Retail News

Exceptional weather played its part.

Wow, it’s now confirmed by the Met Office that June this year was the hottest since 1884. The average mean temperature was 15.8 degrees centigrade, compared to the previous record of 14.9 c. In the past, extremes of temperature like these have not been a real benefit to the golf market. Some, particularly older players, find it too hot to play, while those with young families are often attracted away from their courses in favour of time on the beach and in the sea. So, how did it pan out this June for the golf industry?

Three out of the four product groups performed well in value terms ranging from +4.6% for light durables to +15.0% for apparel. Unfortunately, the one group that currently accounts for 43.5% of the overall mix, clubs was down by -7.2% compared to the same period last year. So, the overall performance for June remained positive at +0.7% but the trend has dipped down a little more compared to the previous three months: March at +7.7%, April +4.0% and May +3.9%. A weak result but not unexpected considering the exceptionally hot weather.

Drilling down to individual hardware products we find a wide spread of results. These range from -13.9% for trolleys to + 20.3% for gloves. Certainly, the products with the higher price points faired worst such as trolleys, many of which will be electric, and irons. The apparel groups performed well with six out of the seven products showing growth. These ranged from +1.7 for men’s trousers and shorts to +54.2% for womens’ tops. The one exception was outerwear at -23.5% compared to the same period last year. Again, not surprising considering the weather.

So, what of the future? The picture is still blurred. The fall in inflation seen in June is very encouraging and could play a valuable part during the second half of the year. But the likelihood of further increases in interest rates and the effects of a continued war in Ukraine could negate this effect. So, the future for retailers in general continues to look tough. Remember however, that those that continue to market themselves have been shown in the past, to come out stronger and recover quicker than those that don’t.

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

For greater detail contact John Hassett on 07976 797081.

Trio of PowaKaddy models announced as UK’s top 3 best-selling trolleys

The world’s leading electric trolley company, PowaKaddy, is pleased to announce that its FX3, CT6 and CT8 GPS trolleys have been named as the UK’s top 3 selling models through the first half of 2023 by both value and volume, according to the latest figures from Golf Datatech. *

Both the FX3 and CT6 trolleys provide the foundation for PowaKaddy’s popular FX and Ultra-Compact ranges - whilst the CT8 GPS, launched in early 2022, combines the brand’s most compact ever frame with high-performance, premium GPS technology, making it the smallest, most intelligent ultra-compact GPS golf trolley in the world.

The FX3’s features provide the DNA for the wider FX range, and are wonderfully simple whilst offering unbeatable performance and reliability. The UK’s favourite trolley features a brilliant 2.3” full-colour widescreen display, and powerful, quiet 30v 230w motor nestling in a low profile, styled PowaFrame.

Building on its success in previous years, the ultra-compact CT6, upgraded for the 2023 season, incorporates a sleek, modern look with its new stealth matte black colourway. The trolley comes equipped with a 2.8” mid-size full-colour widescreen display and a USB charging port, while the soft touch handle adjusts for the perfect fit, and an integrated carry handle makes it easy to transport.

The CT8 GPS, released at the beginning of the 2022 season, enjoyed a hugely successful first year on the market, and has continued to impress in 2023. The CT8 GPS is one of PowaKaddy’s most innovative products to-date, and on top of the high-performance GPS system and 3.5” screen, the trolley also offers features such as a scorecard, stroke index information, Active Green View, and Drop Flag Technology.

On top of the success of the FX3, CT6 and CT8 GPS trolleys, PowaKaddy is proud to currently be the UK leader in electric trolley sales, both by value and volume – holding over 50% of the electric trolley market in 2023. *

Graeme Wigham, Sales Director at PowaKaddy, commented: “The FX3, CT6, and CT8 GPS trolleys are truly unbeatable when it comes to performance, reliability, and design. It’s brilliant to see that these three products continue to be hugely popular with golfers around the UK, and we’re delighted to see that the CT8 GPS has become one of the top-three best-sellers only a year after its release.

“We are incredibly proud to have solidified our market position in our 40th anniversary year, as PowaKaddy continues to be fully committed to offering trolleys that suit the needs of every golfer.”

With a rich history of innovation and technological advancements that has now stretched into a fifth decade, PowaKaddy is committed to delivering high-performance, reliable trolleys that meet and exceed the needs of golfers around the world.

For more information on the entire range of high-performance trolleys and rental fleet opportunities contact your local PowaKaddy ASM or call the company’s sales team on 01795 473555.

*Source: Golf Datatech On & Off Course channel Electric Trolley sales, by both value & volume, January-June 2023

Visit www.powakaddy.com to view and learn more about the entire PowaKaddy range of high-performance trolleys, bags, batteries and accessories.

Shot Scope launch new and improved PRO LX and PRO LX+ rangefinders to finalise 2023 product line-up

Shot Scope, the industry-leader in advanced GPS, rangefinder and shot tracking technology, has released the new and improved PRO LX and PRO LX+, to complete the extensive 2023 product range.

The PRO LX+ provides golfers the ultimate on-course distance measuring device – a fast, accurate rangefinder with a built-in extra strong buggy magnet, combined with a powerful GPS and performance tracking system to gain valuable insights from every on-course game.

“The new PRO LX and PRO LX+ are an extension of their predecessors, and with their improved, more compact design and faster target-lock vibration, provide golfers with the perfect on-course tool to help shoot lower scores,” comments David Hunter, Chief Executive Officer at Shot Scope.

“2023 has been a great year for us, with our product offering moving from strength to strength. We have a product for every golfer; whether they like to track their stats or not, wear a watch or use their phone, or simply use a rangefinder for their distances to the pin. We will continue to strive to provide technically driven products that help players develop their game.”

The PRO LX and PRO LX+ join an impressive line-up of new releases from Shot Scope; the X5 GPS and performance tracking watch, the stylish G5 GPS watch, PRO L2 rangefinder, the mobile plug-and-play tags from CONNEX, as well as Shot Scope Academy which has transformed the player and coach connectivity within the game.

The unrivalled data that Shot Scope are able to provide via their subscription free app offer golfers an incredible wealth of knowledge about their game. Through their tracking tags, golfers have access to over 100 performance statistics that can be analysed post round with or without their coach.

The PRO LX retails at £249.99 (€269.99) and the PRO LX+ at £349.99 (€369.99). To find out more about Shot Scope and their 2023 product range, go to www.shotscope.com

ECCO Golf Unveils Stylish & Contemporary AW23 Collection

Global golf footwear pioneers, ECCO GOLF, have once again pushed the boundaries of comfort, style and innovation with their updated AW23 collection, introducing both a variety of striking new colourways to the latest line-up and a brand-new shoe model; the ECCO BIOM TOUR.

An eye-catching addition to the new range, ECCO BIOM TOUR features ECCO GOLF’s pioneering BIOM® NATURAL MOTION technology with ECCO’s spiked sole design in a fresh model for the autumn/winter season.

The Pivix spikes incorporated into ECCO BIOM TOUR are combined with additional grooves on the outsole, ensuring excellent traction and stability throughout the swing, while the waterproof membrane keeps feet dry and comfortable in wet weather. What’s more, the soft, ultra-light PHORENE™ midsole delivers bounce and energy return.

Adding to the BIOM® TOUR’s technical properties, ECCO FLUIDFORM Direct Comfort Technology ensures a finely-tuned balance of cushioning and rebound, creating an integral, flexible and durable bond without the compromises common with stitched and/or glued assemblies.

The new model’s TPU outsole offers exceptional durability, while a removable and washable Ortholite® insole supplies long-term cushioning.

Elsewhere in ECCO GOLF’s AW23collection, the ECCO BIOM C4 range has seen the addition of a women’s BOA® lacing option, with the inclusion of three striking new colourways; White, Gravel, and Shale. Meanwhile, the men’s BIOM C4 collection now features six different colourways, including the new White option.

The ECCO BIOM H4 collection - another model in the brand’s world-renowned hybrid performance phenomenon - sees one new colourway added for both men and women. Brand-new for the season are Gravel, in the women’s collection, and the Erik van Rooyen signature shoe in the men’s collection.

Additionally, the ECCO S-THREE has undergone a refresh for AW23. The popular hybrid shoe benefitted from an extensive redesign for 2023, and now features six contemporary colourways for men, and five stylish designs for women. For AW23, S-THREE will be available with these new colourways: White in the men’s collection, and Limestone and Night Sky in the women’s collection.

ECCO GOLF shoes are worn in competition around the world by Henrik Stenson, Thomas Bjørn, Erik van Rooyen, Doc Redman, Lydia Ko, Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Freddy Schott, Esther Henseleit, Niklas Nørgaard Møller, and Caroline Masson, among others. For further information about ECCO GOLF, please visit golf.ecco.com.

For more information, please visit golf.ecco.com or contact

Timo Vollrath, Global Marketing Manager, ECCO GOLF.

Email: TVO@ecco.com