The Winter 2022 in-person editions of the Texworld New York City and Apparel Sourcing New York City trade shows, slated for Jan. 25-27 in New York City, have been canceled as in-person events and will now be held as virtual events. Show organizers pointed to “increased concerns surrounding COVID-19 as well as New York State regulations” as reasons behind the decision to cancel the physical event, adding that a high level of international participation, increasing travel restrictions, and rising number of COVID-19 variant cases has led to a significant deterioration in the general conditions for holding the in-person shows. “Our primary concern is always the responsibility we feel towards our exhibitors, partners, attendees, and staff. While this is disappointing for all involved, we hope there is a level of understanding that this was a necessary step to help keep each other safe in these unprecedented times,” stated Jennifer Bacon, Show Director, Fashion & Apparel.

Pickleball Central, a major player in the fast-growing sport of pickleball, has announced a majority investment from Dallas-based investment firm Dundon Capital Partners LLC. The deal includes both Pickleball Central's retail equipment business and its affiliated PickleballTournaments.com software and event management solutions. The sport of pickleball grew by 20% last year and now counts over 4 million participants in the U.S.

PUMA has signed a long-term partnership with Romeo Beckham, the son of David and Victoria Beckham, who is both a soccer player and a model — he plays for Fort Lauderdale CF, a USL team that is a reserve squad for MLS team Inter Miami CF, which is co-owned by his father. Romeo Beckham, 19, is also a face of a current campaign with outerwear brand Canada Goose.