SIA reported that chain store sales for snow sports equipment and apparel were up 2.2% to $293.9 million for the 2002 season through December, when compared to the same period of 2001. Unit sales were behind last year, tracking down 9.3%.
Equipment sales were up 43.8% to $103.8 million from $72.2 million in 2001.
Alpine gear was up 29.5% and snowboard equipment sales surged 73%. Apparel and accessories did poorly in chain stores during the holiday season. Apparel was off 9.6% and accessories declined 14.5%.
Alpine ski sales increased 8.6% in dollars while units dropped 20.4%, excluding ski systems. The average retail for a pair of skis was $200 compared to $147 in 2001.
Closeouts were in short supply. Ski systems surged ahead over last year by 698%. Mid-fat skis represent almost 50% of unit sales. For every eight pairs of skis sold, chains sold 10 pairs of boots.
Snowboard equipment saved the period, tracking ahead 62.3% to $22.9 million.
