Swiss retailer Intersport posts 20.7% retail sales growth in 2021

27 Jan '22

2 min read

Pic: Intersport

The global sporting goods retailer Intersport has reported retail sales with an accelerated growth of 20.7 per cent in the financial year 2021. With this record result, the figures of 2019 were exceeded by 3 per cent. The retail sales increased to €12.2 billion, despite the months of retail lockdowns in many markets and the supply chain disruption.

By the end of 2021, Intersport had 5,430 stores worldwide (5,421 in 2020) and was represented in 42 countries. Experiencing a slow start into the year caused by retail lockdowns in numerous markets, the group saw good sales growth in the second half of the year. Appetite for consumption returned with stores re-opening and the strengthened desire for physical activity mainly in the outdoors contributed to this all-time high in retail sales, Intersport said in a press release.

After the group had suffered from retail disruptions and dropped by 13.8 per cent to €10.2 billion in 2020, in 2021 the pre-COVID level could not only be met again but was exceeded by €300 million. At no time in the group history, a better sales result was reported, which confirms the strong standing of the group within the sporting goods retail market, being recognised for expert-authority and advise, and appreciated for its hyperlocal presence store network.

The positive sales trend can be observed in almost all markets the group is represented in. Those countries that were heavily affected by COVID restrictions and extended lock-downs suffered over- proportionally resulting in a later recovery compared to the other markets. Online business was boosted by COVID and showed a solid 25 per cent increase (pure online sales, so excluding click and collect, ship from store) compared to 2020, outgrowing the group’s overall development, the release added.

“Despite the still challenging sporting goods retail business and restrictions in many countries due to COVID regulations, we have achieved an outstanding result and are back on track. Our strong customer focus combined with a great omni-channel offer connected to more than 5,400 stores builds a strong backbone for future growth. I am very optimistic that the Intersport Group can continue to leverage its hyperlocal presence and its service and advice-based expertise with its customers as we observe a growing optimism based on strong double-digit orders for Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter 2022,” Intersport CEO, Steve Evers, said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)

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