SnowSports Industries America (SIA), the snow sports industry’s member-owned, not-for-profit trade association, and CGPR, a consumer-based public relations agency focusing on fashion, outdoor and winter sports, will join with global investment bank Houlihan Lokey to present top-line snow sports and outdoor trends to investors today, coinciding with the opening ceremonies of the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Kelly Davis, director of research for SIA, will share details relating to sales by category/channel, inventories, sell-through, participation and the impact of weather, among other topics. Chris Goddard, president of CGPR, will provide observations from the recent trade shows including the 2014 SIA Snow Show in Denver, ISPO in Munich and Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City. Daniel Hoverman, director at Houlihan Lokey, will moderate the discussion.

To register for the call: US/CAN Toll Free: 800-762-8779, Passcode: 466 8396

“SIA is pleased to share its expertise with this important audience, especially in light of our recent industry trade show, the major snow storms in North America and the Winter Games beginning in Sochi today,” said Davis. “Winter sports are front and center at retail right now, not only because of the season, but also, because snow sports activities are on the international stage. Sales are reaching $2.3 billion in North America, up 9 percent in dollars and up 7 percent in units sold through December with 19.3 million participants.”

“The recent snow sports and outdoor trade shows clearly indicate that passions prevail, even in unsteady economies,” noted Goddard. “Manufacturers of gear and apparel showcased the latest innovations, fashion, and technologies designed to enhance the overall consumer experience and there is no sign of stopping. There is a general consensus that as long as winter sport enthusiasts can be warm, comfortable and connected, they will venture outdoors.

“Having the latest and most pertinent statistics is critical to understanding the broader trends in this thriving category,” said Daniel Hoverman, director at Houlihan Lokey. “At the SIA Snow Show last week, it was clear that this is an industry with enormous energy across the spectrum of snow sports-focused companies, whether they were an established hardgoods company, a luxury apparel brand or a start-up.”

Every January, approximately 20,000 snow sports retailers, reps, suppliers, media and partners converge on Denver for the SIA Snow Show to connect with the international snow sports industry and see all of the snow sports products that will be available at retail next season. The 2014 SIA Snow Show, held January 30-February 2, hosted 520 exhibitors representing more than 1,000 brands. The 2014 On-Snow Demo/Ski-Ride Fest at Copper Mountain February 3-4 had record-breaking attendance and more than 120 exhibiting ski, snowboard, Nordic, accessory and boot brands.

“This is an exciting moment for everyone in snow sports,” said David Ingemie, SIA president. “Walking the Show this year, you couldn’t help, but appreciate the huge amount of time and talent required to forge innovation on this scale. And there isn’t one ski or snowboard athlete going to Sochi that hasn’t benefited from our industry’s collective determination to innovate. No question that the Winter Games will be a boom at the retail level.”

Logo courtesy SnowSports Industries America