Snow sports products counter retail trend with robust sales

McLEAN, Va ­ While other retail sectors suffered during

the early holiday period, sales of snow sports products surged 23 percent

ahead of last year through the end of November, reports SnowSports Industries

America (SIA), the non-profit industry trade group that represents manufacturers

and distributors of snow sports products.

All sales at specialty stores were up 26 percent over 1999; all sales at chain stores were up 14 percent over 1999. “More snowboards and Nordic equipment were sold in November than in the entire August through November period,´ said Julee Lynch, SIA’s director of research. “This surge in sales in encouraging and the trend seems to be continuing into December even though we don’t have firm numbers yet.”

The vitality of the snow sports industry is in stark contrast to the chilling climate that overtook retail in general before the holidays. The snow and cold that helped sales of snow sports products, froze holiday same-store

sales growth for retailers.

All sales at specialty stores were up 26 percent from 1999. In equipment

only, specialty store sales were up 24 percent. In specific categories:

alpine equipment was up 24 percent; snowboard equipment was up 26 percent;

and Nordic equipment was down 2 percent.

Alpine ski sales were up 18 percent. Mid-fat skis had a 65 percent increase compared to last year. Twintip skis were up 318 percent. Alpine boot sales rose 36 percent compared to last season. Adult sport performance boots

led the way with a 111 percent increase. Sales of bindings were up 17 percent.

Pole sales were up 37 percent.

Early-season snowboard sales were up 26 percent over the same period last year. Snowboard boot sales were up 23 percent and snowboard bindings were

up 29 percent. For more information about SnowSports Industries America’s research, check out the News and Research section at www.snowlink.com.

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