The European Outdoor Group (EOG) has published figures from its latest State of Trade report, which indicate that the wholesale outdoor market grew by 7.2% in value* and 6.7% in volume. The 2017 State of Trade results offer a contrast to the flat market of 2015 and modest growth (3% in value) in 2016. Last year, the wholesale outdoor market was worth € 5.86bn. Based on the wholesale figures, the estimated retail value of the outdoor market in 2017 was € 12.3bn. State of Trade uses data from 115 brands from across Europe, analysing sell-in information for seven main categories and 48 separate sub-categories.
Countries and regions
The largest three individual country markets are Germany, France and the UK, which together represent 50% of the sector. Germany grew by 3% in value, the same growth that was experienced in 2016. Conditions were more challenging in France with a dip in value of 2%. In contrast, the UK enjoyed a very good year, growing by 8%, above the average of 6.7%. Despite variations among individual countries such as those outlined above, all regions reported growth in value and volume.
Category development
All product categories experienced year on year growth, with the exception of tents. Footwear performed strongest, recovering well after a decline in 2016, with double digit growth in value. There was a similar story for sleeping bags, again following a decline in 2016. Apparel, the largest category, grew by 5% in value and 6.7% in volume, after a particularly strong autumn/winter season, helped by the good seasonal conditions.
Pauline Shepherd, EOG head of market research, comments:
The 2017 State of Trade results are very encouraging and showcase a vibrant and successful sector.