Sports apparel manufacturers are already looking to grow sales with their Spring 2010 lines. Manufacturers believe that consumers are spending more time outdoors, locally, because it is less expensive than traveling. Consumers may also be outdoors more because they’re trying to engage in healthier 
lifestyles.
Manufacturers believe consumers will specifically be looking for apparel that has:
- Solid price-value relationship
- Durability in higher-end products
To ensure that consumers give their offerings a fresh look, manufacturers are blending function and fashion with technology. And they’ll attempt to engage consumers with marketing campaigns that tout the following features:
Technical fabrics: These fabrics are often lightweight and translucent and offer specific features such as sun or waterproofing
Sustainability: Apparel will be crafted from natural rather than synthetic fabrics thus allowing marketers to emphasize their green/environmental commitment to a consumer group that typically has a keen interest in the natural world
Apparel for popular sports: Marketers will be selling more apparel that specifically targets bike commuters and trail runners. Manufacturer research shows an increase in bike commuting and more interest in trail running, especially among women.
As your clients prepare their marketing campaigns for the holidays and early spring season, remind them that the new sports apparel products represent a fresh ad opportunity.
[Source. Bouchard, Nancy, New Sports Apparel Trends to be Marketed for 2010, Sporting Goods Business, Summer 2009]
Tuesday, Oct 6, 2009
Kathy Crosett