AD AGE’s Lindsay Stein cited sources as saying that New Balance is "looking for a new global creative agency." Boston-based Arnold Worldwide “previously led creative for the sneaker company for more than six years." R3, N.Y., is "supporting the review." Sources said that the majority of spending "will focus on the U.S., but New Balance will look to expand its creative efforts globally going forward." New Balance next year "will replace Asics" as the footwear and apparel sponsor of the N.Y. Marathon, "ending Asics' 25-year partnership with the race" (ADAGE.com, 7/12).
TIME FOR A CHANGE: GOLF DIGEST's Mike Stachura noted golfer Charl Schwartzel, who "had been with Nike" since '08, has signed with PXG and will put several of its clubs "in play this week" at the British Open. He joins Zach Johnson "as part of a team of seven PGA Tour players, five LPGA players and PGA Tour Champions player Rocco Mediate" with PXG (GOLFDIGEST.com, 7/12).
PRIME REAL ESTATE: In N.Y., Lois Weiss notes after four years of sales, Unkwn, the urban wear store launched by Cavaliers F LeBron James and his partners, has "taken office and showroom space" in Manhattan. The retailer "is within Space 530, a co-working and private work space on the mezzanine of 530 Seventh Ave. in the Garment Center" that "has become a buyers’ hub for its e-commerce and retail." Unknwn "carries urban and sports brands from Nike to Bathing Ape, Comme des Garcons and even its own label" (N.Y. POST, 7/13).
