In 2008, Americans continued to participate in sports, fitness and outdoor activities at roughly the same rate as in prior years, but manufacturers' shipments of sporting goods in the U.S. declined by almost 4% in wholesale dollar sales in 2008. These are two key preliminary findings from major reports which the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) is about to release.
According to SGMA, total manufacturers shipments of sports gear, fitness equipment, sports apparel and athletic footwear in the U.S. were $66.30 billion in 2008, compared to $68.50 billion in 2007, shrinking 3.2%. It was the first contraction of the industry since 2003, when total wholesale shipments fell by less than 1%.
Preliminary reviews of SGMA's 2009 Sports & Fitness Participation Report indicate no major change in America's exercise and sports habits. The online survey asked more than 40,000 Americans about their participation in more than 100 discrete activities, from archery to touch football to horseback riding to weight lifting.
“These studies tell us that Americans sharply curtailed their purchases of sports-related products in 2008, but did not let that get in the way of participation. On the sales side, sports industry sales dipped below GDP for the first time since 2003, but the level of decline was not nearly as significant as it was for other durable goods industries,” said Tom Cove, president of SGMA. “Our topline report shows Americans continued to participate in increasing numbers in 2008, especially in activities that are family oriented and low cost after the initial purchase of equipment. Strength in participation bodes well for the industry as Americans continue to see sports and fitness as important, family oriented activities. And, as Americans continue to participate, equipment will have to be replaced and upgraded.”
The detailed SGMA 2009 Manufacturers' Sales by Category Report will be available Wednesday, March 11 at www.SGMA.com.
Topline results of the survey will be released Thursday, March 18. The survey is produced by an industry consortium which includes SGMA, National Golf Foundation, Outdoor Industry Association, SnowSports Industries America, IHRSA and the Tennis Industry Association.
