SGMA reports higher sporting goods spend
Wholesale sales of sporting goods grew 4.2% in 2011, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association’s (SGMA’s) State of the Industry Report for 2012.
Sales of sporting goods, apparel, footwear, fitness
equipment and licensed merchandise totalled $77.3 billion last year compared
with $74.2 billion in 2010. Last year marked the first time since 2007 that the industry's wholesale sales
reached $77 billion.
The categories that drove growth were branded activewear (+9.6%), golf clubs (+8.9%),
running footwear (+7.6%), elliptical machines (+7.1%), outdoor footwear (+6.1%),
classics/originals footwear (+5.6%), and performance apparel (+5.4%).
SGMA spokesperson Mike May said: "A lot of people work out on a regular
basis. And they realise if they don't have their health, they have nothing.
They don't want to cut back on their health. In times of stress it's a great
way to deal with stress."
