Retail News CRM

Tag: Sports

  • Nike’s Strategic Pivot To Outdoor Recreation: Revitalizing Acg Amid Rising Competition

    Nike’s Strategic Pivot To Outdoor Recreation: Revitalizing Acg Amid Rising Competition

    Nike, the sportswear behemoth, is making a strategic move into the expanding outdoor recreation industry. Starting with the launch of a new trail running shoe, Nike aims to invigorate its lesser-known sub-brand, ACG, and turn it into a vital source of growth.

    Nike’s Outdoor Recreation Strategy

    Beginning with the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc event, an ultramarathon in France, Nike plans to release its Ultrafly trail running shoe, which is a part of the ACG (All Conditions Gear) outdoor sub-brand. This move is an attempt by Nike to reestablish ACG as a credible contender in the realm of performance-focused trail running shoes.

    Commenting on the broader strategy, Nike’s CEO, Elliot Hill, explained that the company is refocusing on core sports such as running in response to the growing competition from smaller brands. Nike is striving to catch up in the outdoor recreation industry, which has seen substantial growth during the pandemic, and in China, where outdoor activities have gained considerable popularity. The company’s struggle in these two markets has been a factor in its diminished share of the global sportswear industry.

    ACG Ultrafly and Future Plans

    Nike-sponsored athletes, including Anthony Costales, will wear the ACG Ultrafly during races. The shoe is scheduled to be available to consumers in spring 2026. In addition, a rejuvenated version of the Zegama trail runner, also under the ACG brand, will be released later in 2026.

    However, revitalizing the ACG brand, initially launched in 1989 with an emphasis on hiking and biking, will not be without its challenges. The brand is currently associated with “gorpcore”, a fashion trend that blends functional gear with style. Despite these challenges, Nike is looking towards the long-term benefits of this strategy, especially in the Chinese market.

    The Chinese Market

    Nike established its ACG team as a sub-brand in October and appointed Angela Dong, VP for all of Greater China, to lead the unit. Sales of outdoor apparel in China nearly doubled between 2019 and 2025, and outdoor footwear sales increased by 65% in the same period. Despite this, Nike has reported double-digit sales declines in China over the past three quarters.

    The Chinese market has posed significant challenges for Nike as it faces stiff competition from other retailers. Economic instability and high youth unemployment have also impacted spending.

    Nike’s global sportswear market share fell to 26% from 29% in 2021. Other brands such as Hoka have used trail running to bolster growth, underscoring the potential that Nike sees in this segment.

    Launching at a Hoka-sponsored event could be viewed as Nike’s attempt to overshadow its rival, demonstrating Nike’s ability to leverage its financial strength against smaller brands.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Nike’s new strategy in the sportswear market?
    Nike is focusing on outdoor recreation, reviving its ACG sub-brand with the launch of a trail running shoe.

    What challenges does Nike face in revitalizing the ACG brand?
    ACG, launched with a focus on hiking and biking, has become associated with the “gorpcore” fashion trend, which may make it difficult for the brand to reposition itself as a serious contender in the outdoor recreation space.

    What is the current state of Nike in the Chinese market?
    Despite the growth in outdoor apparel and footwear sales in China, Nike has experienced double-digit sales declines in this market over the past three quarters due to tough competition and economic factors.

  • Pure Sports Nutrition Revolutionizes Athlete Recovery With New ‘race Recovery’ Product

    Pure Sports Nutrition Revolutionizes Athlete Recovery With New ‘race Recovery’ Product

    Pure Sports Nutrition, a New Zealand-based company, has recently extended its Performance+ product line with the introduction of Race Recovery, a product specifically targeted at endurance athletes.

    Boosting Post-Exercise Recovery

    The company asserts that Race Recovery has been carefully designed to provide a comprehensive recovery solution following intense workouts or competitive sporting events. Each serving of Race Recovery boasts 29g of protein and 52g of carbohydrates.

    Marewa Sutherland, the co-founder and sports nutritionist of Pure Sports Nutrition, clarified that the carbohydrate-to-protein ratio in Race Recovery has been deliberately chosen to maximize the benefits during the crucial 30 to 60-minute window following exercise. During this period, recovery nourishment can significantly impact training outcomes.

    According to Sutherland, each component in Race Recovery plays a specific role, from replenishing carbohydrate and fluid levels to promoting gut health and mitochondrial function. She asserts that the formula approaches recovery from multiple angles, thus assisting athletes in becoming stronger, adapting quicker, and enhancing performance.

    About Pure Sports Nutrition

    Pure Sports Nutrition, which was founded in 2012, has made its mark with a variety of products including energy gels, electrolyte hydration powders, and functional foods.

    Race Recovery is now available in a select number of retailers including Aidstation, Active Health Clinic, Sole Motive Mr Vitamins, Nutrition Warehouse, WholeLife Pharmacy, and Healthfoods Pace Athletic. Pricing for Race Recovery is set at $11.99 for individual servings and $79.99 for multi-packs.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the new product launched by Pure Sports Nutrition?
    The new product is called Race Recovery, designed for endurance athletes to aid in their post-exercise recovery.

    What does each serving of Race Recovery contain?
    Each serving of Race Recovery contains 29g of protein and 52g of carbohydrates.

    Where can one purchase Race Recovery?
    Race Recovery is available in select retailers including Aidstation, Active Health Clinic, Sole Motive Mr Vitamins, Nutrition Warehouse, WholeLife Pharmacy, and Healthfoods Pace Athletic.

  • Adidas Revives 90’s Icon With ‘superstar, The Original’ Campaign, Narrated By Samuel L. Jackson

    Adidas Revives 90’s Icon With ‘superstar, The Original’ Campaign, Narrated By Samuel L. Jackson

    Adidas has launched a new campaign entitled “Superstar, The Original,” aimed at rekindling the public’s fascination for its iconic 90s sneaker and Firebird Tracksuit.

    Featuring Prominent Personalities

    The campaign is narrated by renowned actor Samuel L. Jackson and showcases a variety of personalities from the world of art and sports. Noteworthy appearances include Missy Elliott, Jennie, Anthony Edwards, Mark Gonzales, Glorilla, Teezo Touchdown, and Gabbrielle.

    Classic Sneakers with a Modern Twist

    Adidas is bringing back the Superstar sneakers in two of its original color schemes, but with the addition of upgraded padding in the tongue and collar for enhanced comfort.

    A Two-Chapter Narrative

    Directed by Thibaut Grevet, the black-and-white campaign unfolds in two distinct chapters. The first chapter, titled Pyramids, draws an analogy between significant cultural landmarks and the enduring cultural relevance of the Superstar. The second chapter, Clocks, encompasses the entire cast in a visual tale linking the sneaker’s legacy with the innovative spirit of a new generation of creators.

    More Than Just a Sneaker

    Annie Barrett, VP of marketing at Adidas Originals, emphasizes the campaign’s forward-looking perspective. “This campaign isn’t about looking back, it’s about spotlighting a new generation of Originals who are building what’s next, unapologetically,” Barrett said. She further stressed the significance of the Superstar beyond its function as a sneaker. “The Superstar has always been more than just a sneaker. It’s a symbol of originality and a spark for cultural change,” she added.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the objective of Adidas’ “Superstar, The Original” campaign?
    The campaign aims to renew interest in Adidas’ classic 90s sneaker and Firebird Tracksuit.

    Who are some of the personalities featured in the campaign?
    The campaign showcases several artists and athletes, including Missy Elliott, Jennie, Anthony Edwards, Mark Gonzales, Glorilla, Teezo Touchdown, and Gabbrielle.

    What does the Superstar sneaker symbolize according to Annie Barrett, VP of marketing at Adidas Originals?
    Barrett emphasizes that the Superstar is more than just a sneaker. It’s seen as a symbol of originality and a catalyst for cultural change.

  • Lululemon and employer branding

    Lululemon and employer branding

    Lululemon Athletica Inc. is beefing up benefits to attract and retain workers, offering full-time employees from three to six months of paid parental leave. The gender-neutral benefit awards three months of paid leave to full-time workers who have been at the yogawear company for two years. Employees with five or more years at the firm qualify for six paid months off. At Lululemon, workers are considered full-time if they work 24 hours a week.

    “When you think about an investment, there’s also all of those areas where it’s really hard to quantify because of the contribution and the return,” said Susan Gelinas, senior vice president for people and culture at Vancouver-based Lululemon. “We just see this as something that’s right to do for our people.”

    In the U.S., without any federal requirement for paid parental leave, it’s up to individual companies to offer a benefit, and about 35 percent do, according to a survey from the Society for Human Resource Management. Still, 84 percent of workers in the U.S. don’t have access to paid family leave, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    The majority of Lululemon’s full-time staffers in the U.S. have been with the company for two or more years, while one-fifth have worked there five or more years. As of January 2018, about 60 percent of Lululemon’s 13,400 workers were based in the U.S. The company declined to say how much the new policy would cost.

    Employees working in Canada already receive some paid parental leave, a portion of which comes from the government’s unemployment insurance program. That compensation is partial, and Lululemon’s offer there is a “paid top-up,” Gelinas said in an interview.

    Lees ook:

  • Adidas, Reebook supplier to sack 6,000 workers

    Adidas, Reebook supplier to sack 6,000 workers

    Footwear maker Pou Yuen Vietnam, the largest employer in HCMC, will lay off nearly 6,000 workers, or 10% of its workforce, amid a decline in orders.

    This is the biggest layoff of the Taiwanese company, a supplier to Adidas and Reebok, since its operation in HCMC in 1996.

    At a recent meeting with city authorities, the company’s management said with orders plummeting their factories are forced to reduce staff.

    Since the end of last year they have been adjusting production plans, furloughing workers and rearranging them between factories.

    They expect to lay off 5,744 workers in two batches on June 24 and July 8. The discharged staff will be paid compensation at the rate of 80% of their last drawn salary for every year they worked.

    During the notice period, workers not coming to work will still be paid full wages.

    Pregnant workers, on maternity leave, having kids under 12 years, from poor households, disabled, and facing other disadvantages will not be laid off.

    Pou Yuen had laid off 2,358 workers in February and over 2,800 in June 2020 just after Covid broke out.

    Layoffs are also happening in many other companies due to the bleak economic situation.

    A survey by the city Department of Labors, Invalids, and Social Affairs of 4,000 firms in Q1 found 31% had reduced their workforce and only 19% increased it.

    Layoffs often occur in footwear, garments, construction, and food processing sectors.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Asics Boosts Indian Manufacturing Amid Regulatory Changes, Plans For Brand-owned Stores

    Asics Boosts Indian Manufacturing Amid Regulatory Changes, Plans For Brand-owned Stores

    Asics, the Japanese sportswear giant, has announced plans to increase its manufacturing operations in India from 30% to 40% over the coming years. This move is aimed at maintaining a stable supply chain, following changes in the country’s regulations that have led to a halt in footwear imports.

    The Indian government has recently introduced a set of standards for different footwear types. These regulations demand that both local and international manufacturers secure quality certifications. In response to these rules, Asics has paused its footwear imports, citing the impracticality of importing without the required government certification.

    Local Production Strategy

    In order to navigate this challenging situation, Asics is working towards enhancing its local production capabilities. “We are strategically developing local production capabilities,” stated Rajat Khurana, Managing Director of Asics India.

    During the 2024-25 fiscal year, Asics achieved 30% local production. This achievement meets the government’s required threshold, which permits foreign brands to run their own single-brand stores in India.

    Expansion Plans

    With approximately 125 stores currently being operated via franchise partners, Asics is now planning to open its first brand-owned store within the year. The company is actively exploring potential locations in and around major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, with plans to establish a few more outlets in the years to come.

    In addition to directly owned stores, Asics also intends to open three new franchise stores every month until the end of the year. The brand, which competes with internationally recognized names such as Nike, Adidas, and Skechers USA in the Indian market, is set to capitalize on the country’s growing fitness culture.

    Financial Outlook

    Asics is optimistic about its financial prospects in India, predicting a revenue growth of between 35% and 37% for the fiscal year 2024-25. This projection follows a 26% increase in revenue during the previous fiscal year, which saw its earnings rise to 4.28 billion rupees (US$49.7 million).

    The company, which is particularly known for its running shoes, is benefitting from the rising interest in fitness, tennis, and pickleball among India’s affluent urban dwellers. The local market for sporting goods and apparel is anticipated to double by 2030, reaching US$58 billion, up from the 2023 levels, as per a 2024 report by Deloitte.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the reason behind Asics’ decision to increase manufacturing in India?
    Asics is boosting its manufacturing in India in response to new regulations that have halted footwear imports.

    What are Asics’ expansion plans in India?
    Asics plans to open its first brand-owned store in India this year and aims to establish more in the coming years. The company is also looking to open three new franchise stores every month until the end of the year.

    What is Asics’ projected revenue growth in India for 2024-25?
    Asics is expecting to see a revenue growth of between 35% and 37% in India for the fiscal year 2024-25.

  • JD Sports Set to Launch Two Flagship Stores in the Philippines!

    JD Sports Set to Launch Two Flagship Stores in the Philippines!

    UK-based sports fashion retailer JD Sports is making a splash in the Philippines with plans to open two stores in 2025, tapping into the country’s growing streetwear and sneaker culture. The first location will debut at the bustling SM Mall of Asia come June, while a second shop will follow in the trendy Glorietta shopping center in July.

    Exclusive Offerings for Style-Conscious Shoppers

    Bringing the UK vibe to Manila, JD Sports, introduced by SSI Group, Inc., promises an exciting array of exclusive sneakers, apparel, and accessories from top global sportswear brands. Celebrated for its deep-rooted connection to sneaker culture and street style, JD is almost a rite of passage for fashion-forward consumers around the globe.

    In a statement, SSI Group emphasized that this venture is part of its broader strategy to introduce premium international brands to Filipino shoppers while enhancing local retail landscapes. So, gear up, Philippines — the sneaker game is about to get even more stylish!

    How did JD Sports decide on the Philippines for their expansion? And does this mean the local sneaker scene is getting a major upgrade? Only time will tell!

    Questions & Answers

    What types of products will JD Sports offer in the Philippines?
    JD Sports will provide a diverse selection of exclusive sneakers, apparel, and accessories from leading global sportswear brands.

    When will the JD Sports stores open in the Philippines?
    The first store is set to open in June 2025 at SM Mall of Asia, with a second location following in July at Glorietta.

    Who is responsible for bringing JD Sports to the Philippines?
    The brand is being introduced by SSI Group, Inc., which aims to elevate the local retail experience by bringing in renowned international brands.

  • Pickle Juice debuts Extra Strength Shots in Coles

    Pickle Juice debuts Extra Strength Shots in Coles

    US beverage brand The Pickle Juice Company has launched its 75ml Extra Strength Shots in Coles supermarkets nationwide.

    The Texas-based company claims that its product uses a propriety formula that is scientifically proven to help alleviate muscle cramps by interrupting the nerve signals that trigger involuntary muscle contractions.

    Pickle Juice uses a blend of vinegar, grain ingredients, and a mix of vitamins and minerals.

    In addition, it contains no sugar, caffeine, or artificial additives and is rich in electrolytes.

    Blake Boulton, head of global sales at The Pickle Juice Company, said the rollout reflects the company’s strategy to improve accessibility globally.

    “Australia has always been a key market for us, and we’ve seen firsthand the impact Pickle Juice has had in the sports and wellness communities,” explained Boulton, head of global sales for The Pickle Juice Company.

    “By partnering with Coles, we’re making it easier for everyday Australians to access an effective solution for muscle cramps, superior hydration and enhanced recovery.”

    The Pickle Juice Company Extra Strength Shots is available for an RRP of $24 for a four-pack and $47.50 for a 12-pack in Coles stores across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, SA, WA and Tasmania.

    Lees ook:

  • Puma plans job cuts as US demand weakens, outlook dims

    Puma plans job cuts as US demand weakens, outlook dims

    Puma on Wednesday announced job cuts and warned of uncertain US consumer demand. The German sportswear group’s shares slumped 23 percent in the wake of disappointing quarterly and annual forecasts issued a day earlier.

    The grim outlook, which follows weak quarterly sales and annual profit announced in January, has raised concerns over Puma’s ability to compete with bigger rivals Adidas and Nike while fending off newer, fast-growing brands such as On Running and Hoka.

    Chief executive Arne Freundt said Puma’s target consumers in the United States were not spending due to economic uncertainty.

    “February was bad. March has started off a bit better,” he said at a press conference.

    Chief financial officer Markus Neubrand announced plans to cut 500 jobs worldwide and close some unprofitable stores as part of a cost-cutting plan.

    When asked about the potential impact of US import tariffs, Puma’s management confirmed that Chinese production made up about 10 percent of shoe imports into the United States, down from 30 percent in the past.

    The company was urging suppliers to diversify production away from China to countries including Indonesia, they said.

    Late on Tuesday, Puma forecast currency-adjusted sales for the current quarter to grow in a low single-digit percentage, below last year’s level, with “significantly” lower operating earnings for the same period.

    It said its annual currency-adjusted sales would grow in a low– to mid-single-digit percentage rate, compared with 4.4 per cent growth to 8.82 billion euros (US$9.62 billion) in 2024.

    It had previously expected 2025 growth to be stronger than in 2024.

    The group forecast adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of $566.5 million to $653.7 million euros for 2025, before a one-time charge of up to 75 million related to its cost-cutting programme.

    “While expectations have lowered recently, we still think this guidance is below the most conservative estimates and raises more questions,” Barclays analysts wrote in a note to investors.

    Puma shares slumped 23 percent to $23.86 at 1246 GMT, a level not seen since November 2016.

    Puma’s larger peer Adidas, meanwhile, recorded a solid performance in 2024 and adopted a cautious stance for 2025.

    “The stark contrast in regional performance and sell-through versus Adidas, in our view, underscores the importance of brand momentum in driving demand, but also orchestrating operational leverage amid a volatile retail environment,” said Felix Dennl, an analyst at Metzler in Frankfurt.

    Sales of popular retro shoe models helped boost sales of brands including Puma and Adidas last year.

    Puma said it still aims to sell 4 million to 6 million pairs of its relaunched motor racing-inspired “Speedcat” sneaker, though Freundt said an expected uptick in sales was taking longer than expected to materialise.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Adidas posts higher revenue, profit

    Adidas posts higher revenue, profit

    Adidas saw its revenue surge in the last fiscal year, according to the athleticwear company’s preliminary results.

    Revenue soared 24 percent to €23.68 billion (US$24.70 billion), while gross margin improved to 50.8 percent, with operating profit up 398.9 percent to €1.34 billion.

    “We clearly see that consumers’ and retailers’ interest in our products is growing across both lifestyle and performance,” said Bjorn Gulden, Adidas CEO.

    “Strong growth across all regions and divisions proves the good job our teams are doing across regions and functions.”

    Last October, the company said it expects full-year revenue to rise 10 percent and operating profit to reach around €1.2 billion.

    Adidas will publish the final results and 2025 financial guidance on March 5.

    Lees ook:

  • Puma to launch compostable shoes after a two-year pilot project

    Puma to launch compostable shoes after a two-year pilot project

    After two years of testing, sports giant Puma is ready to launch its compostable shoes dubbed Re:suede 2.0.

    Puma will create 500 pairs of the commercial version of the sneaker, which went online available for purchase on puma.com/eu and Zalando Plus this week. The commercial version was created to reflect the experiment’s findings and the volunteers’ feedback.

    Puma produced 500 special pairs of its Suede trainers using materials such as Zeology-tanned Suede – chosen for their propensity to degrade – as part of the project, which was completed late last year.

    Volunteers wore the Re:suede trainers for six months before returning them to Puma, where they were transformed into compost at Puma’s composting partner’s specially equipped industrial composting facility.

    “Re:suede 2.0 is an important step towards finding viable end-of-life solutions for our footwear,” said Anne-Laure Descours, Puma’s chief sourcing officer.

    “While we are excited about this progress, we will continue to innovate with our partners to determine the infrastructure needed for a scalable long-term solution, essential for achieving meaningful impact in waste reduction.”

    The Re:suede project and the polyester recycling programme Re:fibre were developed as part of Puma’s “Circular Lab,” an innovation hub directed by the company’s innovation and design professionals that aims to shape the company’s circularity programs for the future.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • The iOS stopwatch gets Live Activities support in iOS 17.4

    The iOS stopwatch gets Live Activities support in iOS 17.4

    The iOS 17.4 beta update that was recently released by Apple includes a new feature for the Clock app’s Stopwatch. Once iOS 17.4 is installed on your iPhone, (we expect the update to be released as soon as March 4th), you’ll be able to start the Stopwatch from the clock app and watch it count the seconds, minutes, and hours on the Dynamic Island and the Lock Screen.

    The Dynamic Island will display an up-to-the-second look at the Stopwatch and tapping on it will give the user an option to pause the timer, or start a new lap. The same controls are all available for the Stopwatch on the Lock Screen. After pausing the Stopwatch on the Dynamic Island, you can clear it by tapping on the “X” button. On the Lock Screen, you can clear the Stopwatch by pausing it and swiping it off the screen.

    While timers have worked with Live Activities since the feature was introduced with iOS 16, the Stopwatch could only be viewed in the Clock app. But with iOS 17.4, that is going to change. And with an active Stopwatch running on the iPhone showing up front and center, you will no longer forget that you have one running.

    Because iOS 17.4 will bring major changes to iOS, Safari, and the App Store in the EU thanks to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA mandates that Apple make these changes by March 8th which is why we expect the update to arrive on Monday, March 4th. As we noted the other day, iOS 17.4 will also add a switch to the Stolen Device Protection feature allowing users to have the feature work everywhere. Currently, users can arrange to have the feature work at unfamiliar locations or they can disable it.

    Stolen Device Protection requests that Face ID and Touch ID verify your identity to complete certain actions. More sensitive tasks, such as changing your iPhone passcode, changing your Apple ID password, resetting Face ID or Touch ID, and disabling the Find My app, require that an hour pass before the requested changes take place. And even then, after an hour, you must verify your identity via Face ID or Touch ID.

    Lees ook:

  • Strava brings free messaging to iOS and Android

    Strava brings free messaging to iOS and Android

    Strava made an exciting move this week, announcing messaging for iOS and Android users. The popular mobile app for athletes revealed a new feature that will be available for free to all its users, Messaging.

    Launched this week, the new feature offers users two options: direct (one-on-one) and group messages. In addition to these key features, Strava’s messaging tool provides more functionality in the forms of even more features:

    • Easily share Activities and Routes to messaging to help assist in coordination and celebration.
    • Message creators can personalize the name of group chats for a more tailored experience.
    • Athletes can bring motivation, hype and even some friendly competition through message reactions, gifs, and replies.

    The Messaging feature on Strava can be customized based on the user’s desired experience on the platform. For starters, Strava users can set their preferences on who can invite them to a Group Message or who can message them directly.

    Also, the feature’s settings will be automatically set based on a user’s profile visibility, but it can be adjusted to receive messages to and from “Following,” “Mutuals,” or “No One,” under settings in the Strava app.

    To send a message, simply tap the corresponding button on the profile of the Strava user you wish to message. Remember that while you can send messages to Strava users who follow you, you may not be able to message to a user depending on their privacy controls.

  • Skechers granted an injunction against Dockers for alleged patent infringement

    Skechers granted an injunction against Dockers for alleged patent infringement

    In August, Skechers sued nonslip shoemaker Laforst Shoes over the alleged infringement of the slip-in-heel design. These shoe styles were the subject of high-profile Super Bowl ads earlier this year featuring Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg, and Skechers says it’s sold millions of pairs of the hands-free shoe.

    On October 5, the Düsseldorf Regional Court in Germany found that Dockers had infringed on one of Skechers’ heel pillow designs, per the Skechers release.

    In a news release on the ruling, Skechers President Michael Greenberg said the company would “continue to aggressively police and enforce” its proprietary rights for the sneaker design.

    “While the ruling can be appealed, we are very pleased that the German court in the first instance acknowledged Skechers’ rights and immediately stopped the sale of the offending shoe style throughout the European Union,” Greenberg said. “Skechers invests tremendous resources into product development to introduce fresh, unique, and exciting footwear to its customers year in and year out.

    While Skechers always prefers to compete in the marketplace rather than the courtroom, the Company has no choice but to seek legal recourse when competitors infringe on our intellectual property rights.”

    Skechers’ legal complaint against Laforst is ongoing, though court documents show the parties have engaged in settlement discussions. As of Sept. 26, a judge in the United States District Court Central District of California gave Skechers 30 days to finalize its settlement with Laforst.

    In April, Skechers settled a patent dispute with French luxury brand Hermès over its Massage Fit sole.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • The Most Popular Sports in Malaysia 2023

    The Most Popular Sports in Malaysia 2023

    Malaysia has a diverse sporting culture and decent success in international competition across many sports. Due to this and its great sports infrastructure, the interest in sports in Malaysia is at its all-time-high. Here are five sports that are the most popular in Malaysia.

    1.   Badminton

    Malaysia is probably the second-largest badminton hub in the world in terms of representation. Now, given the fact that the first place goes to China (18%) and Malaysia has 44 times fewer people than China, this goes to show you just how serious Malaysia is about badminton (14%).

    This country is the home of the Malaysian Open, one of the most significant tournaments in this sport.

    This is hardly surprising because just over 12% of the Malaysian population plays badminton, making it the most-participated-in sport in the country.

    2.   Soccer

    Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and Malaysia is no exception to this rule. When the national football team is playing (Harimau Malaya), the whole country is out to cheer them, but many great local football teams are active there. Most notably, there are:

    • Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT)
    • Selangor FA
    • Kuala Lumpur City

    There’s no denying that football is fun, whether you’re playing it, watching it, or even betting on it. While it’s illegal for sportsbooks to operate in Malaysia, it’s not illegal for foreigners to bet on Malaysian teams or for locals to bet via sites whose servers are not based in Malaysia, as more and more residents are doing. Fortunately, there’s a long list of betting sites on sportslensmalaysia.com for that very purpose, each offering competitive odds on Malaysian leagues, which just goes to show the popularity of Malaysian soccer leagues both in the country itself and around the world.

    3.   Hockey

    Hockey is a surprisingly popular sport in Malaysia, and the Malaysian men’s team even won a gold medal at the 1966 Asian Games. In 1975, they hosted the Men’s Hockey World Cup.

    The MHL (Malaysian Hockey League) is the premier domestic competition, and it attracts thousands and thousands of local viewers, with a sizable foreign interest, as well.

    Due to this rich history and tradition, it’s no wonder so many Malayans have shown interest in hockey since a young age.

    4.   Cycling

    Cycling is one of the fastest-growing trends in Malaysia. The sport is promoted everywhere, and more than a few government incentives exist to get this wheel rolling, so to speak.

    Another thing to remember is that participation always plays a huge role in the sport’s popularity. Following a bit of a pro cycling scene could help make the sport more interesting. The country has the perfect terrain for mountain biking, which is another pro in its favor.

    5.   Sepak Takraw

    This list wouldn’t be complete without Sepak Takraw, Malaysia’s autochthonous version of kick volleyball. Now, anyone who has already read that soccer and badminton are the two most popular sports in the country should not be surprised to find that a sport embodying the rules of the two is also incredibly popular.

    It’s played in teams of two to four players on a small court with a special traditional ball that’s 5.3 inches in diameter. While the standardized sport is new, everyone agrees that Sepak Takraw amalgamates several traditional, local sports.