OIA: Outdoor Sales Slip 2% in June; First Half Sales Down

Specialty stores sales fell 6% compared to June 2008. However, there were positive sales in categories related to outdoor recreation and camping. Three season backpacking tents jumped 25%, synthetic fill mummy bags grew 4%, climbing gear was up 7%, hiking boots 17% and multisport shoes 24%. Cooler temperatures and wetter conditions helped outerwear sales gain 6% compared to last June; shell tops were largely responsible for the increases, with a 15% increase for the month.

Chain store total sales were down 1%. Product trends were similar to specialty stores, with backpacking tents, synthetic sleeping bags, day packs, climbing gear, hiking boots, multisport shoes and trail running shoes seeing sales gains over last June.

Outerwear sales were up in chains as well. The entire category grew 4% for the period. Shell tops grew 8% and fueled most of the growth in the category.

Online sales increased 5% in June and 6% YTD. Equipment and apparel were key sales drivers in June. All equipment increased 18% to $20 million in June as tents, sleeping bags, packs and climbing gear all gained. Outerwear gained 20% as both the out-of-season insulated and fleece top categories and the in-season shell top category posted healthy growth. Other key categories in June included all camp accessories, hiking boots, trail running shoes and multisport shoes.

The cool, wet weather that helped drive outerwear sales did not do the paddlesports business any favors. Core paddlesports stores (specialty, chain and internet) saw sales fall 12% in June and 8% for the year-to-date. All channels saw sales decline in June, with biggest overall declines coming from boats and paddles in both chain and specialty stores.