In a recent report, the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) reported that core outdoor retailers kept up the positive momentum in July, in spite of tough economic conditions. Sales in all three channels (specialty, chain, internet) totaled $372 million, a full 10% above July 2007, according to the July edition of The Outdoor Topline Report, produced for Outdoor Industry Association by the Leisure Trends Group.
The OIA found that once again, items pertaining to camping drove big increases this month. Sales of equipment and equipment accessories continued to thrive in core outdoor stores as quarter three got underway. All equipment sales totaled $60 million, gaining 14% over July 2007. Tents, sleeping bags, packs and climbing gear each made double-digit gains for the month. Equipment accessories also sold well, bringing in $123 million in July and growing 14% in dollar sales over July 2007. Top equipment accessory categories included hands-on hydration, camp accessories, instruments and sunglasses.
However, consumers still left some room in their wallets for softgood purchases. In July apparel and footwear brought in $192 million in combined sales, accounting for 52% of all core outdoor dollar sales. Compared to July 2007, apparel gained 8% in dollars and footwear gained 4%. Top-selling softgood categories in July included shell tops; woman-specific items such as dresses, skirts and sports bras; hiking boots and casual shoes. Sandals, on the other hand, continued to decline.
Breaking out sales by outdoor store channel also yields positive results. Outdoor specialty stores sold $140 million in July, a 2% increase over July 2007. Outdoor chain store sales totaled $170 million, increasing 11% in dollars compared to the same month last year. Outdoor internet stores also continued to outsell 2007, growing 26% in units and 30% in dollars compared to July 2007 for a total of $62 million.
All paddle product sales from all three core paddlesport channels (specialty, chain, internet) totaled $52 million in July, dead even with July 2007. Unit sales increased 2% for the same period. Boats, a $28M category in July, lost 1% in unit sales and 3% in dollars as retail prices fell 2%. Kayaks lost 4% in dollars, ending the month with $24 million. Paddle specialty stores brought in $40 million overall, accounting for 76% of core paddle store dollar sales. Compared to July 2007, paddle specialty sales dropped 6% in overall units and 4% in dollars. Boats, paddles and accessories each lost dollar sales, while apparel increased.
