NSGA

For the fifth consecutive month, the Monthly Retail Trade Survey, prepared by the U.S. Census Bureau, reported a drop in sales in sporting goods stores. For the most recent reporting month (June), sales fell 3.1% after dropping 4.3% in May, 1.0% in April, 2.2% in March and 1.8% in February. June sales were $3.33 billion (preliminary) versus $3.15 billion in June 2008. The May decline was the sharpest since November 2008 when sales declined 4.6%.

In the East South Central states, overall sporting goods store sales grew 22.6% from the 1997 Census versus total U.S. growth of 23.5%. Sales for 2002 in the East South Central states reached $982 million. Of that amount, $555 million moved through full-line sporting goods stores; $427 million, through specialty sport shops.