Recent SIA Audit Report Indicates Flat Sales in Snow Sports Industry

A recent SnowSports Industries America (SIA) retail audit report of overall sales for the entire winter sport market discloses results that were flat, up only 0.5% in dollars to $2.06 billion compared to $2.05 billion the same period last year. Unit sales were reported to be down 9.4%. Sales at specialty snowshoe, ski and snowboard shops were also flat, down 0.4% compared to the previous season, translating in dollars to $1.59 billion in sales compared to $1.6 billion for the same time last season.

The report specifies that unit sales were down from last season by 5.7%. Christine Martinez, market research manager for SIA, the not-for-profit industry trade group that represents manufacturers and distributors of snow sports products, stated “US consumer confidence rose only 0.5% as inflation ticked up and oil prices started to soar. Equipment felt the effects of shrinking consumer budgets while apparel was able to gain respectable dollar increases." The SIA Retail Audit tracks and reports sales in all snow sports product categories including skis, snowboards, snowshoes and apparel.