ClickZ Water Sports Newsletter - 10.03.2024

PLUS: JD Sports Wins US Ground With Hibbett Acquisition

Author

Marina Mouka
October 03, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Specialty Bites: Ride the Waves 🌊

JD Sports is set to update investors on its US expansion following the acquisition of Hibbett, which added nearly 1,200 stores to its portfolio. The company will announce its half-year financial results on Wednesday, highlighting its growth in North America and Europe, despite weaker UK sales.

The acquisition of Hibbett, valued at $1.1 billion, has significantly boosted JD Sports' presence in the US, now operating around 4,500 stores globally. Investors are keen to hear about the integration progress and any signs of improving consumer sentiment in the UK. The company remains cautiously optimistic about reaching a pre-tax profit milestone of over $1 billion this year.

Flavor Flav speaks during a Team USA Water Polo press conference

Flavor Flav's partnership with 5-hour ENERGY boosted the U.S. Women's Water Polo team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His energetic involvement and sponsorship brought significant media attention and elevated the team's profile. The campaign successfully combined celebrity power with brand messaging, achieving impressive media impressions and consumer engagement.

Choosing the right triathlon watch can significantly enhance your training and performance. In our comprehensive review of 19 top multisport watches for 2024, we provide detailed insights to help you make an informed decision. Here are some standout options:

  • Best overall: Garmin Epix Gen 2, with its stunning AMOLED screen and extensive features.

  • Best for small wrists: Garmin Forerunner 255S, offering a compact design without sacrificing functionality.

  • Best budget option: Coros Pace 3, delivering exceptional value and solid performance metrics.

When selecting a triathlon watch, consider key features such as GPS accuracy, battery life, and specific training metrics. Whether you're a beginner or aiming for podium finishes, our reviews cover a range of options to suit different needs and budgets.

Quick Poll 🗳️

Meta is enhancing its ad platform with AI-powered updates, allowing advertisers to customize objectives and measure incrementality. New API integrations with third-party analytics tools like Google Analytics and Northbeam aim to provide a more accurate picture of campaign performance. These changes are part of Meta's long-term optimization strategy.

In light of ad platforms increasingly partnering with third-party measurement solutions, which of the following providers have you heard of?

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More Aquatic Essentials 🏄‍♀️

Using surfing in advertising can often feel embarrassing, especially when non-surf brands exploit the sport's imagery. Historically, surfing has been used to market a wide range of products, from travel promotions in the early 20th century to more imaginative items like nail polish and whiskey in the 1960s. This trend escalated in the 1980s and 1990s, with surfing becoming a symbol of a healthy, rebellious lifestyle.

Fashion's latest obsession with niche sports like archery, figure skating, and rhythmic gymnastics reflects a cultural shift. Designers are blending athletic aesthetics with traditional fashion, challenging gender norms and creating fresh, inclusive styles. This trend, driven by consumer demand and high-profile collaborations, is poised for long-term influence.

Performance Platters 🍽️

Brands are leveraging holistic video strategies to engage consumers across multiple platforms, driving full-funnel business outcomes. By utilizing first-party data and diverse video channels, companies like PepsiCo and Lexus achieve significant increases in brand awareness, consideration, and conversions. Amazon Ads exemplifies this approach, offering expansive opportunities for advertisers.

DMEXCO 2024 showcased AI's practical applications, retail media's growth, and the shift to cookieless solutions. Key trends included AI-driven transformation, the rise of retail media, and the importance of first-party data. The event emphasized collaboration, transparency, and the evolving landscape of digital marketing, highlighting innovation and future opportunities.

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