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New figures from the European Outdoor Group have revealed a buoyant outdoor sector.
The State of Trade 2013 report found overall market volume up 2.8 per cent, with value up 3.1 per cent. The total market value at sell-in was €4.8 billion, with an estimated sell out value of over €10 billion at retail.
Footwear leads the way
For 2013, growth was reported in most of the main categories, the largest in value in footwear (5.2%) and packs (2.7%). Apparel (2.5%), accessories (2.3%) and climbing equipment (1.6%) also saw rises, while the only sector to see a decline in value was tents (-0.7%).
UK outdoor market growth
The UK and Southern Europe saw a ‘good recovery’, said the EOG. GB and Ireland trail only Germany in terms of value in Europe:
- Germany – 25.7% of the overall value
- Great Britain & Ireland – 13.4%
- France – 12.2%
“It is clear from State of Trade 2013 that the outdoor sector continues to perform very well," said Rolf Schmid, president of the EOG. "The overall growth figures are encouraging, and they demonstrate that outdoor is not simply a trend. It is a mega-trend based on sustained and growing interest in more active and healthy lifestyles that include at their heart the rediscovery of the natural world."
EOG general secretary Mark Held added: "That does not mean that everything is easy for the trade. Brands and retailers continue to face major challenges, such as competition from other channels and regions in the world, some quite saturated markets, tougher regulations and high consumer expectations. All of these factors add up to create a highly competitive environment that continuously challenges established processes, along with both brands and retailers. However, it is really important that those of us within the industry, along with wider business and political stakeholders, understand that the European outdoor sector is in a very healthy state and continues to mature and find its feet on the global stage.”
But how comprehensive is the research? It covers over 100 brands: "Over 100 brands (including retail owned brands) from across Europe contributed to the research, providing comprehensive 2013 sell-in data for seven main categories and 48 separate sub-categories. Participation is not limited to EOG member brands and all contributing companies receive access to the full reports."
Meanwhile in other EOG news, retailers are to be allowed to become part of the European Outdoor Group following an extraordinary assembly last week (July 9th) – though a minimum turnover threshold will remain in place.
