An on-course retail trade has not yet matured in the Netherlands either, meaning that high-volume, low-margin off-course stores have a strong foothold, making the Dutch market less attractive to premium brands.
Imports of golf equipment into the Netherlands were valued at €44.6 million in 2008, down 21.8% from 2007, with golf clubs accounting for roughly half of the imports. A third of the country’s imports came from the United States, with the UK supplying just over 24% of imports in 2008. Almost 94% of the Netherlands’ 2008 golf imports were made up of clubs, balls and components.
The total Dutch golf apparel market in 2008 was valued at €25.4 million, with women accounting for around 65% of the spending, but with lifestyle brands popular on the golf course - such as Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger - the total golf apparel spend could be over €33 million. Golfino, Abacus and Daily Sports dominate women’s apparel, and the young, home-grown Golfjunkie label, which prides itself on bright and provocative designs, has also become popular over the past five years. Brax trousers sell very well to men and women, with Nike and Peak Performance appealing to the men’s market in general.
In terms of footwear, it is estimated that 80,000 pairs of golf shoes were sold in the Netherlands in 2008, with the average price per pair around €90. FootJoy dominates, with adidas, Nike and Ecco the other main contenders. Golf Copenhagen, Hi-Tec, Puma and Duca del Cosma have smaller market shares.
The BGIA’s three-part study into the European Golf Apparel and Footwear Market is available to purchase. Please email info@bgia.org.uk or call 02476 414 999 x207 for full information, prices and executive summaries.
