U.S. sports equipment sales increased 23% in the first half of 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some consumers began to seek refuge outdoors . As a result, the US outdoor and sports industry has experienced an unprecedented sales peak in the past year and a half . With the global rebound of mutant strains, this trend will continue in the future.

According to the latest data released by the NPD Group , compared with the same period before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 , sales of sports equipment in the United States increased by 23% in the first half of 2021 , covering a variety of products such as camping, mountaineering, water sports, protective equipment and accessories . Among them, the sales growth of this category on e-commerce platforms was the most obvious, an increase of 31% compared with the same period last year , and the sales growth of physical stores was 17% .

After an in-depth look at the retail channels, the NPD Group found that sales of additional and accessory products in professional sports equipment grew the fastest, with sales of sports hangers increasing by 100% and shelter supplies increasing by 76% compared to the same period in the first half of 2019 .

Other fast-growing products in the sports specialty market include personal flotation devices, wetsuits and other water sports apparel; camping accessories for outdoor adventures , including portable heaters, outdoor showers and toilets , and sleeping bag accessories such as blankets and pads, various tools and coolers , etc.

“ What’s really booming in the sports equipment retail industry today are additional categories related to improved comfort and convenience ,” said Dirk Sorenson , NPD sports industry analyst. “ After making the most basic investment in outdoor activities , consumers are turning to more specialized sports equipment and stores to expand their outdoor sports experience . ”

Currently, American consumers have taken outdoor leisure investment to a new level, and consumers are more focused on purchasing professional products to improve their comfort in outdoor sports. Sellers in related categories should also consider consumers' current shopping preferences when selecting products, and provide consumers with more high-quality products that meet their needs.

Shopping trends; professional sports equipment; American consumers