2026 Outdoor Retail Sales Trends Report – Executive Summary

Outdoor product sales in the Athletic Specialty and Sporting Goods (ASSG) retail channel finished 2025 slightly below 2024 levels, as price increases caused by tariffs dampened consumer spending. While dollar sales held relatively steady in some categories, unit sales declined overall, confirming that higher prices had a significant impact throughout the year.

Our 2026 Outdoor Retail Sales Trends Report provides a category-by-category breakdown of performance across the ASSG channel. Highlights include:

• Footwear as the standout category, with running and running-inspired shoes growing in revenue and unit volume across men’s, women’s, and children’s segments.
• Apparel trends showing selective consumer spending, with growth concentrated in trend-focused and lifestyle-oriented segments.
• Overall decline in the equipment category with pockets of growth in water sports, backpacking, and gear maintenance.
• Independent specialty retail finishing 2025 in positive territory due to inventory discipline and a growing used gear market.

Check out the Executive Summary for key findings and market implications. To access the complete report and our full library of market intelligence and single-sport reports, contact us to learn more about joining OIA.