European outdoor sector shows resilience despite 10% fall
The wholesale value of the outdoor market in Europe fell about 10% during 2020 to to €5.3bn, according to the European Outdoor Group.
Its State of Trade market research report showed backpacks and luggage (-16.9% in value), footwear (-10.4%) and apparel (-10.4%) were the hardest hit. Sleeping bags and mats experienced -5.9% change.
In contrast, there were only small reductions for tents (-1.1%), climbing equipment (-1.4%) and accessories (-0.6%).
Every region covered by tthe report experienced a decline during 2020, with Norway recording the largest drop at -12.9% and Poland the smallest at -2.6%.
Looking at the three largest markets, which make up 51% of the value of the European outdoor sector, Germany dropped by 8.9% year on year, the UK by 9.8% and France by 11.9%.
Pauline Shepherd, EOG head of market research, said: “The figures for 2020 will surprise no one, both in the overall impact of the pandemic on the market and in the variations across sub-categories.
“However, it is also clear that the outdoor category proved to be resilient, certainly relative to others. Encouragingly, early indications this year are that our industry is bouncing back well, and better than many other sectors.”
The EOG State of Trade report covers products sold by over 100 outdoor companies in the apparel, footwear and hardware markets, and also includes outdoor sell-in figures from multisport/lifestyle brands. The report includes data in seven main categories and 48 sub-categories.
