Sports and outdoor clothing are popular and competition among sellers is fierce!

Sales of activewear and outdoor apparel grew 50% and 45% , respectively, in the first half of this year , according to NPD Group .

Powell, vice president and senior sports industry advisor at NPD Group, said sportswear and outdoor clothing attracted a large number of consumers during the epidemic because they were in line with the changing mentality of consumers: maintaining a healthy lifestyle and social distance.

“Hiking, running, biking, golfing and tennis are all activities that the average consumer can do and still maintain social distancing and be safe , ” Powell said.

During the pandemic , more brands and retailers are increasing their investment in sportswear and outdoor apparel . Powell believes that while sales in both areas have increased this year, so has brand competition. "Sellers are competing more than ever, and consumers are more interested," Powell said.

Retail analyst Jessica Ramirez believes that the sportswear category is increasingly encroaching on other clothing opportunities . In addition to this, another important trend is that the boundaries between sportswear and outdoor clothing are becoming blurred.

Last week, sportswear brand Athleta launched its e-commerce site in Canada , and then announced that it would expand its partnership with outdoor brand REI to sell its products in more REI stores.

In addition, sports shoe brand Hoka One One collaborated with outdoor brand Cotopaxi to develop two off-road themed products this year , and sports and leisure brand Outdoor Voices launched a camping- themed product line in June.

At the same time, Ramirez said outdoor clothing has become less "ugly" and can now serve as a " companion to streetwear ." Indeed, Danner now sells its hiking boots at Dicks and Farfetch , while outdoor brand Northface has collaborated with a number of major fashion brands in recent years, such as Gucci , Dover Street Market and Supreme.

Ramirez said that sportswear and outdoor apparel often use the same high-tech fabrics. "Outdoor apparel is the same style as sportswear , but the style may be different , " Ramirez said. "I think these cross-category moves are a smart choice. "

Powell believes that the mutual cooperation between outdoor and sportswear can also provide incremental sales for these brands and sellers . As the competition in sports and outdoor clothing becomes more and more fierce, the cross-border and penetration between the two will become more and more frequent in the future.

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Outdoor clothing

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