Czech Republic reports growing sports and camping goods market

The retail sales of sports and camping goods in the Czech Republic were up in 2013, with € 566 million in revenues. The market is still growing, but is still smaller than other EU countries. The EU average per capita for sporting goods purchases was € 77.67 in 2013, while Czechs spent only € 55.49 per capita.

Aside from Estonia, the Czech Republic did have the highest per capita spending on sports and camping goods of the new Member States of the EU. It was almost on par with Ireland, above Romania, but far behind Poland’s market. Although the per capita spending was reportedly below the EU average, the Czech Republic did show a 6.1% increase in 2013, far above the 1.4% average of the EU. Part of this increase was a favorably cold winter, which boosted sales for skiing and other winter sports equipment. The national spending on sports was spent 48% on sporting wear, 38% on sports and outdoor equipment, and 14% on admissions to sporting venues.

Popular sports in Czech are generally outdoor activities, the list including swimming, hiking, ice hockey, downhill skiing, cycling, and football. In general, sporting activities are done to have fun and relax, not to compete. Around 50% of the population takes part in some sporting activity each week, according to reports by Incoma Research, with 33% taking part in sports more than once a week.

Studies also show that there is a rise in popularity of individual sports and fitness. While there was previously a focus on team sports, now more women and young professionals are getting into the exercise market, particularly in cities. Rural areas still favor team sports, likely due to the lack of infrastructure for individual exercise activities.

The general public in Czech are knowledgeable about the top commercial sports companies. For example, even people who report not being active in sports can identify the Adidas brand. Most Czechs do not buy for brand names, but instead are loyal to their favorite retailers. They tend to shop in the same outlet even if they do not carry a desired brand; most Czechs would rather purchase a different brand than switch to another store.

Water sports are the least popular sport by product sales, possibly due to climate, making up just 2% of the market. Team sports, which include the top two sports football and ice hockey, still make up the largest part of the market at 29%. Other popular sports in 2013 were camping, horse riding, and fishing at 23% of the market, skiing at 18%, fitness at 14%, and other individual sports including tennis and golf at 14%.

In Europe, the Czech Republic holds a top spot for growth for its sports and camping goods market. The high growth rate experience last year is expected to continue into 2014 at 6%. Growth this year is expected to occur in the areas of home fitness, winter sports equipment, and outdoor equipment. Cycling is also expected to do well, as products are currently selling at a high rate this summer.