The NPD Group announced the winners of its second annual Outdoor Sports Retail Performance Awards. 

According to NPD Retail Tracking Service data*, the awards acknowledge the fastest-growing brands in the U.S. outdoor and snow specialty retail markets based on in-store and e-commerce sales revenue.

The outdoor specialty market generated $7.6 billion in U.S. retail sales in the 12 months ending November 2021, an increase of 13 percent over the prior year, while snow specialty brought in an additional $1.6 billion season-to-date, from August through November 2021. 

In addition to strong sales growth in the second half of 2020, this positive performance aligns with participation findings from the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), which noted strong increases in outdoor activities since the pandemic began, including camping, hiking and fishing. To put the increase in perspective, 2020 saw the single largest growth in participation to date. 

The Snowsports Industries America (SIA) Participation Study 2020/21 found that existing snow sport participants were more active than usual, increasing the number of days they participated in winter sports during the season.

“Seeking greater wellbeing and experiential endeavors, more and more consumers are investing in outdoor living, and this is driving sales growth across many outdoor product categories,” said Jim Kelley, president of sports at The NPD Group. “We are thrilled to recognize a few of the companies that are playing an important role in our industry, and our society, by inspiring participation in outdoor and sports activities. Congratulations to all the winners, and we wish you continued success in 2022.”

The fastest-growing brands in the U.S. outdoor specialty market awarded this year’s NPD U.S. Outdoor Sports Retail Performance Award by category include; 

  • Accessories – Goodr
  • Apparel – Cotopaxi
  • Camping – Klymit
  • Equipment Accessories – Stanley
  • Footwear – Hey Dude
  • Snow Sports Equipment** – Vans
  • Water Sports – Lifetime

*The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, U.S. Outdoor Specialty and Sport Specialty E-commerce, dollar sales, 12ME November 2021.

**The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, U.S. Snow Specialty and Snow Internet, dollar sales, August—November 2021 among brands that comprise the top 80 percent of category dollars by volume.