Outdoor Insight

# T H E B U Z Z OUTDOOR EYE and to become carbon neutral by 2050. The sustainability framework is informed by global trends and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, according to the company, and "reflects a continued effort to maximize the societal value Gore delivers through its operations, supply chains and innovations, and a commitment to reduce the environmental footprint that Gore's operations and products have on our planet." In June, the U.S. Senate passed the Great American Outdoors Act with overwhelming bipartisan support, fully funding the Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at $900 million a year and providing support to the infrastructure and access opportunities to National Parks and the public lands. Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and its 1,300 member busi- nesses celebrated the Senate's passage of the bill, which now awaits action by the U.S House of Representatives. According to NPD data, recreational tents showed strong sales in the last two weeks of April, with sales up 32 percent in the week ending May 2 compared to last year. Hat company Sunday Afternoons has launched a new line of face masks and gaiters for adults and kids that offer protection and per- formance for outdoor adventure. The UVShield Cool Face Masks combine performance features — including UPF 50+ sun protection and Coolcore breathable, wicking fabrics — with comfort, fit and fun colors and patterns for adults and kids. LEKI, the maker of skiing, trekking and trail running poles, and Women Who Hike, an organization that empowers women on and off the trail, have announced a partner- ship to provide women with the resources and gear they need to head out for a hike. Women Who Hike taps into over 60 ambassadors throughout the country who host a multitude of group hikes each year, and LEKI is providing each ambas- sador with a pair of women-specific trekking poles along with educa- tional resources on how poles can make the hiking experience better. N E W S / A N A L Y S I S Bike Sales Surge in Spring $1 BILLION Smith Commits to Retail with Sales Incentive Program The industry saw an unprecedented growth trend for U.S. cycling sales in March and April, according to The NPD Group. April sales for traditional bikes, indoor bikes, parts, helmets, and other accessories grew a combined 75 percent to $1 billion compared to last year. It was the first month since NPD began tracking the cycling market that sales reached $1 billion in a single month. Typically, April sales fall between $550 and $575 million. Bicycles suitable for family use, neigh- borhood riding, and those with more approachable price-points showed the strongest year-over-year sales gains. Lifestyle/leisure bikes, sold at prices under $200, grew by 203 percent; front suspension mountain bikes were up by more than 150 percent; and children's bikes increased by 107 percent for the month. Accessories sales also grew, including helmets (up 49 percent), water bottle cages (up 60 percent), and bike baskets (up 85 percent). "For far too long the cycling industry has been solely focused on the pinnacle athlete, but these results show that a broader, family and beginner focus can reap gains. This is a silver lining, and one of the important sports retail lessons to come out of the pandemic," said Matt Powell, NPD's sports industry advisor. Another trend that emerged in March and amplified in April was the purchase of cycling equipment for indoor riding. Stationary bike sales grew by 270 percent for the month. "The excitement that consumers are show- ing in cycling, particularly in recreational and family riding, is an absolutely amazing moment for the bike community. This is a unique and powerful chance for retailers, manufacturers, and non-profit organizations to engage new riders," said Dirk Sorenson, sports industry analyst at NPD. l In what the brand describes as an effort to revitalize the economic health of its trusted retail partners, Smith has allocated $300,000 to the launch of its newly launched Committed to Retail sales incentive program. The pro- gram encourages consumers to patronize their neighborhood gear shops by paying a commission directly to the salesperson com- pleting the transaction of Smith sunglasses sold in their store, as well as a strategic rebate provided directly to participating shops for all Smith sunglasses purchases throughout the program period. Powered by ENDVR — a retail sales app that rewards sales associates with cash for driving sales at their store — the Committed to Retail campaign, which began on June 9, will run through September 7, 2020. Under the program, sales floor employees will directly receive $5 for every pair of Smith sunglasses they sell. l April sales for traditional bikes, indoor bikes, parts, helmets, and other accessories grew a combined 75% outdoorinsightmag.com Summer 2020 • Outdoor Insight

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