The SGMA released its annual overview of the sporting goods market which analyzes the total wholesale value of shipments from manufacturers in the U.S. marketplace in 2003. According to the SGMA these figures the best estimates based on information collected from key marketing personnel at sporting goods companies, trade associations and SGMA market research.
The study suggests that shipments of bicycles and their related accessories fell 2.0% last year, from $2.60 billion in 2002 to $2.54 billion in 2003.
The total value of camping equipment shipped from manufacturers increased 3.0% last year, from $1.67 billion in 2002 to $1.72 billion in 2003. Tents and shelters showed the strongest increase; jumping 13.2% to $275 million, while shipments of sleeping bags dropped 12.7% to $151 million and backpacks (excluding day packs) dropped 6.9% to from $72 million in 2002 to $67 million in 2003.
Sports apparel had a tough year with wholesale values for the total category dropping 2.3% from $23.39 billion in 2002 to $22.83 billion in 2003. Categories that have a more technical aspect seem to have performed somewhat better than commodity items. Outerwear wholesale values increased 3.3% to $1.1 billion while underwear and sock sales showed the strongest performances increasing 4.2% and 9.4% respectively.
The athletic footwear wholesale market increased 4.2% from $9.34 billion in 2002 to $9.73 billion last year, and outdoor footwear came out on top. Hiking shoes showed a 7.4% increase in sales to $435 million. Sport sandal sales increased 2.6% to $195 million, and recreational boots jumped 6.3% to $170 million.
SnowSports did not fare as well with declines in wholesale shipments across the board. Alpine skiing equipment sales fell 2.1% to $277 million compared to $283 million in 2002 and XC ski equipment wholesale values fell 7.9% to $35 million. Snowboard sales were the hardest hit, with a drop of 12.1% to $141 million compared to $168 million in 2002.
