Global sporting goods retailer, Intersport, has reported a currency- and store-adjusted decline of retail sales of approximately 9 per cent in 2020. On a total store base, retail sales has decreased by 13.8 per cent to €10.6 billion. By the end of 2020, Intersport had 5,186 sales outlets worldwide (5,426 in 2019) and was represented in 44 countries.
The TAF network counted 570 stores, in 33 markets in 2020. In total, the Intersport group was, thus, represented in 58 countries on all five continents. The year 2020 commenced with huge pressure on the winter business. The warmest winter ever hit IIC - Intersport International (IIC) and most of the national Intersport organisations in its core. Early in the year, when it became evident that the virus would spread from China to the rest of the world, and the signs of a potential global crisis became stronger, IIC launched immediate measures to prepare for the negative impacts to be faced and ensure production and supplies out of Asia. COVID-19 spread faster than anticipated, and consequently the Intersport group was confronted with many restrictions and finally lock downs around the globe, Intersport said in a press release.Global sporting goods retailer, Intersport, has reported a currency- and store-adjusted decline of retail sales of approximately 9 per cent in 2020. On a total store base, retail sales has decreased by 13.8 per cent to €10.6 billion. By the end of 2020, Intersport had 5,186 sales outlets worldwide (5,426 in 2019) and was represented in 44 countries.#
Intersport’s online sales development accelerated strongly, tripling revenues in many countries. In hindsight the highest growth rates were achieved in markets with an already existing strong omni-channel presence. Retrospectively viewed, 2020 has been an extremely challenging year for the sporting goods industry. Intersport succeeded to manage this crisis on the short-term, without hindering its positive mid and long-term momentum. Following weak first and second quarters, there was a strong sales and EBIT rebound in the third quarter. As a result of the second wave in the fourth quarter of the year, and the related lockdowns in many countries, volumes were again under tremendous pressure, the company said in a media statement.
Overall, Intersport is very much encouraged by the level of newcomers to sport and the high percentage who plan to increase their activity levels following the lockdowns. For Spring/Summer 2021 it is anticipated that Intersport will have gained tremendous strength, and will exceed 2019 results. Increased activity levels, the rebound nature of sporting goods, increased focus on healthy lifestyles and the consumer need for experience and advice all match with Intersport’s global strategy. These developments, combined with a strong omni-channel consumer value proposition, will help the group to overcome the current challenges in the important winter sports business, the company said in a press release.
COVID-19 also impacted IIC’s Athletic Streetstyle banner, although to a lesser extent than its sporting goods business. Despite the difficult circumstances, The Athlete’s Foot proved to maintain its continuous positive momentum, even with a decline of global retail sales by 9 per cent to $0.4 billion. With 570 stores, in 33 markets, on five continents, The Athlete’s Foot’s retail network has steadily grown in 2020 (2019: 561 stores, 30 markets).
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)
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