All countries in Europe witnessed a drop in outdoor gear sales linked to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Norway recording the largest such decline (minus 12.9 per cent), according to the latest round of the European Outdoor Group’s (EOG) State of Trade market research programme. Poland recorded the smallest at minus 2.6 per cent.

In the three largest markets that make up 51 per cent of the value of the European outdoor sector, Germany dropped by 8.9 per cent year on year, the United Kingdom by 9.8 per cent and France by 11.9 per cent.

The wholesale value of the market dropped from €5.8 billion to €5.3 billion (minus 9.5 per cent), with the hardest hit sub-categories being backpacks and luggage (minus 16.9 per cent in value), footwear (minus 10.4 per cent) and apparel (minus 0.4 per cent).

In contrast, there were only small reductions for tents (minus 1.1 per cent), climbing equipment (minus 1.4 per cent) and accessories (minus 0.6 per cent). Sleeping bags and mats experienced a reduction of 5.9 per cent, Switzerland-based EOG said on its website.

“The figures for 2020 will surprise no-one, both in the overall impact of the pandemic on the market and in the variations across sub-categories. However, it is also clear that the outdoor category proved to be resilient, certainly relative to others. Encouragingly, early indications this year are that our industry is bouncing back well, and better than many other sectors,” said Pauline Shepherd, EOG head of market research.

The EOG State of Trade report covers products sold by over 100 outdoor companies in the apparel, footwear and hardware markets, and also includes outdoor sell-in figures from multisport/lifestyle brands. The report includes data in seven main categories and 48 separate sub-categories.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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