WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015   ■   SURVEYS

Outdoor Retailers Prepare for Industry Growth in 2015

GRAHAM, NC-Outdoor sporting goods retailers are bullish on their industry. According to a recent survey conducted by Big Rock Sports, 84 percent of retailers believe their industry will grow or remain the same in 2015. The survey also found that 66 percent of outdoor retailers expect their own sales to grow in the coming months, while 52 percent anticipate an increase in female customers.

More than 300 independent outdoor sporting goods retailers from across the US responded to the Big Rock Sports survey to share what they are seeing at market. The survey asked a variety of questions about the industry, customer demographics and retail trends. Big Rock Sports published the results of this comprehensive survey in a 2015 State of the Outdoor Industry report. The report was initially released to Big Rock's customers at the company's January buying shows.

"Our priority at Big Rock is to help our customers grow their businesses. We do this by offering them a variety of tools such as the State of the Industry report," said Ed Small, CEO of Big Rock Sports. "Not only does this report confirm that our industry is healthy and growing, it helps connect outdoor retailers so they can learn from each other."

Additional highlights of the report include:
• 48 percent of outdoor retailers saw an increase in female
customers in 2014
• 68 percent of outdoor retailers use social media to promote their store
• 91 percent of retailers who use social media to promote their store have experienced an increase in store traffic as a result
• 99 percent of retailers using social media to promote their stores are doing so with Facebook

For a copy of Big Rock's 2015 State of the Industry report, please contact Magazine@BigRockSports.com.

About Big Rock Sports
The premier outdoor sporting goods distributor in North America, Big Rock Sports, LLC, is focused on supplying more than 15,000 retailers with the best products from over 1,200 manufacturers as well as the tools needed to navigate the complexity of today's marketplace. The company is strongly committed to protecting the rights of hunters, anglers and all outdoor enthusiasts. Big Rock Sports is a privately held company with a home office in Graham, NC. To learn more about Big Rock Sports, visit BigRockSports.com.