Easton-Bell Sports' Action Sport sales down

VAN NUYS, CA (BRAIN)—Easton-Bell Sports' sales grew slightly to $214.1 million over the second quarter of 2012, an increase of 1 percent as compared to $211.9 million over the same period last year.

However, sales by the company’s Action Sports division, which includes its bicycle business, decreased $1.9 million or 2 percent for the quarter.

Easton-Bell’s president and chief executive officer Paul Harrington attributes the downturn in Action Sports’ sales to European markets. The division experienced double-digit decreases in sales of Bell and Giro cycling helmets and Giro snow helmets in Europe due to economic uncertainty in the region and the weather-related softness in the snow market. Even though the company saw sales growth in North America, the drop in Europe dominated the sales report.

The growth for the company came from its Team Sports segment, which grew 3 percent over the quarter. The increase resulted from gains with Riddell football helmets and apparel and the recently introduced Easton Mako hockey stick line.