Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturers NAICS 339920

Jan 19, 2026 - Slower Growth Projected

• The US sporting and athletic goods manufacturers industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 0.82% between 2025 and 2029, slower than the overall economy's anticipated growth, according to an updated forecast from Inforum and the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc. Consumer sentiment is expected to improve in the forecast period, which bodes well for the durable goods manufacturing industries including sporting and athletic goods manufacturers. A factor that may curb consumer spending is substantially higher tariffs on consumer goods, which may be painful for households. The forecast noted that a tighter immigration policy could limit the expansion of the labor supply and job growth for durable goods manufacturing industries. However, labor productivity could still improve due to new technologies such as AI and 3-D printing as well as adjustments forced by the pandemic.
• Producer prices for sporting and athletic goods manufacturers were up 2.3% in September 2025 compared to a year ago, according to data from the US Department of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment by jewelry, silverware, and sporting and athletic goods manufacturers were flat in August 2025 year over year. Average wages for nonsupervisory employees in the industry increased 2.8% in August 2025 compared to a year ago, reaching $24.54 per hour, per the BLS. Sales for miscellaneous manufacturing companies, which include sporting and athletic goods manufacturing firms, increased 12.7% in Q2 compared to a year ago and rose 6.4% from the previous quarter, according to the latest data from the Census Bureau. Shipments of miscellaneous durable goods were up 2.1% in July 2025 compared to a year ago and down 7.3% from the previous month.

• The National Sporting Goods Association’s 2025 Shopper Playbook Study shows most consumers prefer buying from multi brand retailers, a trend with implications for sporting goods manufacturers. The survey found 79% of shoppers favor multi brand stores for equipment and nearly 70% for apparel and footwear, citing wider product variety (59%), side by side comparisons (54%), and competitive pricing (50%) as key reasons. Customer satisfaction was also strong, with nearly 80% very satisfied with local retailers’ servicing of products such as bicycles, skates, and skis, and 98% at least somewhat satisfied. For manufacturers, the findings highlight the need to secure placement in multi brand environments to maximize visibility and discovery. Single brand strategies may risk losing share as consumers increasingly value breadth and convenience. The study also underscores the importance of in store experiences, where shoppers can test product quality and fit, reinforcing the role of manufacturers in supporting retailer partnerships and hands on engagement.
• US sporting goods manufacturers may face mixed demand signals amid weakening consumer confidence, according to the latest data from The Conference Board. The Consumer Confidence Index fell to 89.1 in December, marking the fifth consecutive monthly decline, while the Expectations Index remained below the recession signal threshold of 80 for an 11th straight month, indicating tepid near-term economic outlook. Consumers’ views of their current financial situation slid into negative territory for the first time in nearly four years, and big-ticket purchase plans weakened, with declines in homebuying, new auto purchases, and other durable goods intentions, suggesting pressure on larger sporting goods purchases. However, consumer spending plans skewed toward affordable “necessities” and budget discretionary categories, with continued interest in products like used cars, TVs, and digital cameras. While overall sentiment is cautious, manufacturers positioned in mid-range and value segments may find steady demand, particularly among younger, more optimistic consumers.