Fiscal 2010 started off strong for outdoor and snow sports sales across the country and March continues to show even stronger results. A combination of pent up demand following more than a year of uncertainty and favorable spring weather conditions has helped drive consumers into stores.

 

According to retail point-of-sale data compiled by SportScanInfo, Outdoor Equipment, Apparel and Footwear sales through the sporting goods, mall, department store, and discount/mass channels were up in the mid-teens for the month of March, outpacing Februarys strong results which were the largest monthly increase in well over a year.

 

While much of Februarys sales were driven by Snow Sports Equipment, March sales shifted more toward footwear and apparel. However, all three major categories-Footwear, Apparel, and Equipment-enjoyed growth during the five-week fiscal month of March.

 

Equipment sales increased in the mid-single digits in March, driven by late-season Snow Sports Equipment and early season Camping and Backpacking Equipment sales. Overall average selling prices for Outdoor Equipment were down more than 5% due to heavily discounted Ski and Snowboard Equipment.

 

Spring/summer-related equipment, like Tents, Sleeping Bags, Canoes and Kayaks, were up across the board with slight increases to average selling prices and higher units sold. Paddlesports was particularly strong in the channels tracked by SportScanInfo as many larger chain retailers are looking to improve their assortment of Canoes and Kayaks. This shift led to a strong double-digit increase in average selling prices, which pushed sales up in the high-teens for all types of kayaks.

 

Outdoor Footwear sales clearly benefitted from the spring weather sweeping across much of the East Coast. Sales were up over 20% for the month, with Water and Trail Sandals driving much of the increase. 

 

Hybrid/Water Shoes saw the strongest increases for the month, primarily driven by the success of Vibrams Five Fingers product, which now has six of the top ten best selling products within this subcategory.

 

Light Hiking, Outdoor Casual, Approach/Multisport, and Winter Boots all saw mid-teens percentage gains in March with Outdoor Casual footwear showing the strongest increase out of these subcategories. The only two Outdoor Footwear subcategories to show declining sales were Performance Trail Running Footwear and Technical Hiking Footwear. Both showed high-single digit declines for the month.

 

Outdoor and Snow Sports Apparel sales were also up more than 20% in March. Both Winter and Spring/Summer apparel categories saw relatively similar sales increases nationwide. However, Spring/Summer Apparel saw mid-single digit declines in average selling prices as many mid-tier brands are seeing market share gains in these categories.

 

Heavy rains in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast helped drive sales of Outerwear and Rain Gear yet again this month. After a cool, wet Summer last year, many retailers were practically sold out of Outerwear heading into the Fall. However, demand in this category has remained strong month after month as retailers struggle to keep product on the floor.

 

Cycling and Running Apparel also saw mid-single digit increases for the month as many consumers are ready to get outside after a long and snow-laden winter. Skirts/Skorts, and Outdoor Dresses continue to show strong growth as well, with both categories showing double-digit increases for the month.