BOULDER, CO (BRAIN) — Thanks to 2012’s unseasonably warm winter, IBD sales suffered from unfavorable year-ago comparisons this February but showed strength when viewed against the more realistic 2011 period, according to data from research firm Leisure Trends Group.
Merchandise sales dropped 7 percent in dollars and 5 percent in units compared with February 2012, but rose 5.5 percent and 2 percent, respectively, compared with February 2011.
Dollar sales of aftermarket parts slipped 4 percent compared with 2012 but rose 14 percent compared with 2011. Aftermarket accessories rose 2 percent compared with 2012 and 14 percent compared with 2011 largely on the strength of high-priced electronics like action cameras and power meters, according to Greg Shoenfeld, retail analyst at Leisure Trends.
Bike sales, meanwhile, appeared lackluster viewed through any prism. Dollar sales plunged 13 percent and units fell 9 percent compared with 2012, and were flat and down 4 percent, respectively, compared with February 2011.
Road bikes saw the biggest decline, off 15 percent in units and 18 percent in dollars compared with 2012.
Twenty-niners were the lone bright segment, up 21 percent in dollars from a year ago and capturing 49 percent of the overall mountain bike market.
February 2013 vs. February 2012: Dollar Sales
All bicycles: -13 percent
Road bikes: -18 percent
Mountain bikes: -7 percent
Transit/fitness bikes: -2 percent
Lifestyle/leisure bikes: -15 percent
Shoes: -5 percent
Apparel: -6 percent
Aftermarket parts: -4 percent
Aftermarket accessories: +2 percent
