Today we examine retails sales trends in two other important markets for the action sports world: Canada and Australia.

Yesterday, the Canadian government released surprisingly strong retail sales figures for September. Retail sales increased 5.8 percent vs. the same month last year. 

Compared to other countries, Canadian retail sales have held up quite well, showing positive year-over-year growth so far this year.

Clothing sales have had a tougher road, however, and posted negative growth in March and August vs. the same months in 2007. But sales rebounded in September along with overall retail sales.

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Today, we examine 2008 monthly retail sales in major European markets to get a sense of how important countries to the action sports industry are faring. All the data comes directly from European government sources.

While some countries are technically in a recession there, others are not and are faring better. There is even some glimmer of hope in some of the September and October data.

The first chart shows the percent change in retail sales vs. the same month last year for 27 EU nations. Sales took a turn ...  Read More...   

There's an interesting survey out today that says more shoppers plan to shop on the day and weekend after Thanksgiving than last year. Also, more people said they will be shopping for themselves than last year.

The International Council of Shopping Centers survey says 45 percent of those surveyed said they will shop on Friday or the weekend vs. 36 percent in 2007. A whopping 81 percent of those who will shop said they will shop for themselves vs. 69 percent in 2007.

Michael Niemira, the ICSC's chief economist, who called the results "surprising," said bargains may bring shoppers out despite the downturn.

"These results further underscore how pent-up ...  Read More...     Email to Friend

I had breakfast the other morning at Cappy's in Newport Beach with Jamahl Grey, the general manager of the Australian brand Rhythm. Jamahl was in the States to meet with Jye Townend, who is managing the U.S. Rhythm operation, and to check in with key retail accounts.

Rhythm's first shipment in the U.S. market will arrive in stores in January. The brand landed some good accounts for its first season, including Sun Diego, HSS, Surf Club Surf Shop, South Coast Surf Shop, ZJ Boarding House, Rusty, Infinity Surf, Mitch's Surf Shop, Swell.com and Thalia Surf Shop.

Rhythm is best known for its colorful boardshorts, but also has walkshorts, wovens, T-shirts, tanks ...  Read More...     Email to Friend