Summary

The global climbing gym market has been exhibiting strong growth, with expectations to expand from a valuation of US$5 billion in 2022 to over US$9 billion by 2027, reflecting a CAGR of 12.5%. This surge is partly attributed to the popularity of outdoor activities, which has seen an uptick following the pandemic, with national parks in Spain reporting a 30% increase in visitors in 2020 compared to 2019. The Spanish market, a subset of this global growth, witnessed a remarkable 78% increase in Federación Española de Montaña y Escalada (Fedme) licensees between 2010 and 2019, and a further 10% uptick in 2021, bringing the number to 273,549. This has translated into a high estimate of €250 million in sales for the climbing sector in Spain during 2021. The sector is experiencing a feminization trend, with women representing 35.26% of total Fedme licensees, and a growing interest among young enthusiasts, as reflected by climbing being the second most chosen discipline in middle-grade sports studies in 2020. The leading players like Top-30 (Climbat and Dock39), Indoorwall, Sharma Climbing, and Sputnik are capitalizing on this trend by investing millions in expanding and establishing multi-complexes that combine various climbing disciplines. Additionally, the emergence of a nature sports trend, where Spaniards dedicate an average of 3.7 hours a week to outdoor activities, has reinforced the popularity of indoor climbing facilities that serve as social hubs offering additional services to enhance community and foster loyalty..Climbing Gyms in Spain: A Rising Trend Among the Young and Social Climbing, both as an outdoor and indoor activity, has seen a significant upsurge in popularity across Spain, becoming a fashionable discipline that appeals to a young and dynamic audience. With climbing gyms mushrooming to meet this growing demand, the market dynamics in Spain reflect a youth-driven enthusiasm for the sport, further kindled by the trend of socializing in such settings post-pandemic. The Spanish market, as outlined in the provided analysis, paints a picture of a sport that has struck a chord with millennials and Generation Z, turning climbing gyms into modern-day social hubs. These facilities are not just about climbing; they are places where young adults gather, creating a community feel that goes beyond the activity itself. As evidence of this burgeoning trend, one may note the participation increase in university climbing championships and the substantial number of younger students taking up the sport. This has resulted in climbing gyms becoming a part of the regular urban landscape, with major gym operators like Top-30, Indoorwall, Sharma Climbing, and Sputnik competing in a market estimated to be worth between €200 and €250 million in 2021. Spain's climbing gyms market is inclusive, with a noticeable feminization: women account for over 35% of the climbing and mountaineering federation's licensees. This marks an increase in women's participation from previous years, contributing significantly to the market's growth. Furthermore, the overall enthusiasm for nature sports, amplified post-lockdown with people flocking to national parks and engaging in outdoor sports, has had a paradoxical effect: a rise in indoor climbing, as enthusiasts seek year-round access to climbing facilities. The geographical distribution of climbing practices correlates with the vicinity to mountainous regions such as Catalunya and the basque country, with a high number of licensed climbers and clubs. Moreover, the climbing gym market presents a structured hierarchy of main players, with larger multi-complexes offering the three Olympic climbing disciplines: speed, difficulty, and bouldering. From a revenue perspective, the Spanish indoor climbing trend draws on insights from the mature US market, where equipment sales constitute an essential part of revenue streams for these facilities. In Spain, while concrete data on income breakdown is not detailed, it can be assumed a diversification of revenue lines is pursued, including equipment sales, subscriptions, and additional services. As the market continues to expand, climbing gyms are bound to further their appeal by focusing on community building and offering.### Climbing Higher: The Key Players Scaling the Heights of Spain's Indoor Climbing Market Spain's indoor climbing market is experiencing robust growth, driven by a surge in enthusiasm for climbing sports and lifestyle-oriented fitness options. Let's take a closer look at the main market players who are not just creating spaces for physical activity but also fostering vibrant communities around the sport. **Federación Española de Deportes de Montaña y Escalada (FEDME)** - As the national federation for mountain sports and climbing in Spain, FEDME plays an instrumental role in organizing events, establishing safety standards, and promoting climbing among Spaniards. They don't operate climbing gyms directly but significantly contribute to the sector's development through advocacy and training programs. **Top-30 (Climbat and Dock-39)** - By combining the innovative Climbat and Dock-39 centers, Top-30 offers an extensive range of climbing facilities that excel in both variety and quality. Their centers cater to climbers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes, making the sport accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience. **Indoorwall** - Positioned as a prominent chain of climbing gyms, Indoorwall provides enthusiasts with an array of indoor climbing experiences. With several locations and plans for expansion, they are keenly focused on bringing high-caliber facilities to climbers across the nation and even internationally. **Sharma Climbing** - Founded by world-renowned climber Chris Sharma, these gyms embody the passion and expertise of climbing at its best. Sharma Climbing offers a holistic climbing environment, blending massive climbing spaces with a strong community vibe, making it a beacon for climbers of all ages. **Sputnik Climbing** - Distinguished for their modern and friendly approach, Sputnik Climbing centers are not just about the vertical challenge but also about the social experience. Incorporating cafes and community events, Sputnik is a trendsetter in shaping climbing gyms as a place for comfortable socialization and lifestyle engagement. **Climbing Planet** - A smaller yet significant player in the market, Climbing Planet caters to the climbing community with a more intimate approach. Their centers focus on providing quality over quantity, ensuring that each visitor has a fulfilling and safe climbing experience. **Entre-Prises** - Renowned for manufacturing state-of-the-art climbing walls, Entre-Prises has significantly contributed to the development of high-quality climbing infrastructure. They are key suppliers for many gyms, helping operators offer the best possible climbing surfaces and experiences.
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  • Number of pages : 30 pages
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  • Last update : 24/01/2023
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Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

1.1 Definition and presentation

Climbing gyms are buildings where climbing can be practised: they bring climbing closer to the city, but also allow you to continue climbing without the constraints of the weather getting in the way. There are several types of climbing: cliff climbing, indoor climbing and bouldering (less than 3 metres high).

Climbing is on the rise worldwide, perceived as a trendy discipline, offering a physical challenge that's fun and close to nature in the case of cliff climbing. In the United States, it is estimated that around 4.4% of Americans practiced rock climbing in 2018, with a clear increase in interest and sharing of their activity via social networks. This "massification" of climbing has led to the development of specific structures that enable year-round urban practice.

In Spain, climbing gyms are also becoming increasingly popular. both physical and psychological, climbing has won over a young public who often share their experience via social networks. Numerous gyms have opened to meet this new demand. Huge complexes have sprung up, such as Sharma Climbing Madrid, Spain's largest climbing gym, with over 4,000 square metres of space and an average daily attendance of 800. Smaller gyms have tended to open on the outskirts of cities, to take advantage of cheaper land and high, prefabricated buildings for climbing walls.

1.2 Global market

The global climbing gyms market is set for solid growth over the next decade. Between **** and ****, CAGR is expected to reach **.*%, boosting the sector's sales from US$* billion in **** to over US$* billion in ****. [***]

Sales growth in the climbing gyms market World, ****-****, US$ billion Source: ****

Paradoxically, the success of indoor ...

1.3 Spanish market

The number of Federación Española de Montaña y Escalada (***) licensees rose sharply between **** and ****, from ***,*** in **** to ***,*** in ****, an increase of +**%.in ****, it will reach precisely ***,***, an increase of almost +**% in one year.

A monthly subscription to the climbing gym costs around €**[***], i.e. €**x** = €*** a year for ...

2 Demand analysis

2.1 Socializing place for young customers

In the wake of the pandemic, Spaniards are looking for places to socialize. This is one of the reasons why climbing gyms have become so popular in recent years. Sputnik Climbing, for example, expects to double its sales between **** and ****[***].

Indoor climbing is a trend driven by the younger generations, with ...

2.2 The feminization of the sector

In ****, the number of female licensees reached *****. This is the second-largest group of female sports licensees, just behind basketball. [***] In relation to the number of Fedme (***) licensees, women represent **.**% of the total.

Mountain and climbing federation licensees by gender Spain, ****-****, number of licensees Source: ****

According to figures from the Ministry ...

2.3 Nature sports trends

following containment, in **** many national parks recorded a significant increase in visitor numbers. Those in Sierra de Guadarrama and Cabañeros saw a **% increase over ****. [***]. Paradoxically, indoor climbing should benefit from the appeal of outdoor sports.

Breakdown of sales by product Europe, ****, % Source: ****

According to the same study, the outdoor sector ...

3 Market structure

3.1 Geographical distribution of practice

The data compiled by the French Ministry of Culture and Sport do not distinguish between licensees practicing mountain sports and those practicing indoor climbing. However, the number of licensees by region enables us to observe the regions where this sector is most dynamic.

Catalonia and the Basque Country record the highest ...

3.2 Main players

Most of the following players offer gigantic multi-complexes combining the three Olympic disciplines: speed, difficulty and bouldering.

Number of climbing gyms per chain Spain, ****, unit Source: ****

3.3 Revenue structure

As the indoor climbing trend is still relatively recent in Europe, it may be interesting to take a look at the situation on the other side of the Atlantic. The United States is a pioneer in this market. As a result, of the $*** million generated by the country's *** climbing centers, $*** million ...

4 Offer analysis

4.1 Price list

Most climbing gyms offer prices by the day or by the month. The table below shows a selection of prices.

Most gyms also offer student rates, and sometimes even special offers for couples, families or the unemployed. There's a wide range of options, from annual subscriptions to **-session packs.

Last but ...

4.2 Beyond climbing: a community

To compete with gyms and keep up with the hype, climbing gyms are focusing on creating a community within an Instagrammable universe. The A* consulting agency lists the elements that will build customer loyalty:

Cleanliness; Variety of outlets and routes; Good temperature and humidity management; Safety.

Finally, the agency recommends the ...

5 Regulations

5.1 Current regulations

The normative framework governing the construction of climbing gyms is based on two standards:

UNE *****-*: "Structures artificielles d'escalade - Partie * : Exigences de sécurité et méthodes d'essai relatives aux SAE avec points d'assurage" Standard UNE *****-*: "Artificial climbing structures - Part *: Safety requirements and test methods for climbing walls ...

6 Positioning the players

6.1 Segmentation

  • Sputnik Climbing
  • Top30
  • Indoorwall
  • Sharma Climbing
  • Climbing Planet
  • Entre-Prises
  • Gecko Walls
  • Walltopia
  • Decathlon Groupe

List of charts

  • Sales growth in the climbing gyms market
  • Estimated sales based on number of licensees
  • Breakdown of students enrolled in "Grado Medio" Sports Education by discipline
  • Mountain climbing federation members by gender
  • Breakdown of sales by product
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Latest news

Decathlon: all the 2023 performance figures - 05/04/2024
  • - Worldwide sales 2023: 15.6 billion euros, up +4.4% on 2022
  • - Decathlon presence: 78 countries.
  • - Number of products sold worldwide last year: 1.19 billion.
  • - Share of digital sales: 17.4%
  • - Sales in France: 4.752 billion euros, up +1.24% on 2022.
  • - Total number of stores worldwide: 1,749, including 319 in France.
  • - Total number of employees: 101,000, including 24,000 in France.
Decathlon revolutionizes itself to become a global brand - 13/03/2024
  • - Company sales: 15.4 billion euros
  • - Number of stores: Over 1700
  • - Presence in 69 countries
  • - Number of brands developed by employees : Over 70
  • - Number of disciplines covered by brands: Around one hundred
  • - Focus on product-related services: rental, second-hand, subscription, recycling, etc.
Decathlon sells store premises for 600 million euros - 12/12/2023
  • The network has 1,751 stores worldwide.
  • Décathlon has just sold the walls of 90 of its stores for 600 million euros.
  • The decision was taken to remove many of the company's brands from the shelves. Of the current 49 stores, only around 15 are expected to remain by next year.
  • The recent acquisition of Bergfreunde.de, a German online retailer of mountain sports equipment.

Decathlon: camping aisles looted in Israel after Hamas raid amas - 17/10/2023
  • Number of Decathlon employees in Israel: 500
  • Number of Decathlon stores in Israel: 10
  • Most popular sector: Camping
Decathlon changes strategy - 22/07/2023
  • Decathlon intends to reduce the number of its brands from 49 to around 15 over the next year.
  • The company aims to reduce the in-store offer by 20% by streamlining its brands.
  • The company has 1,751 stores worldwide, including 325 in France.
  • In 2022, Decathlon generated sales of 15.4 billion euros, including 4.7 billion euros in France.
  • Decathlon's online sales accounted for 16.8% of total sales in 2022, rising to 20.8% in 2021.
  • Over the past two years, Decathlon has begun to reduce the sales area of some of its stores from 500 to 1,500 m2.
  • Its rival Intersport, with 800 stores and sales of 3.3 billion euros, is aiming for sales of 5 billion euros by 2025.
Russia's withdrawal does not hinder Decathlon's expansion - 04/04/2023
  • Number of stores: 1,751 in 69 countries
  • Sales in 2022: 15.4 billion euros (+12%) Net profit in 2022: 923 million euros (+10 million euros vs. 2021)
  • New store openings in 2022: 70
  • Like-for-like sales growth in 2022: 13
  • Share of digital sales: 17% in 2022, versus 8% in 2019
  • Share of business in France: 25% (with 325 stores)
  • Sales in France: 4.7 billion euros in 2022, up 12% year-on-year
  • Used goods: 300,000 sold by 2022, available in nine out of ten stores.
  • Rental: launched in 2022, with 4% of children's bikes purchased this way.

Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

Sputnik Climbing
Top30
Indoorwall
Sharma Climbing
Climbing Planet
Entre-Prises
Gecko Walls
Walltopia
Decathlon Groupe

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The climbing gym market | Spain

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