SIA research estimates that consumers spent $1.7 billion in total at specialty shops during the August through February period, compared to $574 million at chain stores and $453 million on-line. The figures released last week showed apparel sales by specialty shops rising 6% to $609 million during the period, while accessories sales grew approximately 7% to $579 million.
The SIA-commissioned research estimates that equipment sales in snow sports specialty shops increased less than 2% in dollars for the period, with slight decreases in the number of alpine skis and in the number of snowboards sold. Given that wholesale shipments of alpine skis and snowboards declined 2.8% and 13% respectively last year, according to data compiled by SGMA, the numbers indicate that specialty shops were working through both new inventory and leftovers from last years winter.
Snow sports equipment sales over the Internet increased by 60% in units and by 79% in dollars, compared to the flat or decreasing sales of equipment in specialty shops and in chain stores, SIA said.
The SIA said equipment sales by chain stores declined 7% in units and 1% in dollars, indicating stronger pricing during the month. Internet sales were up 42% in units and 47% in dollars.
