Brooks Sports, Inc. is reporting that it was recently applauded by specialty running retailers nationwide in a survey measuring brand strength, sales momentum, potential growth, and product appeal. Sports Marketing Surveys USA, in its Retail Sales Survey for Spring 2004, revealed that Brooks increased retail confidence in its brand and emerged as the only major running footwear company to gain market share for the spring 2004 season.

The survey included in-depth phone interviews with 72 specialty running retail store dealers across the U.S. and is said to serve as a reputable proxy for the $250 million running specialty market. The latest report was released last month and concluded the following key perceptions about Brooks in the specialty channel:

  • Brooks emerged as the only major brand to increase its market share during the season, moving into second place at a 16% share.
  • Brooks leads the pack with its in-house customer service, profit to dealer, product delivery, sales rep support, and overall product appeal of its new vs. existing product lines.
  • Significant for its size relative to other footwear brands, Brooks holds second place in the survey’s respected Market Strength Index (MSI), which formulates each brand’s growth momentum as reported by running specialty store dealers who participate in the panel.

  • Brooks also ranks second-with only a nose separating it from the current first-place finisher-in Brand Mean Rating, which averages the panel’s feedback on various company and product performance attributes of each brand.

“With nearly 80% of our U.S. sales occurring at specialty running stores, we listen very closely to feedback provided by these partners,” said Rick Wilhelm, Brooks’ Vice President of Sales for Specialty Retail Accounts. “We’re thrilled they recognize Brooks’ growth potential, product strength, and our continuous efforts to inspire and serve with integrity, respect, and excellence.”

Brooks’ year-to-date domestic sales through May 2004 reportedly grew 34.7% at the specialty running retail channel, and overall company sales grew more than 33.2%, when compared to the same timeframe in 2003. Worldwide Brooks brand sales for the 2003 calendar year clocked in at $135 million.

The share results in the report mirrors the figures that Fleet Feet released in their most recent annual report (SEW_0424) which showed Brooks Sports' sales increased 31% at Fleet Feet stores in 2003. Brooks joined Mizuno and Saucony as the brands growing sahre at Fleet Feet.