Although the world of sportswear retailing is still a diverse and somewhat fragmented one, there are signs that the industry is beginning to mature. The rapid pace and scale of acquisitions that dominated the sportswear market in the late 1990s has begun to slow as the industry begins to consolidate and move towards a level of stability. Powerful sports multiple chains are still intent on expansion but this is steady, calculated expansion rather than the 'land grab' of recent years. There is still scope for further consolidation but, given the uncertain economic outlook, this may be some time in occurring.

Exclusive products (SMUs) are even more important than in previous years and retailers have been forced to forge stronger relationships with suppliers in order to deliver these products on time and to budget. Most retailers think this has been a positive move as it promotes a better working relationship with both parties working towards the same goals. This relationship could be tested as manufacturers begin to open their own retail outlets. Nike and Reebok already have their own retail outlets in the UK and adidas plans to open its first store in the UK soon.

Specialist sports retailers continue to take market share from non-specialists, although some non-specialists have managed to cling onto market share by catering for a different customer base - one that is slightly older and more conservative and therefore not as likely to visit sports multiples. Independent sports retailers have had mixed fortunes. Some independents have been forced out of the market, unable to compete with the high levels of discounting offered by sports multiples and the economies of scale they enjoy. Others have traded on their heritage and long-standing commitment to the sportswear market and have fought to retain their position. Whether independent retailers have won or lost out in this time of intense competition has been down to several factors - their location, the strength of their balance sheet, the product range offered and the dedication and motivation of the management team.

The key objectives of this report are to:

· establish how the sportswear retailing market has changed since 2000 and the key influences behind such change

· establish key trends in the retailing of sports clothing and footwear

· highlight the major retailers operating in the sportswear environment during 2001

· investigate consumer expenditure patterns and attitudes towards sportswear and how this impacts on retailers

· forecast market conditions over the next two years.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

- Extreme Sports, Leisure Intelligence - UK Report, November 2001

- Youth and Sport, Leisure Intelligence, May 2001

- Sports Goods Retailing, Retail Intelligence, January 2001

- Sports Goods Retailing, Irish Series, June 2000

- Special Report, Sports Participation, 2000