Study: Sporting goods rises in '06

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. In 2006, consumers across the globe spent $256 billion on sporting goods, according to a recent survey by The NPD Group, representing a 4% increase over 2005.

According to the study, the largest and fastest-growing segment of the sports market is apparel, which accounts for 44% (or $113 billion) of the global sports market. Apparel sales rose 6% this year. Fueled by the growing trend of activewear as fashion, the U.S. sports market led the way posting an 8% growth. Sales of sports apparel rose 5% in Asia and 3% in Europe. "Apparel will continue to show the biggest growth rates in the sports market," said Renaud Vaschalde, industry analyst for The NPD Group,  adding, "This is primarily due to changing lifestyles worldwide. The trend shows more people are willing to wear sports or sports-style clothing. They have become more accepting of casual dressing not just because it's fashionable but because it is also practical."

Global athletic footwear sales increased 3%. The most important markets, U.S. (up 3%) and Europe (up 1%) were the primary contributors to that growth.

Overall retail sales of equipment rose by 4%, and bicycles were stable with a 1% growth rate.