Retail sales of outdoor recreation gear and garments dropped two percent in 2009 compared to the previous year, according to a report released by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). Sales totaled $5.075 billion. Best categories included camping items, climbing gear, and hiking boots. Paddlesports stores were down seven percent. The Outdoor Industry Association announced:

Core paddlesports stores (specialty, chain, internet) brought in $338M for all of 2009, down 7 percent compared to 2008. Boat sales declined 9 percent in overall dollars from 2008. Recreation kayaks, the largest boat category with $110 million at retail this year, slipped 2 percent in overall dollar sales. All paddles were down 10 percent in dollars sales this year, and apparel slipped 5 percent. Accessories were flat, with $90 million in total sales this year. In 2009, 74 percent of paddlesports dollar sales occurred in the specialty channel, 18 percent occurred in chains and 8 percent online. Last year, specialty stores brought in 76 percent of the total, chains 17 percent and internet 7 percent.


Source: Outdoor Industry Assocation