makes him the ideal candidate. We are thrilled to have him on board to lead our digital initiatives.”

Rodgers will work out of the parent company’s (Hodgdon Powder Company) Shawnee, KS office but will regularly visit the RCBS brand’s Oroville, CA manufacturing facility.

Joel Hodgdon leads the marketing and product development strategy for RCBS. He has experience in marketing in the hunting and shooting industry, working for Remington Ammunition, Federal Ammunition, The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, and Hodgdon Powder Company. He works from Shawnee, KS, and spends time in the brand’s Oroville, CA, manufacturing facility.

“Joel’s addition to the RCBS staff personifies Hodgdon’s commitment to our dedicated team at RCBS,” said Steve Kerwald, President and CEO of Hodgdon Powder Company. “Combined with the expert experience of the many long-tenured employees at RCBS, Hodgdon looks forward to supporting handloaders around the world with both reloading tools and powder.”

RCBS has been a manufacturer of reloading ammunition since its founding in 1943.

“Scott’s 21 years of experience with Yamaha Marine and in-depth knowledge of the industry will maximize synergies and strengths across the organization,” said Mark Tracy, VP of Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “With his guidance, we will elevate Yamaha’s position as a premium brand as we continue to tell the Yamaha story across all marketing mediums.”

Higgins began his career at Yamaha in 2003 as a regional sales coordinator in the Dealer Sales division. He reportedly rounded out his business knowledge by working in four different roles within the Dealer Sales, OEM and Operations divisions. Most recently, Higgins served as the division manager of operations where he “led the team through the supply chain challenges presented by the pandemic,” the company said.

Higgins’ team is responsible for digital and print advertising, content development, social media, customer relationship management, and dealer co-op programs. In addition, the Yamaha Marine Marketing team manages trade shows, sponsorship agreements, events, Yamaha’s pro team, Yamaha dealer education online learning modules, and live training events.

Higgins reports to Mark Tracy, VP of Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit.

Yamaha’s U.S. Marine Business Unit, based in Kennesaw, GA, is responsible for the sales, marketing, and distribution of Yamaha Marine products in the U.S., including Yamaha Outboards, WaveRunners and Boats, G3 Boats, and SkeeterBoats.

Images courtesy Yamaha Marine

The State of Washington has no record of a WARN notice filing from the company, and SGB Media could not confirm the layoffs.

GeekWire said a spokesperson for the Seattle-based company “declined to share how many jobs were eliminated and from which departments were part of the reduction.”

TechCrunch cited sources who said the job cuts “mostly hit Rad’s product development teams.”

Rad Power Bikes, the e-bike start-up, reportedly cut 100 jobs in April 2021 and another 63 in July 2022. The company also laid off employees in December 2022 and April 2023. In July 2023, the company reported that it was pulling out of Europe and would lay off around 40 employees. The company also closed a retail store in Brooklyn, NY, in November 2023.

Image courtesy Rad Power Bikes

As part of the agreement, Fitbit’s U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia Premium Members can access Peloton classes across strength, Pilates, running, boxing, cycling, Barre, and other categories.

“Whether through our unique hardware, our innovations on software or through our one-of-a-kind content portfolio, Peloton is committed to enhancing the member experience for our community and beyond,” the fitness company said.

.According to a company statement, the app will be updated incrementally with new content. The partnership also offers Peloton members discounts on Google Pixel watches and Fitbit Charge 6 devices.

A select group of Peloton classes will be available to Fitbit users without a Premium subscription. Throughout the partnership, Peloton Members will receive Google Pixel Watch and Fitbit Charge 6 device offers.

“We’re thrilled to bring Peloton’s classes and world-class instructors to Fitbit users and continue to establish Peloton as a one-stop shop for all types of fitness content,” said Greg Hybl, SVP and general manager of Peloton for Business. “Together, we share a commitment to make health and wellness more accessible and ensure even more people can reach their fitness goals.”

Image courtesy Peloton

Kuhlo, who has been with Puma since 2015, has held various positions in the company, including head of corporate strategy and investor relations. Most recently, he worked as managing director of EEMEA distribution, overseeing over 40 markets in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa

Taner Seyis, who previously ran Puma Middle East, including the GCC countries, will now lead the newly founded area of Turkey and the Levant. This area includes Turkey, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq. Taner, who has worked for Puma for nine years, will continue to report to CEO Arne Freundt.

“Given our strong growth trajectory and growth ambition in the Middle East, we decided to realign the territories and management responsibilities to ensure we have sufficient focus and resources to realize the potential in each market and provide the best service to our retail partners,” said Freundt. “Johan has shown an impressive track record, rapidly growing our business in EEMEA distribution while strengthening our brand, operations and strategy. Taner has built up our credibility in the Middle East with successful new partnerships and established a strong foundation, so I’m confident we have the right people in place to elevate our brand in these important regions.”

Peter Dangl will succeed Kuhlo as director of EEMEA distribution. He has been with the company for 15 years and previously worked as head of product line management at Sportstyle Apparel before becoming director of sales at EEMEA Distribution.

Image courtesy Puma

After four years with the company, Winnebago brand President Huw Bower will step down on August 31, 2024. During his tenure, Bower reportedly helped guide the business, introduced market innovations and forged a team across the company’s motorized and towable RV businesses.

Chris West, senior vice president of Winnebago Industries enterprise operations and Barletta Boats, was named president of the Winnebago Outdoors businesses, including Winnebago-branded motorhomes, towables, and brand specialty vehicles, effective September 1, 2024.

Winnebago hired West in 2016 to lead the company’s enterprise operations, responsible for manufacturing, supply chain and quality value streams across the company’s product portfolio.

“Over the past eight years, Chris has worked closely with the company’s RV and marine businesses, built deep outdoor industry relationships, and driven significant progress and improved capabilities across key areas such as employee safety, manufacturing, strategic sourcing/supply chain management, quality, and business excellence. West also spearheaded the integration of the company’s Barletta Boats acquisition in 2021 and has provided executive oversight to a pontoon business now chasing double-digit market share growth,” the company said.

“Winnebago Industries believes that time spent outside is priceless, and we are committed to building a best-in-class leadership team that can deliver on our promise to elevate every moment outdoors for our partners and customers,” said Winnebago Industries President and CEO Michael Happe. “We thank Huw for his contributions to our team and our business and welcome Chris to his new role. Our company has gone through a significant transformation over the last several years, but we know the best is yet to come for our team and portfolio of premium brands as we continue to grow our influence, impact and share of the RV and marine industries.”

Before joining Winnebago Industries, West was the vice president of global supply chain for Joy Global, a worldwide mining equipment manufacturer and held several other key leadership positions in the agricultural equipment manufacturing and aircraft interior manufacturing industries. A search for West’s prior role will begin immediately.

In addition, Barletta Boats President Jeff Haradine will join the Winnebago Industries executive leadership team, reporting to Happe, effective September 1, 2024. Haradine has been with Barletta since its inception and a driver of the business’s growth trajectory.

“Jeff has been a key part of Barletta’s impressive trajectory, first as a sales leader and then as president of the business over the last two years,” said Happe. “I look forward to having his people-first approach and deep marine industry insights on our top leadership team.”

Images courtesy Winnebago Outdoors

Mandel was caught on camera, which resulted in the brand officially inviting him to join “Team Skechers” and appear in a Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins marketing campaign, watch here or click on the image below, inspired by the pair he tried to grab in-store at a discount.

“What can I say—they caught me red-handed because I was thinking with my feet. This is penance for trying to get away with that discount—but honestly, their comfort is worth it,” said Mandel. “I’ve been a devoted fan of the brand for years, so the thought of shooting Skechers ads in Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins—and having a new footwear wardrobe—is the kind of payback I’m thrilled to have.”

“America’s got Skechers—and now Skechers has Howie Mandel! The way we found him buying our new Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins was so funny, we’re making it his inaugural Skechers campaign,” said Skechers CEO Robert Greenberg, who was sent a photo of Mandel at the Skechers store purchasing his Slip-ins styles, and promptly signed him to join the Skechers team.

“Howie’s a remarkable judge of great performers—and we’re elated to be his top choice for comfort that performs,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “Through decades of comedy and charisma, he possesses a magnetic personality that has endeared him to millions. We’re glad that his life has changed for the better since discovering our Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins and that he wants to share our message of comfort with the world.”

Added Mandel, “Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins technology is unparalleled. Their styles are so comfortable, and with so many designs, they work everywhere I go. The brand even made footwear more accessible and convenient for me and my OCD, removing the need to touch them since I can just slip in and go. This partnership is a great way to show the world how Skechers Hands-Free Slip-ins simplify day-to-day life for others, just like they’ve done for me.”

A comedian, television personality, actor, and producer, Mandel’s wide-ranging career includes the voice of Gizmo in Gremlins and Gremlins 2: The New Batch, the role of ER resident Dr. Wayne Fiscus on the NBC medical drama St. Elsewhere and creator and star of the Fox children’s cartoon Bobby’s World. The longtime host of the game show Deal or No Deal, he has been a judge on NBC’s America’s Got Talent since 2010 and Citytv’s Canada’s Got Talent since 2022.

Mandel joins a team of global Skechers ambassadors—from music icon Snoop Dogg, lifestyle legend Martha Stewart, and TV and fitness personalities Amanda Kloots and Brooke Burke to former professional athletes, including Tony Romo, Howie Long and Sugar Ray Leonard. The roster of elite pros around the world competing in Skechers footwear includes NBA basketball players Joel Embiid, Julius Randle and Terance Mann; golfers Matt Fitzpatrick and Brooke Henderson; soccer players Harry Kane, Mohammed Kudus and Oleksandr Zinchenko; baseball players Clayton Kershaw, Aaron Nola, Chris Taylor and Brendan Donovan; and pickleball pros Tyson McGuffin and Catherine Parenteau.

Images and Video courtesy Skechers

“We’re thrilled to announce our plans to build and open a distribution center in Fort Worth,” said Sean Whitehouse, SVP of supply chain, Dick’s Sporting Goods. “This facility will support the rapid growth of our business, including in the state of Texas, and enable more efficient and effective flow of product to athletes whether they shop in-store or online. We’re also excited to play an active role in the Fort Worth community.”

The DC will be located on an 89.5-acre parcel within the Risinger/35 Logistics Park, a development by Hillwood, at Risinger and Old Burleson Roads. Hillwood, the developer of AllianceTexas, and Hillwood Construction Services, will break ground and construct the build-to-suit project.

“Hillwood is honored to partner with Dick’s Sporting Goods to deliver their next-generation distribution facility at our Risinger/35 Logistics Park development in south Fort Worth,” said Reid Goetz, SVP, Hillwood. “Dick’s Sporting Goods is a best-in-class company with a premier brand, we are proud they have selected Fort Worth and our highly experienced, vertically-integrated Hillwood industrial development team for this substantial new facility investment and supply chain network expansion.”

With this facility, Dick’s said it will “pursue sustainability initiatives such as high-efficiency lighting and HVAC, recycled and environmentally-friendly construction materials, energy management systems, and recycling programs for corrugate and plastics.”

Construction on the facility is scheduled to begin early this fall with a groundbreaking. The building phase is expected to create over 800 temporary construction jobs. The facility is expected to open in early 2026.

Kris Bjorson, Jamie Galati and Blake Rogers of JLL represented Dick’s Sporting Goods in the transaction. Reid Goetz, Samuel Rhea and Jack Barkley represented Hillwood. Stream’s National Program Management team, under the leadership of Joe Iatauro and Patrick Daugherty, are providing owner’s representative services overseeing Hillwood’s distribution center development. GSR is the project’s lead architect, and Westwood is the civil engineering design firm.