Big ticket sales suffer in outdoor sector
25/11/2008
The most recent edition of The Outdoor Topline Report, produced for Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) by the Leisure Trends Group, presented mixed results.
The US Commerce Department reported a 0.3% overall personal spending drop in September, the largest drop since June 2004.
However, according to the Outdoor Topline Report, core outdoor retailers saw sales in all three channels (specialty, chain, and internet) total $351 million this month, 2% higher than in September 2007. Unit sales for all three channels increased 5% for the same period. But specialty stores posted a decline for the first time since October 2007.Core outdoor shoppers seemed reluctant to buy big-ticket items such as tents, sleeping bags, packs, instruments and sport racks. However, lower-priced camping equipment accessory categories gained 15% in units and 8% in dollars helping buoy overall outdoor sales. Apparel and footwear were mixed, with outerwear and sportswear remaining flat, boots and shoes made modest gains and sandals declined.
Following the accessory trend, apparel and footwear accessories saw healthy increases compared to last September. Look for accessories and small-ticket items to gain traction in a soft economy.
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