Port Washington, NY, October 13, 2020 – Before the dates of Amazon’s 2020 Prime Days were officially announced, 57% of consumers told The NPD Group they plan to do at least some, if not all, of their holiday shopping during the online event. New insights from NPD’s annual holiday purchase intentions study reveal almost as many consumers feel they will get better deals during Prime Days than on Black Friday, but the traditional start to holiday shopping still edges it out.
July 15, 2019, one of 2019’s Prime Days, was the #3 online shopping day of last year, behind Cyber Monday and Black Friday, according to NPD Checkout information. But this year’s infusion of Prime Days into the holiday season may move it up a notch. Just over a third of consumers think they will get the best deals early in the season, but even more are still putting their money on the deals that will come over the traditional holiday promotion period of Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Looking at specific days, 18% of consumers identified Prime Day as the time period they feel they will get the best deals possible, coming in just behind Black Friday at 20% of consumers. Cyber Monday came in third.
“The pandemic has changed retail, and the delayed timing of Amazon’s Prime Days will be making its mark on the 2020 holiday season,” said Marshal Cohen, NPD’s chief industry advisor, retail. “Consumers are already entering this earlier-than-ever start to the holiday season with a different shopping mindset, and this is retail’s chance to emphasize the notion that early is better when making holiday purchases – when it comes to inventory, shipping, and deals.”
Further contributing to the impact of Prime Days on both holiday spending and retail overall, is the growing list of retailers planning their own early holiday promotions in October. Consumers will be watching all of the early deals, and 63% say they are very likely to compare Prime Day promotions with other retailer promotions before making a purchase. While there have been some competing promotions during July Prime Days events of the past, it is now sharing the stage with broader efforts to kick start the expanded holiday season.
Another differentiator in the 2020 event is Amazon’s lead-up focus on supporting small business. This has the potential of drawing some consumer attention with 17% of consumers indicating they plan to shop more ‘small’/locally owned retailers this holiday season.
Source: The NPD Group/Annual Holiday Study
For more information, contact me at [email protected] or 516-625-2203.
(Xenia, OH) October 12, 2020 – The premier outdoor sports complex in southwestern Ohio, Athletes in Action (AIA) Sports Complex and Retreat Center, is preparing to open their doors to men’s and women’s college basketball teams for a safe environment in the wake of the pandemic for those teams looking to have a normal season and play safely. The “bubble” concept, hosted on the Xenia, OH campus includes dorms, meeting rooms, dining facilities, a sports performance center, team-building activities, and more. The goal is to provide a safe, temporary living environment, while allowing teams to have the flexibility to schedule games that work best for the college’s programs.
CBS college basketball analyst, Clark Kellogg, shared his experience with AIA, “After personally staying on the Athletes in Action Campus in Ohio many times over the past 10 years I am convinced they can support the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and well-being of athletes and coaches given this new approach. The facilities and staff are there to serve teams as they help players through these uncertain times.”
AIA’s Sports Campus and Retreat Center (SCRC) is comprised of an outdoor sports complex, retreat center, and challenge course, which offers a training environment that develops transformational athletic leaders. The 250-acre outdoor complex features six synthetic turf fields – two long fields, three diamond fields, and one football field with a track. Other features include a 275-bed retreat center, a challenge course with high and low obstacles, and a conference center with catering.
In this “bubble” concept, teams will have their own private dorm with a meeting room for film sessions, team meetings or select meals. Teams will have access to the sports performance center, practice court for shoot around and walk-thru, laundry facilities, and entertainment areas during designated times. Each team will also have access to a private team-building activity administered by AIA staff, team study tables, and more.
AIA’s approach will give teams and their coaches peace of mind during this difficult time as well as offer exceptional temporary housing and unique, custom programming aimed to enhance the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the athletes participating in the program. Athletes in Action is offering two different packages for teams now to begin in late November 2020. To learn more about the bubble concept or the AIA Sports Complex and Retreat Center, contact General Manager, Ryan Betscher at [email protected].
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About Athletes in Action: Athletes in Action is an international sports organization focused on equipping athletes and coaches to grow in relationship with Jesus and to multiply their life into others. With a presence in over 60 countries, over 200 college campuses, and over 40 professional sports teams, Athletes in Action progresses toward an ultimate goal of seeing Christ-followers on every team, in every sport, in every nation.
Droo Callahan hired by Sports Facilities Management to oversee day-to-day operations at The Bridge Sports Complex
[Bridgeport, WV]September 23, 2020 – Opening in 2021 in Bridgeport, WV, The Bridge Sports Complex will be the premier sports and recreation destination for North Central West Virginia. After a national talent search, the City of Bridgeport, who oversees the project in partnership with Sports Facilities Management (SFM), has selected Droo Callahan as General Manager for the indoor sports complex.
Callahan brings a wealth of knowledge in sports management. After a 10-year professional soccer career with several teams, Callahan managed Legacy Center Sports Complex in Brighton, MI. Droo brings not only this extensive experience to the Bridge, but event management, a focus on guest experience, athlete and spectator safety, and sport-specific expertise.
“Droo Callahan was a perfect fit for this up-and-coming venue,” says Dave Pritchett, COO of SFM. “He is a respected professional in the youth and amateur sports industry and we are confident he will exceed expectations as the General Manager of The Bridge Sports Complex. His experience and leadership will be an asset to the entire community as well as traveling sports families and athletes.”
About the opportunity to work for The Bridge Sports Complex, Callahan adds, “I am honored to take on this position and look forward to getting to know the community through The Bridge. The greater Bridgeport area is in transition to become a bustling destination and we are extremely lucky to be a part of this growth with this venue adding to the community.”
The sports and events venue, opening in 2021, will be a premier indoor sports center hosting the best in regional sports events and local programming. The project features 156,000 square feet of multi-purpose sports space including a fieldhouse with six basketball/volleyball courts, configurable indoor turf arena measuring 40 by 70 yards, and a 25-meter competition pool. Other amenities include a play climb area, team and corporate meeting rooms, on-site concessions, and a fitness center.
About the hiring of Callahan, City of Bridgeport Mayor, Andy Lang commented, “Droo is an excellent fit for the role of General Manager. This project is going to be a tremendous asset to our residents, and we believe Mr. Callahan has the knowledge and expertise to ensure our venue is a success for everyone in Bridgeport and surrounding communities.”
The Bridge Sports Complex is expected to bring top-notch competitions and tournaments to the region and provide City and regional residents outstanding programming and membership offerings.
If you would like more information about The Bridge Sports Complex, please contact Andrew Kurtz at [email protected] or visit thebridgewv.com.
About The Bridge Sports Complex: The Bridge, located in Bridgeport, WV, is the newest destination for all things sports, recreation, and wellness. With 156,000 square feet of courts, turf, aquatics, fitness, and more, The Bridge is the premium gathering space for sports, recreation, and wellness in North Central West Virginia. To learn more, visit thebridgewv.com.
(Sparks, Md.) September 16, 2020 – US Lacrosse has announced that events by Halo LAX, LLC, a subsidiary of the Sports Facilities (SF) Companies, will be sanctioned through their authority as the lacrosse National Governing Body. Best known for their work in professional facility management across the country through the SFM Network and professional planning services in more than 2,000 communities, the SF Companies recently announced the launch of its Event and Tournament service.
Halo LAX events feature three distinct event styles including 6onLAX™, the first of its kind 6 on 6 team lacrosse competition. 6onLAX is specifically designed to reduce the number of players needed to easily form teams and is played on a modified field using standard size goals. There are 6 players per team on the field at a time, including the goalie, and roster sizes range from 9 to 11.
“We have spent a lot of focus, time, and energy developing an extraordinary experience to expand the sport of Lacrosse,” said Jason Clement, CEO of SF Companies. “6onLAX will be a big part of that initiative and aligns with the international movement of adding lacrosse in the Olympics. The objective is to provide a fun, fast-paced way for a lot of players to improve their skills and have the opportunity to play at every stage of life. We are thrilled to be aligned with US Lacrosse in an effort to expand the sport of lacrosse and increase access to this sport.”
To address the need for tournament standardization, the US Lacrosse Sanctioning Program provides an operational framework to create a more consistent experience for athletes. Sanctioned tournaments have been deemed by the sport’s national governing body to meet best-practice standards in five categories: venue, game format, risk management, tournament administration, and the use of certified US Lacrosse officials.
“We’re very excited to welcome Halo LAX into our event sanctioning program,” said J.P. Fischer, senior manager for sanctioning and events at US Lacrosse. “Through detailed planning, they’ve shown a tremendous commitment to creating a positive experience for all participants and they’ve embraced US Lacrosse concepts for developing 6onLAX. We look forward to expanding the sport and increase access for play.”
To learn more about Halo LAX, register for a tournament, or inquire about becoming a host site, visit halolax.com. To learn more about the SF Companies and the SFM Network, please visit sportadvisory.com or sfmnetwork.com.
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About Halo LAX: Halo LAX is a subsidiary of the Sports Facilities Companies which specializes in lacrosse education and event management. The mission of Halo LAX is to expand the sport of lacrosse to new players, locations, and formats through exceptional events and partnerships. Halo LAX offers tournaments and events for players in middle school division through post-collegiate/adult recreation. Halo LAX is part of the industry leading SFM Network of events, facilities, vendors, and talent. For more information, visit: halolax.com.
About Sports Facilities Companies: The Sports Facilities Advisory, LLC (SFA), Sports Facilities Development, LLC, and Sports Facilities Management, LLC (SFM) are headquartered in Clearwater, FL. Founded in 2003, SFA has served more than 2,000 communities, produced more than $10 billion in institutional-grade financial forecasts, and provided funding strategies and solutions for more than 70+ youth and amateur sports and recreation complexes worldwide. SFD serves facility owners through owner’s representation, venue planning, and procurement services during pre-development and construction. SFM provides industry-leading, results-driven management solutions for sports, fitness, recreation, and event venues nationwide. Since 2014, SFM-affiliated venues have hosted more than 100 million visitors and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact. For more information, visit: sportadvisory.com and sfmnetwork.com.
(Clearwater, FL) September 16, 2020 – Sports Facilities (SF) Companies, the youth and amateur sports industry leader in venue management, development, and planning has announced the addition of industry leader, Jim Arnold, to the leadership team of the SF Companies.
Mr. Arnold launched Ripken Design, Sports Force Parks and has been working in the planning, development and operations of the nation’s leading youth sports tournament destinations. Jim Arnold joins as National Business Development Director, a position that will lead client engagement across the U.S.
“For over a decade we have worked collaboratively with Jim on a number of projects,” said Jason Clement, CEO and Co-Founder of the SF Companies. “Jim shares our vision for the SFM Network as a solution for facility owners seeking the best in financial performance and maximum community impact.” He is a proven facility development leader, innovator, and collaborator in service to our industry.”
The SF Companies lead the youth and amateur sports industry in sports destination operations, development, and planning. Since 2003, the firms have assisted more than 2,000 communities across the United States as well as international projects in South America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Middle East. The SF Companies currently are engaged as the outsourced operator in more than 20 facilities across the U.S. as represented by the SFM Network which hosts 25+ million visitors each year.
“Spending the past 16+ years developing and operating sports complexes around the world has provided me with some amazing friends and memories; but most importantly with a true understanding of the value that sports provide,” said Arnold of his move to the SF Companies. “As an industry, now more than ever, communities need economic solutions that improve quality of life and outcomes for their kids. The SF Companies are the dominant leader in the market because of the SFM Network, the corporate infrastructure, and the solutions offered for funding and development needs. This provides me with the ability to provide immeasurable impact for our community partners and the 45 million athletes and families who participate in youth sports across our country.”
Prior to joining SF Companies, Arnold led the development of several industry-leading sports tourism properties in the U.S., including the Cal Ripken Experiences (Aberdeen, MD, Myrtle Beach, SC and Pigeon Forge, TN), Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center (Sandusky, OH), Sports Force Parks on the Mississippi (Vicksburg, MS) and most recently, Paradise Coast Sports Complex (Naples, FL).
In his role, Arnold will serve as a liaison between new clients, developments, and the SF Companies shepherding projects into the SFM Network and providing development and funding solutions to projects. Arnold joins SFC’s team of 900 facility operators, staff, market researchers, development advisors, and subject-matter experts. The SFM Network is the largest and fastest growing network of sports tourism destinations and community recreation complexes in the Nation. The SFM Network and its affiliated properties and event companies, such as Halo LAX, welcome more than 25 million guest visits and produce more than $200 million economic impact annually.
“Our team is focused on bringing play back safely and implementing funding and development solutions to allow our clients to achieve the economic and social benefits that come out of participation in sports,” said Dev Pathik, Founder of SF Companies. “Jim shares our heart for service and he has created solutions that have proven to be transformational to the communities he has served.”
To learn more about the Sports Facilities Companies including Sports Facilities Advisory (SFA), Sports Facilities Development (SFD), and Sports Facilities Management (SFM), visit sportadvisory.com or sfmnetwork.com.
Best-in-class series combines leading biomechanics with an eye-catching design
ROSEMONT, Ill., Sept. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Life Fitness today unveiled Axiom Series, a comprehensive and versatile line of strength equipment featuring 10 single-exercise and eight dual-exercise selectorized machines, a dual adjustable pulley, and 12 benches and racks. Now available globally, Axiom Series delivers simple and reliable biomechanics with an inviting, eye-catching design ideal for many fitness facilities, from health clubs to multi-unit housing, hospitality and more.
Axiom Series single and dual exercise selectorized machines are designed with a low-profile tower that allows for clear sight lines across the floor and can upgrade the appearance of any fitness facility. To ensure exercisers have a smooth and comfortable experience, Axiom Series utilizes high-quality weight stacks, guide rods, pulleys and cables, in addition to a standard accessory tray on top of each tower to store a water bottle, towel or mobile phone. Customers can also choose between a rear shroud only or full shroud solution depending on the design of their facility.
“We are thrilled to expand our industry-leading strength portfolio with the Axiom Series to offer fitness facilities a single, complete solution for strength training,” said Dan Wille, Global Vice President of Marketing and Product Development, Life Fitness. “We’ve listened to feedback from our customers and we’re excited for them to experience the full breadth and versatility of this line. The Axiom lineup features a fresh, inviting design with upgraded biomechanics and is the perfect solution to upgrade the look and strength training experience of any facility.”
Life Fitness Axiom Series benches and racks offer wide-ranging solutions for both storage and training. There are five racks dedicated to dumbbell storage, a barbell rack and a vertical medicine ball storage rack. Other key products include a Smith rack, flexibility trainer, abdominal bench and a dip and leg raise.
In addition, the Axiom Series dual adjustable pulley is a centerpiece for functional strength training with limitless training options used for individual workouts, personal training or group training applications. An optimized weight stack position narrows the footprint without sacrificing function, and a pair of long adjustable handles, an ankle strap and a triceps rope all come standard with the unit.
The line is also user-friendly and approachable to all exercisers. All selectorized units include graphic placards to help exercisers learn what muscle groups they are training and proper exercise motion. QR codes are also scannable via a smart phone to show a video of how to use each machine.
Simple, reliable, and aesthetically designed, the Life Fitness Axiom Series will elevate the strength training experience for any facility with its breadth and versatility. To explore Axiom Series, click here.
About Life Fitness
Life Fitness is the global leader in commercial fitness equipment and game tables and furnishings. The company manufactures and sells its strength and cardiovascular equipment, billiards tables and accessories, and game room furniture under the brand names Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Cybex, Indoor Cycling Group, SCIFIT and Brunswick Billiards. Its equipment is distributed to 166 countries. Life Fitness is headquartered outside Chicago, in Rosemont, Illinois. For more information about Life Fitness products and services, visit www.lifefitness.com.
Dana Andreoli
T: +1-847-288-3366
E: [email protected]
SOURCE Life Fitness
(Clearwater, FL) August 28, 2020 – The $19.2 billion youth and amateur sports industry has been on a steady rise since the early 2000’s (Wintergreen Research, Inc). As communities, real estate developers, and destination marketing organizations including convention and visitors bureaus consider their investment and re-investment into this market segment, the need for credible data in facility planning and accurate economic impact event reporting has grown. The Sports Facilities Management (SFM), which boasts the industry’s largest and fastest growing network of facilities, events, and talent through their SFM Network platform, has EventConnect, a leading software provider in tournament management, team travel, and event reporting, as their Preferred Provider.
“This relationship represents our commitment to bringing the industry’s best solutions to our clients and communities. EventConnect’s technology platform creates a more equitable, responsible solution for event management and team travel. What’s more, the CVB portal empowers tourism professionals with real-time reporting from multiple venues in their city – allowing them to make more informed decisions on their investments,” said Justin Roach, National Director of Events & Entertainment for SFM.
SFM is the leading provider for outsourced management and daily operations of sports tourism facilities, community recreation facilities, and event centers. SFM plans to roll out the EventConnect platform to new projects in their 16-state SFM Network including Future Legends, a Northern Colorado-based premium multi-sport complex which is slated to open in 2021. Of his decision to utilize EventConnect as the team travel and tournament management software for his 118-acre sports park, Director of Operations, Casey Katofsky said that it was the ease of use and cost savings for traveling teams and families that was the deciding factor.
“Our driving goal has been to create a platform that creates a ‘win’ for all parties in the youth sports tourism industry: destination facilities, event owners, hoteliers, communities, and teams/players. As a Preferred Provider for the SFM Network, we’ll be able to bring this solution to big portion of SFM’s client communities and their 20 million annual visitors,” said Jason Parker, Founder and CEO of EventConnect.
The EventConnect platform has been in development since 2013 and today serves more than15,000 hotels in over 800 cities across North America. Parker and EventConnect recently announced their Event Solutions Team with industry veterans Glen Schorr, Hank Pivarnik, Robin Wright and Matt Dunn to expand the company’s ability to facilitate platform implementation and provide support to destinations, event rights owners, hotels, and facilities.
“The relationship between EventConnect and SFM is really a natural fit. Our organizations are deeply committed to the health of the industry and doing what’s right for everyone who participates in youth sports,” said Jason Clement, SFM Co-Founder and CEO. “Our data insight into real-time operations and more than 2,000 communities through planning projects across the country and EventConnect’s data on more than 4,000 events really creates an unprecedented ability to look at performance metrics across the youth sports tourism industry.”
To learn more about the Sports Facilities Management (SFM) visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/f8b866af/ciQwfRJNP0KYgfjRIf0e3g?u=http://www.sportadvisory.com/ or https://link.edgepilot.com/s/97b6a4b8/kgG6Nrt430u9WVIuV7znJQ?u=http://www.sfmnetwork.com/. To learn more or request a demo of the EventConnect platform, please visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/c21d252b/oTz5Hdc0LUGjd5TLw_-B7A?u=https://eventconnect.io/
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About Sports Facilities Companies: The Sports Facilities Advisory, LLC (SFA), Sports Facilities Development, LLC, and Sports Facilities Management, LLC (SFM) are headquartered in Clearwater, FL. Founded in 2003, SFA has served more than 2,000 communities, produced more than $10 billion in institutional-grade financial forecasts, and provided funding strategies and solutions for more than 70+ youth and amateur sports and recreation complexes worldwide. SFD serves facility owners through owner’s representation, venue planning, and procurement services during pre-development and construction. SFM provides industry-leading, results-driven management solutions for sports, fitness, recreation, and event venues nationwide. Since 2014, SFM-affiliated venues have hosted more than 100 million visitors and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact. For more information, visit: sportadvisory.com and sfmnetwork.com.
About EventConnect: EventConnect is the only event management software in the Sports Tourism industry that connects thousands of partners on one platform. Working with more than 4,000 events, 15,000 hotels in over 800 cities across North America, we have built a platform that truly makes the experience better for everyone. Core principles of the platform are to create efficiency while increasing value. EventConnect helps sports organizations reduce time spent on administrative tasks and increase time delivering amazing experiences to all participants. The powerful technology platform is customized for each partner’s needs and is easy for organizers and participants to use. Learn more at: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/a6624e29/KM83Y0bBa067dRywgImbQw?u=http://www.eventconnect.io/corp, facebook.com/eventconnect; twitter.com/@eventconnect
(Clearwater, FL) August 27, 2020 – Sports Facilities (SF) Companies, the youth and amateur sports industry leader in venue planning, development, management, has announced the launch of their lacrosse events company: Halo LAX, LLC. Halo LAX will begin its inaugural season this fall featuring more than a dozen events across the country with three distinct event styles including 6onLAX, D3 Showcase, and Club Challenges. With a full season in 2021, Halo LAX plans to host 40+ lacrosse events and over 10,000 participants in locations across the country that is forecasted to produce more than $5.6 million in economic impact to those destinations.
“Halo LAX represents the next evolution of how the SF Companies serve our clients and communities,” said Jason Clement, SF Companies’ CEO and Co-Founder. “Our goal is to create exceptional events that fill a hole in the market to supplement – not displace – our existing event owner partners. This initiative creates a win for facilities, communities, and the industry as a whole by introducing new event inventory.”
Halo LAX event sites will feature several venues within the SFM Network – the largest and fastest growing network of sports and recreation facilities in the U.S. The firm reports more than 25 million guest visits in their managed properties each year – a number they expect to grow with the addition of Halo Lax events and others. SF Companies’ National Director of Events & Entertainment, Justin Roach and Event Manager, Joel Franklin are leading the Halo LAX launch on behalf of the firm.
“Our vision is to create an event platform that helps grow the sport of lacrosse and improves access for all,” said Roach. “In addition to being a great event option for facilities in the SFM Network, we’ll also be bringing our events to many other communities across the country.”
The growth of event companies like Halo LAX and destination sports properties like Panama City Beach Sports Complex, are due in part to the dramatic rise in the growth of sports tourism. The youth sports industry has grown from a $9.45 billion industry in 2015 (2016 NASC Annual Report) to now an estimated $19.2 billion (Wintergreen Research, Inc.). The industry is predicted to maintain is steep climb reaching $77.5 billion worldwide in 2026 (Wintergreen Research). Forward-thinking communities like Bedford Park, IL, Gatlinburg, TN, Bryan, TX, and Westfield, IN have pioneered sports tourism destinations in their region.
To learn more about Halo LAX, register for a tournament, or inquire about becoming a host site, visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/38972ecc/DBWZijMmQkKISDhD649ZWg?u=http://www.halolax.com/. To learn more about the SF Companies and the SFM Network, please visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/ecb02348/5ko5MpLBh0ue4kJjkPwzOA?u=http://www.sportadvisory.com/ or https://link.edgepilot.com/s/12fb4fd4/KdrCzvG8RkSUwTIIPcdBCg?u=http://www.sfmnetwork.com/.
Altamont, N.Y. (August 19, 2020) – Gait Lacrosse is proud to announce it’s latest NCAA multi-year partnership with the Northwestern Women’s Lacrosse program. The agreement provides Gait Lacrosse hard goods to the Division I student-athletes beginning in the spring of 2021.
“We are really looking forward to working with Paul, Gary and the Gait Lacrosse Family. The Gait name has always signified excellence and cutting-edge innovation,” said coach Kelly Amonte-Hiller. “We feel this a natural fit for our Lacrosse program and student athletes. The Gait brand will focus heavily on supporting women’s products and performance enhancing features, which is very important to me and Northwestern University. We can’t wait to get started with this exciting new partnership.”
Gait Lacrosse, a collaboration between lacrosse legends and brothers, Gary and Paul Gait, launched last fall. The company has a full line of women’s lacrosse gear (heads, handles, gloves and eyewear) and men’s lacrosse heads, handles and gloves.
“We are very happy to come to an agreement with Kelly Amonte-Hiller and the Northwestern program,” said Gait Lacrosse co-owner Paul Gait. “Kelly is one of the most innovative and successful coaches in the game today, who brings immense credibility to everything she is involved in. This new partnership will help fuel our goal to become the leading innovator of performance driven lacrosse equipment.”
Northwestern University joins University of Maryland, the U.S. Naval Academy and the University of Louisville women’s lacrosse programs as part of the Gait Family.
#BeLegendary
PG Lax Properties, LLC is a US based company created by Paul Gait and Curt Styres to produce the “Gait” brand of lacrosse products. The brand originally developed by Paul Gait, for Rawlings Sporting Goods, was contractually re-acquired by Gait in 2018. In September of 2019, Paul’s twin brother Gary, arguably the greatest player of all-time, joined the company to create one of the industry’s most dynamic duos in design and innovation. The Company is committed to use its legendary design experience and proven creativity to produce products with game-changing innovation. Established partnerships with the NLL, professional athletes and NCAA programs have allowed the Gait brothers to prove that their performance design and technology is unmatched within the industry.
Media Contact
Jennifer Riitano Levy
Vice President of Product & Marketing
518-331-4012
Port Washington, NY, August 19, 2020 – While the U.S. cycling industry’s unprecedented growth in the earlier months of the COVID-19 pandemic was primarily driven by sales of family-friendly, adult lifestyle and children’s bicycles, the storyline evolved in June. According to The NPD Group, the 63% year-over year growth for bike sales in June primarily stemmed from higher-end bikes typically purchased by enthusiasts, including road, gravel, and full suspension mountain bikes, as well as electric bikes.
Sales of bikes with average selling prices above $1,000 experienced impressive growth in June 2020 compared to the same month last year. Full suspension mountain bikes were up 92% in dollars, gravel bikes +144%, sport performance road bikes +87%, and e-bikes +190%.
The growth in children’s, lifestyle, and transit/fitness bikes slowed compared to their April and May 2020 rates, likely as a result of lowered inventories at retail. Although June growth for these categories was lower than that of the performance categories, they showed significant average sales price increases. June average selling prices were up 20% compared to the same period last year for lifestyle bikes, +33% for transit/fitness, and +13% children’s bikes.
“The growth of these performance-based segments is likely a result of a few factors. Consumers of these more expensive bikes may have delayed purchases in the early months of the crisis, creating pent-up demand for these categories. Additionally, with a continuation of working from home for many, and as gyms and health clubs are unable to reopen in many states, consumers may be more willing to invest in higher-priced, performance-oriented bikes as a fitness option for the long haul,” said Dirk Sorenson, sports industry analyst, The NPD Group.
Source: The NPD Group/ U.S. Retail Tracking Service
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About The NPD Group, Inc.
NPD offers data, industry expertise, and prescriptive analytics to help our clients grow their businesses in a changing world. Over 2,000 companies worldwide rely on us to help them measure, predict, and improve performance across all channels, including brick-and-mortar and e-commerce. We have offices in 27 cities worldwide, with operations spanning the Americas, Europe, and APAC. Practice areas include apparel, appliances, automotive, beauty, books, B2B technology, consumer technology, e-commerce, fashion accessories, food consumption, foodservice, footwear, home, juvenile products, media entertainment, mobile, office supplies, retail, sports, toys, video games, and watches. For more information, visit npd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @npd_sports.
Press Contact:
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