The sporting goods distribution market - Brazil

1.1 Market presentation

A sports item can be defined as a piece of equipment used for practicing a sport. It can be clothing (shoes, shirts, etc.), equipment (tennis rackets, soccer balls, handballs, etc.) or even machines, especially those used for weight training (rowing machines or treadmills, for example). When we talk about the market, we need to consider two aspects: manufacturing and distribution. it's important to distinguish between sporting goods and sports equipment, the latter referring to accessories or constructions that enable the practice of one or more sports.

However, sportswear, a type of clothing whose style was developed in the United States, can be considered a sporting article, although it is more of a clothing trend than genuine items developed for the practice of sports. Therefore, this study will cover both sportswear and sportswear.

According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the sporting goods market in Brazil has shown steady growth in recent years. Before the pandemic, in 2019, the sector already represented around R$20 billion in annual revenue. This growth has been driven by increased awareness of the importance of physical well-being and increased participation in sports activities across the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the sporting goods distribution market in Brazil. Mobility restrictions, the temporary closure of physical stores and safety concerns have led to a change in consumption practices. At the same time, there was an increase in demand for equipment and products for individual sports and outdoor activities, as people looked for ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the lockdown.

The integration of e-commerce has become a crucial element for companies in the sector, as consumers increasingly turn to online platforms to purchase their sporting goods. As a result, companies are being required to adopt an omnichannel approach to meet this new demand.