The SnowSports Industries America is reporting that snow sport sales for the 2007 August to November period reached $897 million, an increase of just 2% over last seasons anemic early season sales.
Chain and specialty stores sold less equipment but more apparel, particularly apparel tops including parkas, fleece and snowboard tops. Internet sales, meanwhile, continued to boom. Online sales rose 36% in units and 45% in dollars compared to the August to November period in 2006.
Adult twin-tip skis sold well in all three channels, increasing 50% in units and 46% in dollars. More than 28,000 pairs of twin tip skis had been purchased between August and November and the trend is sure to get even hotter as the snow piled up across the country in December.
December results, which are expected to show strength across the country, have not yet been compiled.
“In November, the hangover from last years lack of snow continued but the December snow promises relief,” said Kelly Davis, Director of Research for SIA.
