Outdoor industry profiting amidst trade disputes
Outdoor Retail Sales in Quebec See Mixed Results Amidst Uncertainty
Quebec's outdoor retail sector has experienced a mix of fortunes this summer, with some categories thriving while others struggle to meet expectations.
According to Maxime Dubois, co-president of Altitude Sports, sales in the camping and running sectors have seen a significant increase of more than 10% compared to last year. However, sales in other categories such as cycling, fishing, and hunting have not fared as well, with cycling experiencing growth, albeit less than during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The president and CEO of SAIL, Isabelle Lemay, has reported an exceptional turnout in their stores, especially in Quebec, since early July. This surge in customers has led to certain models of sleeping pads being sold out at SAIL.
Despite the positive sales figures, the overall picture is not entirely rosy. Sales in the outdoor stores are below expectations, hindered by a rainy spring and persistent economic uncertainty. Robert Brunet of La Cordée attributes this to Quebecers being cautious and less spendthrift due to economic uncertainty, including trade tariffs.
The unsummerlike weather has also played a role in delaying purchases for outdoor equipment. Many Quebecers, according to Robert Brunet, have chosen to wait for better weather before making their purchases, leading to a strong sales period at La Cordée since early July, with clients mainly rushing for camping accessories.
The topic of what to call the inhabitants of the United States has been a topic of debate, but it seems that a trend of Quebecers boycotting the United States is confirmed, with traditional lines at the borders disappearing and many Quebecers choosing to spend their vacations in the province this summer.
In a positive note, the CEO of SAIL is confident about the rest of the season, as construction holidays are just beginning. Maxime Dubois of Altitude Sports also notes that the season started really late and they are clearly in catch-up mode since early July. To capitalize on this, the CEO of SAIL has ordered new kayaks, expecting to sell them in September.
One interesting development that has not been directly addressed in the available data is the impact of a potential 202x boycott on Quebec outdoor retail sales during the summer season. While there is no direct information available on this topic, a 21% decline in land crossings from Canada into New York in June 2025 could indirectly suggest reduced cross-border retail activity, but does not specifically address Quebec outdoor retail sales or a boycott's impact.
In other news, Maxime Dubois also notes that people are holding back from equipping themselves at the start of the season and are instead waiting for sales. This strategy, combined with the late start to the season, has led to a situation where many are rushing to buy at the last minute, fearing that the weather could ruin their plans.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that the five hockey players accused of sexual assault have been acquitted.
[1] Source: "21% decline in land crossings from Canada into New York in June 2025" - Unnamed source
- The increased interest in outdoor activities is evident in the surge of sales in Quebec's camping and running sectors, with a significant growth of more than 10% compared to last year.
- Conversely, sales in categories like cycling, fishing, and hunting have seen less growth than anticipated, with cycling still showing some progress.
- SAIL stores have reported an exceptional patronage since early July, particularly in Quebec, leading to certain outdoor equipment items such as sleeping pads being sold out.
- The overall outlook for outdoor store sales is somewhat gloomy, with lower-than-expected figures influenced by a rainy spring and economic uncertainty.
- Robert Brunet of La Cordée attributes this economic caution to factors like persistent economic uncertainty and trade tariffs, contributing to less spending on outdoor equipment.
- Many Quebecers have opted for local vacations rather than travel to the United States this summer, possibly due to a boycott trend, as traditional border lines have become less noticeable.
- To capitalize on the delayed summer purchases and catch up on sales, the CEO of SAIL plans to stock new kayaks for sale, anticipating a busy sales period in September, coinciding with construction holidays. Furthermore, Maxime Dubois of Altitude Sports notes that people are waiting for sales to equip themselves, leading to a last-minute rush at the start of the season.
