The retail sales data for US golf apparel sales for March 2024 is published this week with apparel sales down over -10% for the month and dropping by -15% Year To Date.
US March 2024 Retail Total Market (on-off course)
On-Off Course March ‘24 vs ‘23: Dollars -10.5%
On-Off Course March ‘24 vs ‘19: Dollars +29.8%
On-Off Course YTD ‘24 vs ‘23: Dollars -15.3%
On-Off Course YTD ‘24 vs ‘19: Dollars +24.9%
Every product category was lower in March of 2024 vs. the same month 2023, with double digit drops across five of the nine segments tracked by Golf Datatech – the largest decline being Women’s Shirts (-14.6%).
Despite this gloomy outlook, it is worth noting that, while these declines are significant vs. 2023, total golf apparel sales remain almost 25% ahead of 2019 levels for the first quarter.
On the latest figures, GDT co-founder, John Krzynowek said, “Golf apparel spending remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. However after peaking in June of 2023, the category has been trending sharply down in Q1 of ’24. The green grass subchannel, which accounts for the bulk of golf apparel sales, is almost -19% down YTD, while off-course specialty stores fell by -6%”.