ARCHERY TRENDS IN 2020 By Ken Perrotte MATHEWS TRX40 T he market for archery equipment, including gear used in competition, recreational shooting and bowhunting, has been holding its own in recent years with some analysts forecasting up to 8.5% growth through 2022. The National Sporting Goods Association’s participation survey data further reveals steady growth in the archery segment: up 107.2% from 2003–2017. An influx of women shooters, not unlike the firearms industry, is contributing to market trends. Additionally, governments, schools and various archery federations are part of an institutional bulwark to promote development and growth of stick-and-string activities. We asked three retailers what they are seeing and stocking, and how they try to meet the needs of this important market sector. ARCHERY IN THE WHEELHOUSE John’s Sport Center has been a Pittsburg, Kan., mainstay outdoors retailer for decades, serving both firearms enthusiasts and archers. Jess Austin manages the archery component of the business and he says the key to meeting the needs of today’s customers is keeping up to date with the newest products and technology — whether it’s the latest broadheads, arrows, rests, targets and releases to more diverse products like ozone generators and field sprays featuring new scents. The store carries more than 800 SKUs, ranging from bows and accessories to treestands, blinds and trail cameras. What they don’t carry, they can quickly order. “We’re a full, one-stop hunting shop, and archery drives 21% of our sales,” Austin relayed. 36 JUNE 2020 Subscribe to SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com
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