Golf Datatech reported that July 2023 retail sales for golf apparel at on- and off-course specialty shops in the U.S. posted their first decline in 18 months, decreasing 3.6 percent versus the year-ago July period; however, sales were still 65.6 percent higher than the July 2019 pre-pandemic period.
“After 18 consecutive months of sales improvements, golf apparel sales had their first decline in July of 2023, falling by close to 4 percent,” observed Golf Datatech Co-Founder John Krzynowek, “While any slowdown is reason for concern and focus, it’s important to note that 2023 was the second-highest July ever recorded, and sales remain 57 percent when compared to pre-pandemic levels.”
The July decline follows June 2023 posting the highest monthly sales volume in the U.S. at on- and off-course specialty shops as measured by Golf Datatech.
Year-to-date (YTD), golf apparel retail sales were up 6.3 percent through July at on- and off-course specialty shops in the U.S. and up 56.9 percent versus the 2019 YTD period.
“We’ve been expecting apparel sales to plateau for a few months now, but we made it through the bulk of the 2023 season before reaching a peak and starting to slow. As we head into the Fall, golf retailers are well stocked, and we might see prices start to pull back as inventories are liquidated.”
To read the latest on golf equipment, apparel and accessory sales from Golf Datatech, go here.
Photo courtesy Nike/Rory McIlroy
