Manufacturers shipments of sporting goods in the U.S. rose 4% in 2004 to $52.1 billion, according to estimates by SGMA International. It was the largest percentage gain the industry has achieved since 1997, when wholesale sales rose 5.2%. SGMA expects growth in the 3% to 5% range for 2005. Overall sales for the sporting goods categories, which includes athletic apparel, athletic footwear, and a number of equipment categories, were generally flat over the last few years due to a weaker economy and stalled participation rates in many sports, according to SGMA.
The improved economy was largely responsible for the advance, said Thomas J. Cove, incoming president and CEO of SGMA, as he announced the results at the “State of the Industry” luncheon during The Super Show on Monday.
The five largest categories all experienced growth in 2004. Wholesale shipments of sports apparel rose 5% to $24.1 billion in 2004. Athletic footwear shipments were up 2.6% to almost $10 billion. Fitness equipment experienced an increase of 4% to almost $4 billion, 80% of which represents equipment for home exercise. Golf equipment sales rose 3% to $2.5 million. Hiking and Camping equipment shipments increased 3% to almost $1.8 billion.
Tennis, which is comparatively a much smaller category, reversed a long downward trend in sales, growing by 7% to $225 billion on increased sales of balls and beginners racquets.
Cove said that except for fitness and exercise, participation in most sports and outdoor activities has been stable or in decline for at least 10 years. Team Sports and Tennis have lost millions of casual players but have retained a strong core of frequent players. Participation in many organized team sports has increased while pickup play has declined sharply. About 30% of children aged 6 to 17 dont participate in any team sport, according to SGMA International research.
