SportsShoes.com, the online retailer specialising in outdoor gear, running shoes, and apparel, has announced a strong start to its financial year with a 13% increase in outdoor product sales across its UK and international websites. The Shipley-based company, with a turnover of £90 million, attributes this growth to seasonal demand and key partnerships with renowned outdoor brands.
Since 1 March 2024, SportsShoes.com has welcomed 7,000 new customers in its outdoor categories, marking a 13% increase from the previous year. The total number of unique outdoor customer orders reached 120,000 in this period—up by 11% year-on-year. “The outdoor market represents a core opportunity for us as we target new growth opportunities in the UK and overseas,” said Brett Bannister, Managing Director of SportsShoes.com.
The boost in sales is partly due to the successful launch of Mountain Equipment on the platform, alongside digital campaigns with top brands such as Gore Tex, Patagonia, and The North Face. Additionally, strong demand for hiking shoes like the Merrell Moab Speed 2, Hoka Anacapa range, and Salomon X Ultra series contributed to this positive trend. “Underpinning this is our commitment to offering an amazing product range from leading brands and continual efforts to ensure we provide a best-in-class online purchasing experience,” said Bannister.
SportsShoes.com has also engaged in significant physical brand activations, including a partnership with The North Face to support initiatives like Muslim Hikers, part of the Active Inclusion Network that encourages Muslim communities to embrace outdoor activities.
The company reported a 22% increase in international sales during the same period, acquiring 75,000 new customers as it continues to expand its reach overseas. Currently operating in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, SportsShoes.com is now targeting additional European markets, including Poland, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Nordics.
“With our outdoor customers, it is essential they have an opportunity to access the best available products suitable for their individual needs. This has driven our performance in the outdoor marketplace, and we look forward to working with our brand partners to maintain this and grow our established online presence,” said Tom Cain, Outdoor Category Buyer at SportsShoes.com.
To support its growth and improve customer experience, SportsShoes.com has invested £4.6 million over the past three years in a website replatforming project. This upgrade enhances the user journey with increased personalisation across product discovery and advice, part of the company’s strategy to bolster its technology, processes, and facilities. For more information, visit sportsshoes.com.
