Sales by outdoor retailers will grow 2.5% to €5.82 billion in Europe this year, according to estimates released Thursday at a press conference marking the opening of the OutDoor trade show in Friedrichshafen, Germany

In 2007, clothing captured the lion’s share of an estimated €5.68 billion in retail sales with €2.85 billion (+4.09%). Shoes came in second place with €1.25 billion (+3.66%) in sales, followed by equipment with €1.58 billion (+1.81%).
 
"There is no reason to fear for the future of the outdoor industry," said Rolf Schmid, President of the European Outdoor Group (EOG) and CEO of Mammut Sports Group.
 
EOG General Secretary Mark Held explained that "outdoor articles are selling better because they are increasingly being used in everyday situations."

"With 787 exhibitors from 40 countries (a rise of 7.6 per cent) and an increase in the amount of exhibition space to 75,000 sqm, the trade fair has once again set new records," says Messe Friedrichshafen CEO Klaus Wellmann. With 77.6 per cent of the exhibitors coming from abroad, the OutDoor has become a key event on the international calendar. Exhibitors are presenting a total of 150 global and European product innovations.