New golf apparel & footwear research published

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New golf apparel & footwear research published

By: Jeff James

Listed Under: News

Published: Tuesday, February 10, 2009

The British Golf Industry Association has commissioned EDM Publications to undertake a major research study into the European golf apparel and footwear markets. The project is supported by the British Chambers of Commerce Export Marketing Research Scheme as the research will provide invaluable information for British exporters.

EDM Publications is the author of a highly-praised set of research reports on the European sporting goods market produced on behalf of the Federation of Sports & Play Associations, and is also the publisher of the widely read European edition of 'Sporting Goods Intelligence', the leading international business information service.

Research has been carried out in a total of 35 countries and the report is being delivered in three volumes over the next seven months. The first volume, 'Southern Europe', is available now, with 'Central & Eastern Europe' being published in March and 'Northern Europe in May'.

Using a combination of primary research and interviews with leading market players, EDM has studied the market for footwear and a variety of soft goods, from technical golf apparel to golf-inspired clothing, throughout all product groups. The main purpose of the research is to provide a detailed and up-to-date picture of the market situation and trends in all the various segments of the golf footwear and apparel markets and of the opportunities available for market penetration and new development strategies in these countries.

Particular attention has been paid to the chain of distribution at the wholesale and retail stages in each country, ways of entering the market and optimising brand penetration. The reports have profiles and listings of golf apparel and footwear brands as well as distributors and retailers of all kinds of golf products. Case studies of successful market entry and market development by operators already in the marketplace are also provided. General information is also given on the socio/economic environment in each country, golf participation, provision of golf facilities and proposed developments and trends in golf tourism.

Commenting on the project, David Wells, chairman of the BGIA, said: “A lot has changed since our last apparel report was published in 2004. There has been significant growth in the ‘emerging’ golf markets, channels of distribution have been affected by the growth of the internet, there has been progress in fabric technology and the demands of the end-user have changed. It is the role of the BGIA to provide members with information that will assist them to expand into new markets, product ranges or consumer groups. We expect that this new research project will be of significant benefit to those companies who wish to grow their business in the coming years.”

The Southern Europe report is available from the BGIA for €2,000. Those who wish to purchase all three volumes in advance can do so for €5,000. Members of the BGIA will receive a 50 per cent discount on these costs. Further details are available on http://www.bgia.org.uk