FEDAS, the European sporting goods retailers’ federation, estimates at about 3 percent the sales increase for the first six months of the year in the five main countries it covers – Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France and Italy. The German retailers’ association, VDS, estimates that its members did 3.5 percent better in the period and is projecting a 3.9 percent increase for the full year.
In Germany, in particular, the first two months of the year were favored by an abundant snowfall, and the World Cup of football boosted the retailers’ sales in the subsequent months. On the other hand, VDS officials note that running and other categories are also doing well. Even Nordic walking continues to grow – more in terms of apparel than for the poles.
The German sporting goods vendors’ association, BSI, has found 66 percent of its members reporting higher sales in May, up from 37 percent in April, and 49 percent of them had higher orders in hand at the end of that month. The improving German economy is certainly an important factor, according to the association. The country’s gross domestic product is expected to increase by 1.8 percent this year, and total consumer expenditures should go up by 1.1 percent.
