According to the NSGA, retail sales of sporting goods, which reached $51.3 billion in 2005, are expected to grow 3% in 2006, to roughly $53.0 billion. Last year, in 2005, athletic and sport footwear grew 7%, reaching $15.7 billion. Clothing showed a 4% gain, reaching $11.7 billion. Equipment, which accounted for $24.0 billion in sales, showed a 3% gain.
According to the BSGA study, Golf Equipment sales rose 9%; Hunting & Firearms equipment sales rose 6%. Fishing Tackle increased 6%. Exercise Equipment sales rose 3%. Camping Equipment sales experienced a 6% gain. Billiards & Indoor Games fell 8%; Hockey & Ice skates sales slipped 4%. Downhill Skis sales fell 2% while Cross Country Skis were down 21%. Water Skis fell 9% and Wheeled Sports dropped 25%.
