BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — While total merchandise sales at IBDs were off 1 percent in January compared to the same month a year ago, complete bike sales bucked the downward trend, according to the latest figures from Leisure Trends RetailTrak. Bikes gained 3 percent in units and 6 percent in dollars in January compared to the same month in 2013.
With the exception of road bikes, which were down 5 percent, most major bike categories shared in the month's dollar gains. The transit/fitness bike category was up 14 percent in units and 16 percent in dollars; lifestyle/leisure bikes were up 16 percent in both units and dollars; and mountain bikes were up 7 percent in units and 24 percent in dollars (this includes 26-, 27.5- and 29-inch wheel sizes).
Leisure Trends attributed the double-digit dollar growth in mountain bikes to higher retail-selling prices. Meanwhile, it noted that 27.5 continues to grab market share in the off-road category, accounting for 11 percent of all mountain bike dollars for the month. Retailers sold nearly 1,300 bikes with the in-between wheel size, totaling $2.2 million.
As far as accessories, sales weren't so great. Apparel dropped 10 percent, aftermarket accessories dipped 5 percent and aftermarket parts were down 7 percent.
Compared to the same month last year, total merchandise sales were down 1 percent, at $144 million, Leisure Trends reported.
January 2014 vs. January 2013: Dollar Sales
- · All Bicycles: +6%
- · Road Bikes: -5%
- · Mountain Bikes: +24%
- · Transit/Fitness Bikes: +16%
- · Lifestyle/Leisure Bikes: +16%
- · Shoes: +3%
- · Apparel: -10%
- · Aftermarket Parts: -7%
- · Aftermarket Accessories: -5%
