Declines in all categories except winter sports equipment sent total sporting goods imports down 30.1% to $4,697.3 million from last year’s outsized $6,717.8 million, the lowest Q1 total we’ve tallied since 2014. The drop off was due to a combination of shortages resulting from Vietnam’s Q3 factory shutdowns and deliveries pulled forward by vendors and retailers anxious to ensure adequate stocks for Holiday. Athletic footwear imports declined 33.7% to $985.9 million, apparel was down 15.8% to $819.8 million, and hardgoods tumbled 32.1% to $2,891.6 million, driven by large dollar declines in the previously hot outdoor and exercise categories.

Those are among ... Log in to view full article.