The global skiwear market has experienced growth despite overall challenges, particularly in China due to its development of ski resorts and its hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics. This enthusiasm for winter sports is expected to contribute to a continued rise in the market, with innovations such as the world's largest indoor ski resort in Harbin, China. However, in contrast, the French skiwear market is facing a decline, attributed to factors such as late winters, under-investment in resorts, and a lack of interest among the younger population. The COVID-19 pandemic has further impacted the market, with ski resort attendance dropping by around 16% in 2020. In response to market challenges, French skiwear producers are diversifying their products to include offerings like trail and sportswear, leveraging a move toward eco-responsibility and versatility. French consumers have demonstrated a preference for domestic brands and are also increasingly interested in second-hand markets. Despite the downturn in France, the overall skiwear market remains robust with a forecasted CAGR of 2.1% from 2019 to 2024, suggesting a modest yet steady growth pattern on a global scale..**Dynamic Shifts in Consumer Preferences within the French Skiwear Market**
As we delve into the nuances of the French skiwear market, it becomes evident that there's a discernible shift towards eco-consciousness and functionality among consumers. While the enthusiasm for ski activities seems to wane among younger generations, with more than half of those aged between 15 and 25 having skied seldom, if at all, there's still a robust segment that sustains demand.
Interestingly, the skiwear market is somewhat balanced in terms of gender demographics, with men accounting for around 40 percent of sales and women not far behind. However, the younger cohort, specifically those aged 20 to 34, now makes up just over 30 percent of the consumer base—a notable decline from over a third a decade ago. This suggests a slight dip in interest among this age group, which might stem from lower purchasing power or the growing allure of alternative leisure and travel options.
On the more heartening side, there's a clear preference for "Made in France" brands among the French populace. Homegrown names like Salomon and Millet are at the forefront, indicating an inclination towards supporting local industry. In fact, about half of skiwear sales are clinched by brands of French origin, underscoring a blend of national pride and trust in domestic quality.
Addressing the heightened environmental awareness in the market, about a quarter to a third of consumers express a preference for products that are durable, of known origin, utilize sustainable materials, and have a minimal ecological impact. This has led to the emergence of brands like Picture Organic Clothing that align with these values.
Moreover, consumers demonstrate a desire for versatility in their skiwear. The trend now leans towards adaptive clothing that can transition seamlessly from the slopes to the streets. As a result, garments that offer a combination of comfort, technicality, and style—typically built with materials like Gore-Tex—are gaining traction.
Regarding market value, the skiwear domain encompasses a broad range of products, from insulated jackets to technical underwear and assorted accessories. Although exact figures cannot be drawn from the text, it's mentioned that the UK is a significant buyer of French ski clothing, followed by Italy and Germany, accounting for over half of France's export sales in this segment.
Lastly, it's worth noting the cyclical nature of the skiwear market. Essentially, interest peaks during the winter months, particularly from November to March, aligning with the ski season and corresponding holidays.
In sum, while the French skiwear market faces challenges.### Key Players Shaping the Skiwear Landscape
The niche domain of ski attire has consistently been helmed by a roster of influential brands, each of which brings its own unique blend of style, innovation, and expertise to the winter sports apparel market. Below is an exploration of these major players and their contributions to the industry.
#### Salomon: Pioneering Versatility in Skiwear
Salomon, originally known for its winter sports equipment, has skilfully diversified its portfolio over the years. Though its legacy is strongly rooted in winter sports, Salomon has expanded its reach into the broader outdoor sector, with notable success in areas such as trail running and hiking. This diversification also reflects in its product lineup – from technical ski gear to outdoor apparel that suits various climates and activities.
#### Rossignol: Blending Performance with Fashion
Rossignol's near-brush with insolvency became a pivotal moment for the company to rethink its strategy. This led to an aggressive foray into diversification, which now includes cycling and trail clothing alongside its traditional ski equipment offerings. Rossignol has successfully parlayed its technical expertise from the slopes to the streets, capturing a share of the urban sportswear market with its Rossignol Apparel lineup.
#### Fusalp: Modernizing Retail with a Personal Touch
Originating in the world of French alpine skiing, Fusalp has made a strategic shift towards direct-to-consumer retail, launching several dedicated stores across France and beyond. This move towards an omnichannel approach has allowed Fusalp to control its brand image closely while offering an immersive shopping experience that aligns with the lifestyle of its customer base – dynamic, chic, and sporty.
#### Picture Organic Clothing: Championing Eco-Friendly Innovation
As a relatively fresh face on the skiwear scene, Picture Organic Clothing has quickly captured the hearts of eco-conscious consumers. The brand strikes a fine balance with products crafted from recycled, organic, or bio-sourced materials without compromising on style or performance. Picture's ascent in the market is a testament to the growing demand for sustainable alternatives in sportswear.
#### Canada Goose: A Staple of Urban and Outdoor Apparel
Although not exclusively a skiwear brand, Canada Goose has found favor among skiers for its durable and warm outerwear. The company has adeptly positioned its products as luxurious essentials for both cold urban environments and harsh outdoor landscapes. Its signature down jackets have become a staple for winter aficionados everywhere.
#### The North Face: The Intersection of Innovation and Endurance
The skiwear market encompasses all clothing products needed to practice a winter sport. The main products available on the market are jackets, pants, ski suits, technical underwear and accessories (hats, gloves, mufflers)
This market is closely linked to the more general winter sports market. Worldwide, it is enjoying some growth, notably in the following areas buoyed by China's enthusiasm which will host the Winter Olympics in 2022 It is therefore expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.1% between 2019 and 2024 . Around the world, there is also a new appetite for indoor ski slopes, which allow fans to train regardless of the weather conditions
In France, however, the market is in decline . Indeed, the sport has reached maturity and winter sports activities are struggling to attract new practitioners because of increasingly late winters and sometimes less than optimal weather conditions, a lack of investment in French resorts and a lack of interest among young people for this sport. L he market was also hit hard by the effect of Covid-19 .
French production is down significantly and the various players are seeking to diversify in order to survive . Brands such as Salomon, Rossignol or Fusalp have invested in other segments related to mountain sports such as trail, cycling or sportswear. The main distributors are well-known sports chains (Go Sport, Décathlon, etc.), specialist shops (Skiset, for example), the producers' own shops and e-commerce sites
The skiwear market is therefore reinventing itself between versatility to broaden the target and appeal to consumers in both the mountains and the city, and CSR to take advantage of new expectations in terms of the social and ecological responsibility of buyers
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Latest news
Rossignol relies on ready-to-wear to sell year-round - 16/11/2022
World leader in alpine and Nordic skiing
Sales €313 million in 2022
Expected sales in 2026: €500 million
Expansion of ready-to-wear (20% of current business)
Global outdoor clothing market worth €118 billion
30 Rossignol boutiques
New directly-operated Start Gate outlets
4 factories
Ski manufacturer Rossignol adapts its range to climate change - 06/03/2023
Rossignol holds a 17.4% worldwide share of the alpine ski market, 22.8% of the Nordic ski market, 18.4% of the ski boot market and 21.9% of the bindings market
ski market estimated at 400 million skier-days (daily visits by one person to a ski area, including 53.9 million in France)
Textiles now account for 20% of Group sales, up from 5% in 2015
Rossignol's industrial tricks to pamper athletes - 04/04/2023
Rossignol: 1,230 employees,
313 million euros in sales by 2021-2022.
Rossignol has 153 athletes in its sponsorship program.
59 medals won at the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games.
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. :
Skis Rossignol
Fusalp
MILLET MOUNTAIN GROUP
The North Face
Canada Goose
Spyder
Ortovox (Schwan- Stabilo)
Go Sport France
Patagonia
Cimalp
Salomon (Amer Sport groupe)
Blizzard (Tecnica)
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