It found that the largest and fastest-growing segment is apparel, which is worth $113 billion and accounts for 44% of the global sports market. The increased popularity of activewear in the fashion sector prompted apparel sales growth of 6% for the year. Sports apparel grew 8% in the US, 5% in Asia and 3% in Europe. Industry analyst for Renaud Vaschalde predicts that “apparel will continue to show the biggest growth rates in the sports market” due to new sports-inspired fashion trends.

Global athletic footwear sales increased 3%, mainly due to higher sales in the US and Europe. Overall equipment sales rose 4% and bicycles showed stable growth of 1%.

In regional terms, the top nine countries for sporting goods sales account for just 32% of the global population but 75% of global sports market sales. China posted an impressive 13% increase in sports sales in 2006, however, the market is still undeveloped.

Mr Vaschalde believes the outdoor sector will grow as a result of “an increasing awareness of the environment coupled with people’s continuing love affair with nature”. He also believes China could be a significant player. “Once marketers capture the Chinese consumer, the volume alone suggests an enormous opportunity,” he said.

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