The NPD Group Reports Jump in Basketball Footwear Sales; Strong 2013 Sales Continue into 2014, with Kids Segment Driving Double-Digit Growth

According to The NPD Group, a global information company, 2013 total basketball footwear* retail sales reached $3.3 billion, a 19 percent increase over 2012. Total sales for women’s basketball footwear declined 15 percent, while men’s increased 17 percent, and kid’s increased 26 percent. 

Port Washington, NY  April 01, 2014

According to The NPD Group, a global information company, 2013 total basketball footwear* retail sales reached $3.3 billion, a 19 percent increase over 2012. Total sales for women’s basketball footwear declined 15 percent, while men’s increased 17 percent, and kid’s increased 26 percent.

The upward trend in basketball footwear sales continued in the first two months of 2014, with total sales increasing 21 percent compared to the same time period last year (Jan. – Feb. 2013). Once again, the kid’s segment scored high points, driving the current growth, with men’s following in second place.

“With the spotlight on basketball around this time of year due to the NBA All-Star Game leading up to the NCAA Tournament, January and February are key months for basketball footwear retailers to launch their new styles,” said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst, The NPD Group, Inc. “Along with the already expected healthy momentum, some popular new launches drove sales up even further this year.”

Top U.S. Markets

The top three cities for total basketball footwear revenue in 2013 were New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, with Atlanta being the fastest growing out of the top 10 basketball U.S. footwear markets.
“The secondary markets are where the basketball shoe action is. The passion of the younger consumer reaching for basketball shoes has shifted away from the big city markets to more rural areas, driving the growth as the business goes mainstream,” stated Cohen.

*Total basketball footwear includes the categories of performance, sports lifestyle, and classic basketball shoes. Source: The NPD Group, Inc. / Retail Tracking Service (channels: Athletic Specialty / Sporting Goods, Department Stores, National Chain, and Shoe Chain)

About The NPD Group, Inc.

The NPD Group provides global information and advisory services to drive better business decisions. By combining unique data assets with unmatched industry expertise, we help our clients track their markets, understand consumers, and drive profitable growth. Sectors covered include automotive, beauty, consumer electronics, entertainment, fashion, food / foodservice, home, luxury, mobile, office supplies, sports, technology, toys, and video games.

For more information, visit http://www.npd.com and npdgroupblog.com. Follow us on Twitter: @npdgroup.

By press release