March 2009 retail sales for all core outdoor stores combined dropped 5% compared to last March, moving from $369.2 million to $349.8 million, according to the most recent edition of The Outdoor Industry Association Outdoor Topline Report. Sales for the entire first quarter totaled $1.1B, down 7% from the same period in 2008.
Internet sales totaled $81 million in March, increasing 14%. Every major product category and most subcategories gained. Outdoor equipment was the big winner, growing 26% above an already-healthy March 2008 and easily outselling both chain and specialty equipment. Tents, sleeping bags, packs, climbing gear and winter equipment all saw double-digit sales growth. Retail prices were up in many categories as well, an indication that consumers were willing to pay slightly more to score that great deal on higher-quality items.
Core paddlesport stores brought in $33 million in March and $50 million in Q1 2009, dropping 7% and 4%, respectively, against the same period last year. Consumers seemed more willing to make small purchases than large ones, as apparel and accessories increased sales so far this year while boats and paddles sank. However, both recreation kayak and canoe dollar sales were up.
In chain stores recreation tents, synthetic-fill rectangular and mummy sleeping bags, medium-sized (2,500-4,000ci) packs, technical lumbar packs, water bottles, energy food, cookware, camp furniture, water purification, misc. camp accessories and hiking boots all outsold March 2008.
Specialty stores were the hardest hit in March, losing 12% in overall dollars. Synthetic mummy bags, medium packs, climbing gear, water bottles, tools, energy food, dehydrated meals, bivvy sacks, water purification, camp stoves and multisport shoes all performed well.
