The coronavirus kept millions of Americans indoors this spring, but they flocked outdoors come summer. June is normally a big sales month for the outdoor industry, and the top five activities all saw major upticks in 2020 compared to 2019, according to NPD Retail Tracking Service.
With gyms closed and few sports to watch on TV, consumers looked toward outdoor activities to fill their time.
Cycling: $697 million in June sales (63% year-over-year increase)
Golf: $661 million (51% increase)
Camping: $605 million (31% increase)
Paddle sports (like canoeing and kayaking): $172 million ($56% increase)
Bird-watching and nature sightings: $16 million in binocular sales (22% increase)
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