Overall snow sports sales from August to November were about even with the same period last season, despite a significant drop in equipment sales, that according to a retail audit released last week by Snowsports Industries America. Many retailers reported selling through their inventories earlier in the season because of lower pre-season orders.
Snowboard equipment sales declined 7% in units and 8% in dollars and alpine ski equipment sales declined 5% in units but increased 1% in dollars, SIA reported. Specialty shop sales were down 8% in units and 6% in dollars.
Internet sales, however, grew 19% in units and 21% in dollars. In fact, online equipment sales accounted for 20% of all equipment sales through November.
Despite flat overall sales, overall inventories were 5% lower in units and 3% lower in dollars compared to the same time last season. Inventory declines in units included alpine ski equipment, down 8%; snowboard equipment, down 4%; alpine apparel, down 3%; snowboard apparel, down 8% and apparel accessories down 6%.
Inventory levels increased in just two categories of snow sports products compared to last season.
If sales picked up in December, as appears to be the case, low inventories at retail could limit consumers' choices in the mid- and late season, SIA speculated. Rocker snowboards, mega fat skis, shell and insulated parkas and helmets may become hard to find this month and may continue to be scarce for the remainder of the season.
