ClickZ Sports Equipment - 08.29.2024

High-tech treadmills sprint into homes and Lululemon's cool swing at golf wear

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ClickZ
August 29, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Specialty Bites 🍪

John Foley, the former CEO of Peloton, has gone from billionaire to broke, and he's not shy about sharing the gory details. After stepping down from the fitness giant he co-founded in 2012, Foley told The New York Post that he had to sell "almost everything" he owned. Imagine going from a paper billionaire to selling your Manhattan townhouse and East Hampton estate. Ouch.

Peloton, once the darling of the pandemic fitness boom, miscalculated demand as gyms reopened and people ditched their home workouts. Foley's departure wasn't just a career shift; it was a financial nosedive.

“I've lost all my money," he admitted, adding that his family has been surprisingly supportive.

John Foley

But Foley isn't wallowing in self-pity. He's launched Ernesta, a direct-to-consumer rug company, with two fellow Peloton co-founders. "I'm working hard so that I can try to make money again because I don't have much left," he said, embodying the classic tale of a fallen mogul clawing his way back up.

Meanwhile, Peloton is still trying to find its footing, cycling through CEOs and dealing with stock slumps, job cuts, and recalls. Foley's story is a stark reminder that in the world of tech and business, fortunes can change faster than you can say "spin class.”

BowFlex and Horizon Fitness introduce the BowFlex T9 and Horizon 7.0AT treadmills, featuring advanced connectivity, intuitive controls, and extensive app compatibility. These treadmills offer seamless integration with fitness trackers, enhancing workout accuracy and user experience. Available at accessible prices, they cater to runners, joggers, and walkers.

Todd Meleney, former Nobull exec, launched While on Earth, a performance wellness brand, with CrossFit legends Mat Fraser and Brooke Wells. The brand aims to inspire fitness enthusiasts with versatile products like the Move Trainer. Launching September 18, it will start direct-to-consumer and expand with strategic retail partners.

Lululemon's latest golf apparel, including the ShowZero Polo and ABC Slim Fit Golf Trouser, is designed for hot climates, thanks to extensive R&D. Partnering with PGA Tour ambassador Min Woo Lee, the brand ensures high performance and style, blending technical innovation with a fashion-forward approach.

The last five years have seen remarkable innovations in baseball equipment, driven by technology and materials science. Smart bats, advanced protective gear, innovative glove designs, enhanced footwear, and eco-friendly materials have revolutionized player performance, safety, and sustainability, making the game more dynamic and competitive than ever.

Performance Platters 🍽️

TikTok is revolutionizing peak season marketing, driving engagement and conversions through its unique blend of community, commerce, and entertainment. Brands should adopt a full-funnel approach, leveraging TikTok's advertising solutions to capture attention and influence purchasing decisions. This strategy promises significant business outcomes during the festive season.

B2B marketers in North America and Europe plan to boost social media and video content this year, driven by Gen Z's digital habits. Short-form social videos are seen as high ROI, with LinkedIn video uploads set to rise 45% YoY. This trend underscores the growing importance of video in B2B marketing.

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