The Buzz: Nike, Outdoor Retailer, Life Fitness

Ecommerce sales rose more than 14 percent in 2018, up $64 billion year-over-year, to $513.6 billion in 2018, according to U.S. Commerce Dept. data.

Life Fitness names Functional Solutions as its digital programming partner for offering exercise visualization on TV display for small group training, equipment education, and to support individual member training. The customizability of its digital programming solutions helps the Newport News, VA-based company differ from its rivals.

Nike recently unveiled 14 National Team Collections for the upcoming Women’s World Cup in France while also announcing a new three-year partnership with UEFA Women’s Football. Throughout 2019, the Swoosh intends to honor female champions and changemakers in the next phase of its “Just Do It” marketing campaign.

Nine industry brands are ranked in the latest  Axios Harris Poll 100 designed to gauge the reputations of the most visible brands in the U.S. They are: Patagonia (#3), L.L. Bean (#4), Adidas (#27), Nike (#35), Under Armour (#44), Dick’s Sporting Goods (#60), Macy’s (#69), Walmart (#79) and JC Penney (#83).

Outdoor Retailer is adding the bike category to its Winter Market show, Nov 5-7, 2019, in Denver. Clinics, bike-focused education, and product testing will be integrated alongside exhibiting brands in The Park floorplan section of the event.

Xponential Fitness is named to Fast Company’s annual list of the globe’s most innovative companies for 2019. The Irvine, CA firm, backed by CEO Anthony Geisler and Snapdragon Capital, brings boutique fitness brands together under a single umbrella. Among them: Cyclebar, Row House and YogaSix.