Sporting Goods / Outdoor Recreation

Sports and outdoor recreation play a substantial role in North American culture as participation rates rise among individuals of all ages, genders, races and ethnicities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, annual sales for retail stores rose 24.7% to $67.2 billion in 2021 compared with $53.9 billion in 2020.  Additionally, athleisure continues to become more popular as people adapt to working increasingly from home and not needing to dress in more business appropriate attire. As cited in the Gordon Brothers' market insight report back in March of 2022, "increased health awareness, new perspectives on sports and fitness and the rising popularity of digital forms of exercise and physical activity have created new growth opportunities for sporting goods companies." However, amid an everchanging political landscape, retail gun stores are constantly on edge as new gun reform is consistently being presented before lawmakers to combat gun violence. The potential for new policies invoking stricter restrictions on firearms and various related accessories could ultimately have substantial effects on sales moving forward.

The sporting goods and outdoor recreation industry has proven to be steady year over year, which has translated over to the business resale market. Over the last 40 years, Sunbelt Business Brokers has transitioned dozens and dozens of these types of businesses. While much of our success can be attributed to the highly experienced and knowledgeable business intermediaries stationed in 140+ offices throughout the United States, Sunbelt Franchise Resales (SFR) has partnered with the most diverse and largest sporting goods buying group Sports, Inc. to help educate their members on maximizing value and the business selling process. As a result, this has given us keen insights into how to effectively market this type of business and has allowed us to play an integral role in helping owners achieve their succession goals.  

As of the conclusion of 2025, the marketplace remains an advantageous place for business owners to transition their business. Immediately following the onset of COVID-19 in March of 2020, the buyer pool for businesses increased dramatically due to historically low interest rates, high unemployment and low job satisfaction. Since 2022, however, rapid rates of inflation and interest rates spiking beyond even pre-pandemic levels left many business owners wondering if they could still earn maximum value for their business.

The simple answer remains "YES!"

Year-over-year, the business resale market has continued to demonstrate that buyers are interested in purchasing strong performing businesses regardless of economic conditions. BizBuySell, the largest online business-for-sale marketplace, published their market insights report at the conclusion of Q4 in 2025. Here's what they said:

                                "The U.S. business-for-sale market reached a period of stabilization in 2025, with                                          transactions flat and sale prices up by 2% annually... The 2026 small business                                               transaction landscape is poised for greater activity on both the buy and sell                                                   sides... 80% of brokers [are] forecasting higher deal volume over the next six                                                 months compared to the same period last year."

 An industry expert and BizBuySell contributor added the following: “There is no ‘perfect’ market to sell, only a prepared seller. Interest rates and buyer behavior matter, but readiness matters more. Owners who focus on what they can control such as financial performance, risk reduction, and clean reporting, put themselves in the strongest position regardless of market conditions."

If you are an owner contemplating the sale of your business, it's never been more critical and beneficial to consult with someone who understands the marketplace, the selling process and how to appropriately value and market your business in order to maximize value.

Ready to explore selling your business? Contact us today for a free/no-obligation discussion and complimentary value range analysis!