British fashion consumers are causing a surge in sportswear sales,
according to new research from Mintel, which reveals that the sportswear
category is set to surpass 7 billion pounds in sales in 2016.
The research reveals that 50 percent of those consumers who bought
sports clothing, footwear, equipment or accessories in the past 12 months
did so for non-sports use, while 34 percent have bought fashionable
sportswear that can be worn when not exercising, and 11 percent have
purchased items from celebrity sportswear collections, such as Beyonce’s
Blue Ivy in collaboration with Topshop.
In addition, one third, 32 percent of purchasers say they prefer to buy
from sports retailers who follow the latest fashion trends.
A driving factor in the growth of the athleisure market is the increased
in consumer interest in health and wellness trends, according to Mintel, as
well as the Olympics and Paralympics games, which has seen brands including
Stella McCartney and Asos designing kits and ceremony outfits for Team GB
athletes.
“A number of high-profile designers have kitted out the Olympic teams
again this year and, with all eyes on the athletes, merchandise and
associated sports products are particularly well-placed to succeed. Beyond
official merchandise, general activewear sales are likely to lift as
consumers get caught-up in the Olympic hype,” said Samantha Dover, retail
analyst at Mintel.
The research company also predicts that the Olympic games will heighten
consumer interest in sports fashion and fineness, for instance, in 2012
during the London Olympics sports goods sales rose by 7 percent.
Overall, 54 percent of Brits have bought sports clothing, footwear,
equipment or accessories in the past 12 months, rising to 59 percent of
men. While men are most likely to purchase sports goods, Mintel research
indicates that men are also more likely to have bought sporting apparel for
non-sports use, on average 50 percent of purchasers bought sport clothing
for non-sports use, rising to 55 percent of men.
Although clothing remains the dominant category in sportswear, sales of
sports shoes are on the increase, with Mintel predicting that footwear
sales will make up 34 percent of specialist sporting goods sales in 2016,
up from 29 percent in 2014. Clothing will still dominate at 54 percent of
total sporting goods sales, however, this is down from 59 percent in 2014.
Dover added: ”Whilst clothing continues to be the dominant category,
footwear is an increasingly crucial part of any sports retailer’s
assortment. The substantial growth we’re seeing in the footwear segment is
likely driven by the increased acceptance of sports clothing in society. In
particular, athletic footwear has become a big, mainstream fashion trend.”
Images: courtesy of Adidas – Team GB opening ceremony outfits