The Sports Industries Federation has just launched the first comprehensive study of the sporting goods markets in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia – countries which joined the European Union on 1^st May 2004.   The research was carried out by Sporting Goods Intelligence Europe with financial assistance from UKTI’s Export Market Research scheme.  The report is intended to assist companies who may be interested in investigating the export potential of these countries.

The report launch took place during a European Enlargement Forum at ISPO 2004 attended by leading brands, distributors, members of the media and representatives from various sectors of the sporting goods industry in the new EU member states.   

Although these markets are still relatively small, they are growing faster than most of the mature Western European markets and their integration into the EU should act as a further catalyst to growth.  The combined population of the four countries is similar to that of Germany – where the sporting goods market is now worth €7 billion per annum – and the potential is therefore plain. 

Interviews were conducted with brands, distributors and retailers in all four countries to ascertain market size, potential for growth, conditions for successful penetration of the market, distribution methods and retail trends.  Special attention has been paid to the strategies pursued by certain major global brands e.g. Puma, adidas and Reebok, and by some important national brands such as Lancast in Hungary.   There is also a focus on the rapid development of shopping malls and factory outlets in countries where previously there was a dearth of consumer choice.  This extensive market research report also analyses the factors that affect sporting goods brands’ decisions on manufacturing or locating their pan-European logistics operations in these countries.

The 250 page report also lists major sporting goods manufacturers, distributors, retailers, buying groups and other useful contacts in each country. 

Price £650.00
FSPA Member Price £450.00