Despite the dire news of Quiksilver layoffs and Active filing for bankruptcy and other such calamities, a new report issued today by the wonderfully named Leisure Trends Group suggests the surf/skate industry is doing just fine, thank you.  US Retail sales of all things surf/skate was $7.22 billion in 2008 compared to $7.48 billion in 2006, constituting a drop of only 3.5%, which, when put up to the nosedive the rest of the economy is in, seems downright paltry.  The study, which was commissioned by the Surf Industry Manufacturing Association and is conducted by biannually, first came out in 2004, and showed sales of $6.52 billion at that time.
Other highlights from the numbers:

-"The Surf Industry has shown growth of 10% for the last five years" (which was exactly how the press release phrases it and might leave you wondering, among other things: 10% a year, or over that time span?  And, did this writer ever attend business school?

-"The total footwear category (men's and women's shoes and sandals) experienced a hike of 15.6% since 2006 to $1.5 billion in sales recorded in 2008. While men's footwear and sandals contribute most to this category claiming 77% of sales ($1.15 billion), women's sandals saw a significant 3% increase in their contribution to the category during the last two years, growing from $143 million in sales in 2006 to $210 million in 2008."

-The accessory category experienced the second-highest increase, climbing 13.1% over 2006 to a total of $561 million sold in 2008. Sunglasses and hats led the charge in increased sales, with duffel bags and watches also contributing strongly to the category's 2008 success. Of note, sunglass sales have been trending significantly upwards during the last five years, growing from $81 million in sales in 2004 to $151.5 million in 2008.

For more trends, facts, figures (AND FUN!) click over here to read the unabridged version: http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/07-13-2009/0005058912&EDATE=