Berkshire Hathaway-owned Brooks, which continues to make strides with the global running community, generated a 6 percent increase in annual sales in 2022 to an implied $1.166 billion despite persistent supply chain obstacles within the running industry. The company also gained new customers last year in categories outside of running, including walking and hiking.
German publication SAZ recently recognized Brooks as the “running brand of the year” for a sixth consecutive year. Independent running retailers in Canada cited Brooks as a top running brand in four of five categories in an independent survey. And in its home U.S. market, the brand had the highest rating and ranking in the Running Dealer Report from the Running Industry Association.
The company achieved double-digit sales growth in many global regions, including a 15 percent constant-currency increase in the EMEA and a 33 percent growth in the APLA, with Australia up 24 percent year-over-year and China sales increasing by 21 percent in 2022. Brooks launched an e-commerce site in six additional countries last year and made investments in U.S. and U.K. distribution centers.
New products and investments in running communities
The brand’s major product stories of 2022 included the Glycerin 20 Super Franchise featuring a nitrogen-infused midsole and a new StealthFit option. The Brooks Run Club loyalty program nearly reached 250,000 members as it expanded from digital events to include physical activations across the U.S. The company, which also organized events at marquee events, including the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc in Chamonix, France, expanded its relationship with the free community event group Parkrun to become the organization’s exclusive global footwear partner and presenting partner in the U.S., Germany and The Netherlands through 2028. Parkrun currently has eight million registered participants in more than 20 countries.
The year ahead
Brooks is promising to deliver new speed, trail and cushion products to meet demand in the expanding running and walking markets. The company also intends to introduce additional carbon-neutral products in 2023 and a new Green Silence shoe that will showcase advancements in sustainability. Meanwhile, planned 2023 investments will focus resources on youth running and further development of elite athletes.
