Austin, TX — November 30, 2010 – The number one holiday gift for golfers this year is golf balls, according to Golfsmith, the nation’s largest golf specialty retailer, which expects to sell more than two million of them in two months. During the eight weeks leading up to December 25th, the nation’s largest golf retailer is gearing up to also sell more than four million golf tees, 80,000 golf shirts and 70,000 golf gloves along with millions of other items. (Please see “By The Numbers” list below for other expected sales numbers)
Those are just some of the huge quantities sold during one of the busiest times of the year at the specialty retailer’s 76 coast-to-coast locations and online store at golfsmith.com. Customer traffic on some days in Golfsmith stores and online can triple as shoppers hunt for that perfect gift for some of the 27 million plus golfers in America who play the game on a regular or occasional basis.
In a process that began more than a year ago, Golfsmith’s merchandise buyers study purchasing trends, work with various manufacturers and “look into their crystal balls” to predict what will be the hottest selling gifts for golfers.
“There’s a science behind our buying strategy to ensure Golfsmith has plenty of inventory of the hottest selling and most popular products in demand this year and our warehouses are stocked so all items will be available, even for the last minute shopper through December 24th,” said Eli Getson, Golfsmith’s SVP of Merchandising.
Predicted buying trends for those purchasing golf related gifts this year include products for the budget conscious and high technology gadgets to help golfers judge distances to the pin and play better. Additionally, there has been a sales spike because golfers are stocking up on current wedges with larger grooves for better spin and control before they are not made anymore after December 31, 2010. (Please visit www.golfsmith.com/mediagiftguide for specific “hot selling holiday golf gift ideas.”)
“Shopping for a golfer can be a daunting task for those who don’t play. Every one of our in-store associates know the game, have a keen understanding of the latest equipment and can serve as personal shoppers,” said Marty Hanaka, Golfsmith President and CEO. “Our experts have a passion for golf, can custom fit clubs for any player’s swing and ability, and will help score that perfect golf gift.”
One of the hottest categories in golf is high-tech products. Today almost every golf product Golfsmith sells has been transformed with new technology; from GPS devices giving golfers exact distances on every shot to the computer-designed drivers providing more distance and accuracy than ever before.
To help shoppers, Golfsmith has a holiday gift center that provides ideas on what to buy a golfer: www.golfsmith.com/gifts. Golfsmith also offers the option to order a product online and to pick it up at one of the 76 stores.
“Our product selection is focused on helping golfers play better. We see a tremendous increase in shoppers visiting our stores and website this time of year. There are tens of millions of people who love the game of golf in our country and just as many gift givers,” added Mr. Hanaka.
Golf balls may be the number one choice for gifts at the holiday season, but gift cards are always a favorite choice. Last year, Golfsmith sold more than 59,000 gift cards during November and December for those who didn’t know what to buy a golfer.
Editor’s Note: For HD video and on camera sound, high resolution JPEG’s of unique and popular holiday gifts along with a streaming news report designed for bloggers, please visit: www.golfsmith.com/holidaymediacenter or to see some of the unique gifts visit www.golfsmith.com/mediagiftguide for some of the expected hot selling items.
Golfsmith by the Numbers: During the months of November and December Golfsmith, the nation’s largest specialty golf retailer is expected to sell more than:
• 2 million Golf balls
• 4 million Tees
• 200,000 Golf clubs of all makes and models
• 59,000 Gift Cards
• 25,000 Hats
• 80,000 Golf Shirts
• 75,000 Gloves
• 14,000 Golf Bags
About Golfsmith
Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:GOLF) based in Austin, Texas, is a specialty retailer of golf and tennis equipment, apparel and accessories. The company operates as an integrated multi-channel retailer, offering its guests the convenience of shopping in its 76 stores across the United States, through its Internet site and from its assortment of catalogs. Golfsmith offers an extensive product selection that features premier branded merchandise, as well as its proprietary products, clubmaking components and pre-owned clubs. Visit www.golfsmith.com
Cautionary Language
Certain statements made in this news release are forward-looking in nature and, accordingly, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. Important factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed in our Form 10-K, filed March 3, 2009 under the caption “Risk Factors.”
Contact:
Lynn Luczkowski, L2 Communications 860-313-1426 or Lynn@L2comm.biz
Aubrey Haznar, L2 Communications, 617-549-8792 or Aubrey@L2comm.biz
Matt Corey, Golfsmith, 512-821-4883 or matt.corey@golfsmith.com
