With the retail business at a virtual standstill, particularly for small retailers who lack well-developed omni-channel capability, the present coronavirus epidemic is likely to cause a dramatic change in the already shifting distribution channels in sporting goods and much of the outcome will be determined by the credit policies of vendors, banks and landlords who are in a position to decide which businesses will get a ventilator and which ones will not.

A recent membership survey by the Running Industry Association suggests just how dire the situation is for small independents. A poll taken on Mar. 27 found that 31.1% of ... Log in to view full article.