BOULDER, CO (BRAIN) Wednesday June 6 2012 3:33 PM MT—After an unseasonably warm March that boosted bike shop sales 29 percent, April sales gains were more modest, according to a recent report by Leisure Trends.
According to figures derived from the company's sampling, all merchandise sales in April were up 4 percent over the same month last year. Unit sales were up just 1 percent, while the average retail price was up 3 percent.
Cyclists inspired by warm weather may have shifted their bike purchases earlier in the season: while bike sales in March were up 24 percent in units, in April they slipped 4 percent compared to April 2011. However, thanks to an 8 percent increase in selling price, dollar sales were up 4 percent.
Twenty-niners continued to show the largest percentage increase: they were up a whopping 63 percent in April, while road bikes were up just 1 percent.
Apparel sales were down 1 percent for April, although one segment, short-sleeved jerseys, was up 6 percent.
April 2012 vs. April 2011: Dollar Sales
- All Bicycles: +4%
- Road Bikes: +1%
- Mountain Bikes: +15%
- Transit/ Fitness Bikes: -1%
- Lifestyle/ Leisure Bikes: -6%
- Shoes: -7%
- Apparel: -1%
- Helmets: +2%
- Aftermarket Parts: +7%
- Aftermarket Accessories: +5%
