Retail News

The trend first established in February continues. Three out of the four product groups in March showed growth in value terms compared to the same period last year. These ranged from +6.4% for light durables to +16.4% for apparel. The exception was consumables which showed a decline of -4.2%. The overall effect was +7.5%. Now, we must not get too excited as a proportion of this will be affected by inflation which was still high compared March 2022. Year to date figures now range from -1.9% for clubs to +12.4% for apparel with the overall result standing at +0.3%. 

The pattern was similar in unit terms ranging from -4.7% for consumables to +9.5% for apparel yielding an overall growth of +2.8%. Considerably less than the growth in value terms confirming price rise.

Additionally, from a golf perspective, the month’s performance was not helped by the weather, which was the wettest for forty years. Rainfall was well above average at 155% with over twice the amount in many southern areas. Temperatures were close to the average and it was sunny for the west side of Scotland but dull for most other areas particularly in Wales and Southern England.

Drilling down to individual hardware products for the month in value terms we find a wide range of performances. These range from -18.0% for trolleys to +22.5% for bags. A similar picture is also seen for men’s apparel with individual products ranging from +5% for shirts to +35.1% for outerwear.

Average selling prices are also interesting. Increases for hardware compared to the same period last year range from +1.5% for woods to +10.5% for trolleys. Surprisingly, there are also declines: shoes -5.8%, putters -4.7%, wedges -3.7% and bags -1.1%. These could have resulted from customers trading down and or retailers using them for price promotions aimed at driving volumes. Apparel also has a wide range from -4.9% for outwear to men’s trousers at +15.3%. What this suggest in general is that prices are not keeping up with the inflationary effects on their other cost, such as energy and bank interest rates, which will be damaging 

profitability.

Golf Datatech is a world leader in golf industry research. It provides the trade with specialised market research covering retail sales, inventory, pricing, distribution, along with strategic sales and marketing consultancy.

In the UK, Golf Datatech research is based on an average of 2,000,000 records per month, recorded by EPOS systems at the point of sale.

For greater detail contact John Hassett on 07976 797081

Definitions

Clubs: Woods, irons, putters, and wedges

Apparel: Men’s and women’s shirts, bottoms, tops and weatherwear

Consumables: Balls and gloves

Lauren Hilliard Joins Team at Worldwide Golf Brands

Worldwide Golf Brands has announced that Lauren Hilliard has been appointed as sales agent for Oscar Jacobson and BIG MAX in South East England and East Anglia. Lauren joins the team in on 22nd May, picking up the hugely successful sell in of AW23 for O.J. and preparing for the launches of the exciting new 2024 lines for both brands. 

“Lauren has been a breath of fresh air as we’ve finalised her role,” commented Graeme Stevens, M.D. of Worldwide Golf Brands. “She has an incredible enthusiasm for the brands and has established a great track record in the industry over a relatively short period of time. I’m really excited for what she will bring to both O.J. and BIG MAX in one of our most important territories.”

Lauren adds Oscar Jacobson and BIG MAX to her current portfolio that includes Wilson Golf in the South East and East Anglia. Lauren also previously held a sub-agent position for Rohnisch, her first role as an agent after establishing her love of the golf industry working at Silvermere, one of the busiest golf retail outlets in Europe.

“I was first introduced to Oscar Jacobson and BIG MAX when I worked at Silvermere,” explained Lauren. “Both brands were known for their quality and innovation and were some of the most popular lines we stocked, so as soon as I became aware of the position with WWGB, I jumped at the opportunity. The brands complement my current portfolio, and from my time in retail I have a great understanding of what retailers need from the brands. I really can’t wait to get started and look forward to showing OJ and BIG MAX to new and existing customers. Having just come away from the 2024 sales meetings for both brands, I know that retailers and golfers have some fantastic new products on the way.”

To book an appointment with Lauren to see the latest ranges from BIG MAX and Oscar Jacobson email lhilliard@wwbg.uk or contact WWGB Head Office on SOrders@wwgb.uk 

PING to support 2023 PING Junior Solheim Cup with new apparel and bags

PING have announced their continued support of the 2023 PING Junior Solheim Cup, as the official apparel and bag supplier for both competing teams in this historic championship event.

Once again, PING will be supplying team apparel and golf bags for both teams as part of their continued commitment to supporting some of the future stars within the game. 

Lisa Lovatt, Managing Director of PING Europe, commented: “Supporting junior golf, and the Junior Solheim Cup in particular, is something we are incredibly passionate about. Our team has worked hard to provide both teams with the uniforms they need to look and perform their best and we’re excited to see the event unfold in September.”

PING players and Solheim Cup veterans, Azahara Muñoz, Caroline Masson and Leona Maguire, have all come through the Junior Solheim Cup ranks; showcasing the impressive environment and development that the event presents for amateur players to experience golf on a larger stage. 

Established by John Solheim, PING’s Executive Chairman, back in 2002, the PING Junior Solheim Cup has built a strong reputation as the leading team event for the best female junior golfers across Europe and the USA, to compete against each other in what is an impressive showcase of talent.

The event, taking place at La Zagaleta, Benahavis, Spain from 18-19th September, is held immediately ahead of the renowned Solheim Cup, of which PING will also be playing an integral role as the official apparel supplier for the European Team, as well as being a Global Partner for the event.

PING’s new Spring/Summer 2023 clothing range is available to purchase in store and online at www.pingeurope.com