According to sales data for the ActionWatch U.S. retailer panel, store sales for core skate and surf shops increased 15 percent when compared to last June.
In a statement, ActionWatch said July’s results followed a “disastrous March, an even worse April and a promising May.”
ActionWatch wrote, “On the surface, this V-shaped recovery is encouraging, not just for the short-term recovery of the core surf and skate channel, but for the long-term health of the industry. While the COVID-19 pandemic forced store closures in March, April and May, it also had a positive impact. As schools and team sports activities were shut down, kids and adults were looking for alternative ways to engage in sports while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Skateboarding not only fits this description but is inexpensive and can be done just about anywhere. While water sports tend to require a larger investment in equipment and access to beaches, lakes, rivers, and boats, they are easy to participate in while practicing social distancing.
“Once core stores were able to reopen, malls were still closed, and consumers received stimulus checks it represented a perfect scenario for the core surf and skate channel. The combination of these factors caused a dramatic increase in the number of skateboarders, surfers, bodyboarders, stand up paddle boarders, skimboarders and wakeboarders, which has fueled an unprecedented demand for the equipment needed to participate in those activities.”
The full report can be seen here.
