For the fifth consecutive month, the Monthly Retail Trade Survey, prepared by the U.S. Census Bureau, reported a drop in sales in sporting goods stores. Sales fell 3.1% in June after dropping 4.3% in May, 1.0% in April, 2.2% in March and 1.8% in February.

 

June sales were $3.33 billion versus $3.15 billion in June 2008. Year-to-date sales were down 1.3% to $17.27 billion.  Without a strong January (sales up 7.0%), year-to-date sales would be even more negative.
Sales for 2008 were $37.1 billion, up 2.3% from 2007. Sales for 2007 reached $36.3 billion, up 6.3% from 2006 sales of $34.1 billion.