Manufacturers Survey 2003
In May we mailed out a questionnaire to 40 suppliers (distributors, manufacturers etc). By the cut off date of 30th we had received a 75% return. These suppliers represent a cross section of the outdoor industry by size, product and being at the forefront of the industry.

Summary
Suppliers are showing increased signs of cautious optimism towards sales while promotional spend and employment are running roughly parallel with last year.

Although almost two-thirds (63%) of suppliers stated that they were more confident in terms of business than last year, a third said that they were 'about the same' this compares with 89% and 7% respectively in last years survey.

76% of suppliers reported that spring sell-in had increased compared with last year (93%- 2002) while 80% expected domestic sales to increase during the next 6 months. Of those companies that export 54% reported increases compared to 72% last year while 41.6% (22% - 2002) expected sales to stay the same.

Promotional spend remains similar with 46.6% (50% - 2002) expecting it to increase while 33% (36%) expect it to remain the same. 33% reported that the number of employees had increase compared with 39% last year.

The number of suppliers that think the specialist market is growing rose from 11% to 23%, but over half (63%) still believe it is static (82%). 63% believe that the general outdoor sector is growing, down from 71% last year.

Of those that believe it is growing 40% stated that growth is coming from lifestyle while 33% stated new/replacement product.

Just under three-quarters (73.4%) believe that there are too many suppliers to the outdoor trade with 80% also believing that there is currently too much product in the marketplace. A definite 100% believe that the retail sector will continue to consolidate.

When asked their opinion regarding how sales (volume) of the major product groups had performed the overall consensus was towards an increase. 86% believe that sales of multi activity footwear have increased, 65% on tents, 45% on sleeping bags and 40.9% on rucsacs, however only 27.3% believe that sales of waterproofs had increased while just under half (40.9%) believe they have actually decreased.
SURVEY

In terms of business confidence, compared with this time last year, do you feel?
More confident 63.3%
Less confident 3.3%
About the same 33.4%

Compared with last year, have domestic sales (sell in) for this Spring Summer season:
Increased 76.7%
Decreased 10.0%
Stayed the same 13.3%

How do you expect domestic sales to perform during the next 6 months?
Increase 80.0%
Decrease 6.6%
Stay the same 13.3%

(Of those companies that export) Have sales to other EU countries (year-to-date)
Increased 54.1%
Decreased 4.1%
Stayed the same 41.6%

(Of those companies that export) Have sales to the rest of the world (year-to-date)
Increased 33.3%
Decreased 4.1%
Stayed the same 62.5%

Compared with last year have your overall purchases of goods/materials/ components etc:
Increased 73.4%
Decreased 13.3%
Stayed the same 13.3%

Compared with last year has your marketing/promotional expenditure?
Increased 46.6%
Decreased 20.0%
Stayed the same 33.4%

Compared with last year has the number of employees
Increased 33.3%
Decreased 23.3%
Stayed the same 43.3%

Do you think that the SPECIALIST outdoor market is: -
Growing 23.3%
Declining 13.4%
Static 63.3%

Do you think that the GENERAL outdoor market is: -
Growing 63.3%
Declining
Static 36.6%

If you believe that the market is growing where is the growth coming from:

Lifestyle/fashion 40.0%
Increase in participation (new activities) 33.3%
New/replacement product 10.0%
Other

Increase in health and awareness. Awareness. Adventure holidays . Combination of the above.

Do you think that there are too many suppliers to the outdoor trade?
Yes 73.4%
No 3.3%
About right 23.3%

Do you think that there is currently too much product in the marketplace?
Yes 80.0%
No
About right 20.0%

Do you believe that the retail sector will continue to consolidate?
Yes 100%
No
Don't know/maybe

In terms of Volume
In your opinion, do you believe sales of waterproofs have?
Increased 27.3%
Decreased 40.9%
Stayed the same 31.8%

In your opinion, do you believe sales of multi-activity footwear have?
Increased 86.4%
Decreased 4.5%
Stayed the same 9.1%

In your opinion, do you believe rucsacs sales have?
Increased 40.9%
Decreased 13.6%
Stayed the same 45.5%

In your opinion, do you believe sleeping bags sales have?
Increased 45%
Decreased 25%
Stayed the same 30%

In your opinion, do you believe tent sales have?
Increased 65%
Decreased 10%
Stayed the same 25%

CONTACT

Outdoori
PO Box 50, Kendal
Cumbria LA9 4GW, UK

T: +44 (0)1539 730400
F: +44 (0)1539 725514
E: peter@outdoori.com