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Outlook 2006

Bolstered by gains in participation, equipment sales, and pro tournament attendance, the new year looks to be a winner for your business.

We don’t want to say, “We told you so,” but it’s hard to resist it. As 2005 dawned, we predicted it would be a year of growth for the sport. And that’s exactly what happened.

In 2005, we added more than a million recreational players, the number of frequent players increased, racquet sales increased in both units and dollars, total “play occasions” increased, court builders were busy, attendance at pro events in the U.S. was up — in other words, it was all good.

In fairness, it wasn’t that difficult to predict that initiatives put forth in 2004 and 2005 by the USTA, Tennis Industry Association, the teaching pro organizations, and other groups would begin to bear fruit. But all this was good news for your business in 2005, and we predict it will continue to be good news for you in 2006.

Manufacturers are realizing what consumers want in racquets, shoes, and apparel, and they’re giving it to them in — for the most part — measured amounts. Court builders are busy building and resurfacing courts, and taking their cues from an aging population looking for more forgiving surfaces. Marketing campaigns are targeting the millions of lapsed players and getting new players into the game. All this will mean increased business for you.

Last year, we were right on the money. And we once again predict that’s exactly where you will be in 2006.

From the February 2006 issue
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