Although females continue to lead males as purchasers
of sports footwear, their lead decreased in 2002, according to data released by the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA). For 2002, females purchased 53.1% of all sport footwear compared to 54.7% in 2001.
Female place-of-purchase also shifted, with a lower percentage of women
purchasing shoes in sporting goods stores (40.0% in 2002 versus 41.8% in
2001) and specialty athletic footwear stores (46.7% in 2002 versus 49.8% in
2001). Women increased their purchases versus men in discount stores, up
from 56.0% in 2001 to 57.2% in 2002.
The average prices females pay for sports footwear remains below that of
males, $36.53 versus $42.88. In 2001, the average price paid by females was
$38.55, versus $43.43 for males.
The information on female sports footwear purchases will be included in the
NSGA report “The Sporting Goods Market in 2003,” to be published by the
Association in April. Based on a consumer study of 100,000 U.S. households,
the report summarizes 2002 retail sales totals — in units and dollars —
for 24 types of athletic and sports shoes as well as products in more than
20 sport categories.
Also featured are additional purchaser demographics – annual family income,
age of product user, education of household head and sales according to
region of the country. Place-of-purchase data allow for analysis of the
industry’s channels of distribution. Consumer purchases on the Internet are
reported.
The 78-page report is prepared for NSGA by Irwin Broh & Associates, a
research company nationally recognized for its work in the sports and
leisure field. Cost of the report to NSGA members is $225, to non-members,
$295. Sustaining NSGA members receive the report free. For additional
information, contact NSGA at (847) 296-6742 or
visit the NSGA website.
