Italian sporting goods companies are going through a rough patch...

Italian sporting goods companies are going through a rough patch due to unseasonable weather conditions. The lack of snow has made their total turnover drop by 20 percent in Italy and Austria, according to estimates by Assosport, the national association of sporting goods manufacturers, as reported by Corriere del Veneto, a daily newspaper based in Italy's North East and part of Corriere della Sera. Exports to other destinations have performed well, though, especially in the U.S. Apparel has also performed well, according to Assosport, since frequently the makers of mountain products are also makers of other sporting goods, and revenues are netted. The industry is now focusing on the winter holiday season, said Assosport.