Basketball Shoe Sales Climb Despite Overall Decline in Athletic Footwear Market - Basketball-Related Footwear Accounts for One-Quarter of All Athletic Footwear Sales
Port Washington, NY (PRWEB) June 30, 2014 -- Specifically, basketball performance footwear sales grew by 12 percent, from $1.63 billion in the 12 months ending April 2013, to $1.83 billion in the 12 months ending April 2014. Basketball inspired footwear** grew 9 percent, from $1.34 billion to $1.45 billion during the same time period. Overall, the dollar share of basketball-related footwear accounted for 25 percent of all athletic footwear combined, demonstrating its robust presence in the market.
“Just one look at the colors, styles, innovation, and launches in basketball footwear this year, and you will see the reason for its higher level of growth,” said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst, The NPD Group. “The basketball segment is capitalizing on brand and star power performance, which is working to its advantage. On top of that, all of these features put together add greater appeal and diversify basketball footwear’s place in the market. Consumers, whether shoe enthusiasts or not, are drawn to the product launches and styles, which are driving basketball footwear sales today.”
Top U.S. Basketball Brands and Markets
The top-performing basketball footwear brands based on dollar share in the 12 months ending April 2014 were Brand Jordan, Nike, Adidas, and Reebok, respectively. The top three fastest growing U.S. footwear markets during the same period were Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Dallas.
“The strength of the basketball shoe market in large cities is undeniable, but it’s not only consumers in the larger urban markets that are buying into this craze,” said Cohen. “Consumers are reaching out from all corners of the U.S. to get in on the action. This category has universal appeal across the country.”
*Basketball footwear includes the categories of performance and classic basketball shoes. Source: The NPD Group, Inc. / Retail Tracking Service (channels: Athletic Specialty / Sporting Goods, Department Stores, National Chain, and Shoe Chain).
** Inspired footwear: Also known as classics; style 10 years or older, stays true to its original silhouette, and has switched from a performance to lifestyle product.
Marissa Cox, The NPD Group, http://www.npd.com, (516) 625 2203, [email protected]
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