According to NPD Group, the strong growth trend seen in golf and team sports equipment during the pandemic has continued into 2021, with a few notable exceptions.
Sales for the first quarter grew more than 50 percent compared to 2020 and were up more than 40 percent compared to 2019.
Matt Powell, VP, senior industry advisor, sports, NPD, said several one-offs helped drive the growth, including the third stimulus check, the early spring and the surge in vaccines.
“I believe the environment for healthy living and fitness remains strong, even if some of the highs of 2020 will be tough to offset,” said Powell. “One of the first positives we are seeing is a return to scholastic sports. While there are still uneven state-by-state responses to reopening schools and scholastic sports, it appears that every state will have resumed at least some sports soon. The National Federation of State High School Associations says that while some kids are back playing this spring, it won’t be until we get to 2022 for ‘full’ participation.”
According to the data collection service, baseball/softball equipment grew in the mid-singles compared to 2019. Football equipment nearly doubled against 2019 as some school districts deferred the season until spring, although the actual numbers for spring football are small. Soccer sales grew in the high teens compared to 2019. Basketball equipment sales grew more than 40 percent compared to 2019 but declined against a strong 2020. Last year, many parents invested in basketballs and systems as scholastic sports seasons were canceled.
Racquet sports and golf business in Q1 was up more than 80 percent compared to 2019 as both benefited from continued demand for staying fit while remaining socially distant. Punching bags grew more than 80 percent for the quarter compared to 2019 levels.
Photo courtesy Dick’s Sporting Goods
