The British Golf Industry Association (BGIA) has commissioned EDM Publications to undertake a major research study into the European golf apparel and footwear markets. The project is being supported by the British Chambers of Commerce Export Marketing Research Scheme as it will provide invaluable information for British exporters.
EDM Publications are the authors 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 are also publishers of the widely read European edition of Sporting Goods Intelligence, the leading international business information service.
Research is being carried out in a total of 35 countries and the report will be delivered in three volumes over the next seven months. The first volume, Southern Europe, will be published early in 2009 to be followed by Central & Eastern Europe in March and Northern Europe in May.
Using a combination of primary research and interviews with leading market players in all the countries being reviewed, EDM will study the market for footwear and a variety of soft goods from technical golf apparel to golf-inspired clothing throughout all product groups, from rainwear to socks. 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 for new development strategies in these countries.
Particular attention will be 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 will 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 will be provided. General information will also be 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.”
British Golf Industry Association www.bgia.org.uk