Outdoor retailers announce “record breaking” sales during pandemic

MIDVALE, UT — Retailers that sell sporting goods and clothes, camping and hunting gear, and outdoor toys, are racking up big business during the pandemic. 

Which outdoor retailers are winning

Today, Utah based Sportsman’s Warehouse announced unprecedented sales numbers for the second quarter of 2020. In a statement, Jon Barker, CEO of Sportman’s Warehouse said, “The second quarter was record-breaking. I am very proud of the SW team as they worked to keep our associates and customers safe during this sustained surge in our business.”

Barker says it’s due to gains in market share, a significant increase in the number of people participating in outdoor activities, and social unrest.

“Same-store sales (that is, sales in stores that have been open at least one year, a key metric) were up 61% in the second quarter of 2020 as compared to (the same time) last year,” Barker said.

Last week, Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. posted their best-ever second-quarter sales.  Their same-store sales were more than double the estimate of analysts at Consensus Matrix.  Dick’s CEO Ed Stack says it’s because people bought at-home gym equipment and accessories as gyms either shut down or people stopped going to them.  And he says consumers are engaging in more socially distant outdoor activities amid the pandemic. “People are going to try and get healthier,” predicts Stack.  

Exercise and outdoor activities vs the virus

Retailwire.com reports the spike in people getting out and exercising is thought to be driven by both a desire to socially distance and to get healthier in the face of COVID-19.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said since the beginning of the global pandemic that people with conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, face a higher risk of complications from the virus. 

And time spent outdoors can decrease stress, which has proven to be a common denominator being reported worldwide.

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How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
• Don’t touch your face.
• Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
• If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
• Get a flu shot.

Local resources

KSL Coronavirus Q&A

Utah’s Coronavirus Information

UtahState Board of Education

Utah Hospital Association

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707

National Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization

Cases in the United States