Q1 2026 Outdoor Retail Trends Report

Our quarterly Outdoor Retail Sales Trends Reports give the industry its clearest, most reliable read on what's actually selling across Athletic Specialty and Sporting Goods (ASSG) retail channels. The Q1 2026 edition cuts past the topline to reveal a more complicated story, one where flat dollar sales mask genuine demand contraction, where rising prices are reshaping consumer behavior, and where smart brands are uncovering opportunities.

Inside the report, you'll find the key trends shaping outdoor retail in the year ahead, including:

• A near-flat quarter on the surface, with dollars down less than 1%, masking a 7.3% unit decline across every category as average prices climbed 6.7%
• Outdoor price increases outpacing broader inflation (~3.3%), raising real questions about long-term price sustainability
• Footwear's standout shift toward look, feel, and everyday versatility, with running- and basketball-inspired shoes outselling technical counterparts and slides posting triple-digit growth
• A 28.5% surge in service spending, signaling that consumers under financial pressure are repairing rather than replacing their gear

OIA equips our members with the data and intelligence they need to lead with confidence, turning challenges into strategic opportunities.