Despite Business Disruptions, Activewear Seen Growing 7%

The activewear market is growing briskly, and analysts are pegging the segment to be a top performer this holiday shopping season with brands such as Adidas, Nike and Lululemon taking center stage along with Dick’s Sporting Goods, which is also benefiting from a growth trend that relies on the same fabric innovations driving activewear: the outdoor adventure apparel sector. Regarding the latter trend, where consumers engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing and orienteering, base layers that use Lyrca or similar textile innovations are key to warmth, flexibility and comfort. These same fabric qualities are also sought in running apparel, workout clothes and yoga wear as well as sports bras. Footwear, performance running socks and headwear are also pegged to do well this holiday, with shoppers eyeing half-zip running tops and classic hoodies, and for women, running capris. As a result, retail analysts see the activewear market wrapping up 2019 with a 6-to-7-percent year-over-year gain. The forecast is in contrast to holiday spending estimates that range from gains of 3 to 5 percent, and apparel-only holiday sales growing just 1.3 percent this season, according to Customer Growth Partners. On the business side, the activewear segment has had its share of volatility.

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