BOULDER, CO (September 9, 2008) - Core outdoor retailers kept up the positive momentum in July, in spite of tough economic conditions. Sales in all three channels (specialty, chain, internet)* totaled $372M, a full 10% above July 2007, according to the July edition of The Outdoor Topline Report, produced for Outdoor Industry Association by the Leisure Trends Group.
Once again, items pertaining to camping drove big increases this month. Sales of equipment and equipment accessories continued to thrive in core outdoor stores as quarter three got underway. All equipment sales totaled $60M, gaining 14% over July 2007. Tents, sleeping bags, packs and climbing gear each made double-digit gains for the month. Equipment accessories also sold well, bringing in $123M in July and growing 14% in dollar sales over July 2007. Top equipment accessory categories included hands-on hydration, camp accessories, instruments and sunglasses.
However, consumers still left some room in their wallets for softgood purchases. In July apparel and footwear brought in $192M in combined sales, accounting for 52% of all core outdoor dollar sales. Compared to July 2007, apparel gained 8% in dollars and footwear gained 4%. Top-selling softgood categories in July included shell tops; woman-specific items such as dresses, skirts and sports bras; hiking boots and casual shoes. Sandals, on the other hand, continued to decline.
Breaking out sales by outdoor store channel also yields positive results. Outdoor specialty stores sold $140M in July, a 2% increase over July 2007. Outdoor chain store sales totaled $170M, increasing 11% in dollars compared to the same month last year. Outdoor internet stores also continued to outsell 2007, growing 26% in units and 30% in dollars compared to July 2007 for a total of $62M.
All paddle product sales from all three core paddlesport channels (specialty, chain, internet)* totaled $52M in July, dead even with July 2007. Unit sales increased 2% for the same period. Boats, a $28M category in July, lost 1% in unit sales and 3% in dollars as retail prices fell 2%. Kayaks lost 4% in dollars, ending the month with $24M. Paddle specialty stores brought in $40M overall, accounting for 76% of core paddle store dollar sales. Compared to July 2007, paddle specialty sales dropped 6% in overall units and 4% in dollars. Boats, paddles and accessories each lost dollar sales, while apparel increased.
*OIA Topline Report Outdoor and Paddle channels include: outdoor and paddle specialty, national outdoor chains, regional sporting goods chains and outdoor (and paddle) internet specialty merchants.
To access the OIA outdoor retail sales Topline data and to review trends by industry channel and category, OIA members can log in at www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353 for assistance.
For additional brand growth and brand and model market share reports, please contact Leisure Trends Group at 303.786.7900 x107 www.leisuretrends.com.
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About Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) is a national trade association whose mission is to ensure the growth and success of the outdoor industry. OIA provides trade services for over 4000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the outdoor industry. OIA programs include representation in government/legislative affairs, market and social research, business-to-business services and youth outreach initiatives. Educational events include the annual RendezvousTM, Outdoor University®, and the Capitol Summit. Outdoor Industry Association is based in Boulder, Colorado, and is the title sponsor of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshows. For more information go to www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.