US sport outperform GDP

In 2007, sporting goods & fitness sales in the US grew 3.3% in wholesale dollars, while the GDP for non-durable goods was 2.2%. Figures from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) show that the annual growth was achieved despite a drop in Q4 sales (see www.sgma.com/displayindustryarticle.cfm?articlenbr=36264). Annual growth was around 6% for the first three quarters but in the fourth quarter American concerns about the economy impacted on retail spending.

Strength categories are athletic footwear, licensed athletic merchandise, fishing, firearms and martial arts. The fitness equipment, sports apparel, and team sports markets were stable.

Data in SGMA's 2008 Manufacturers' Sales By Category Report is based on the annual SGMA State of the Industry survey, discussions with leading industry executives, and an analysis of industry sales reports from various sources. This report is available online at no charge at www.sgma.com.

Additional analysis of the sporting goods industry will be provided in the SGMA State of the Industry Report which will be released on June 9 at the SGMA Team Sports/Sports Licensing Show (June 9-11; Sands Expo; Las Vegas, Nevada.