After out-performing the UK in April it looks like the USA has continued this trend in May, but everything as it seems. Lies, damned lies and statistics!
UK prices in the month to 15 May rose fell by 3.4% overall, according to the latest figures from the Golfalot Price Index (GPI). Every category except trolleys was up with drivers leading the way at just under +10% as new models from TaylorMade and Cobra arrived in stores. Shoes and irons rose 5.4% and 4.6% respectively for similar reasons with wedges, putter and bags all rising 2-3%.
In the USA the Golfalot Price Index also rose 3.4% but the headline figure masks a gloomier picture. Trolleys posted a massive gain over the period due to two Bag Boy electric trolleys retailing for over $1000. Taking these two products out and trolleys still rose by over 9%, but the USA index actually falls by 0.9% as all categories apart from putters (+3%) and shoes (+1.4%) posted negative gains. Hardest hit were utilities (-6.2%), irons (-5.3%) and wedges (-4.7%). Although these two trolleys had a big influence on the US Index, it could be the sign of a new growth area in US golf equipment as these types of trolleys, which are common in the UK, start to gain market share in the USA. We shall have to wait and see how this develops over the coming months.
The Golfalot Price Index allows the golf industry to compare price trends both within the UK and USA and between both countries. The Indices operate in the same way by tracking the prices of the latest models from each manufacturer are chosen as they reach the market. Therefore the models tracked always reflect pricing on what the serious golfer wants – the latest technology. Prices are taken from Golfalot.com’s market leading golf equipment price comparison service in the UK and USA.
For more detailed information view the Golfalot Price Index graphs for the UK & USA online at www.golfalot.com/priceindex
Contact:
Martin Hopley
Tel: +44 (0) 131 453 1990
www.Golfalot.com
