For the six months between Oct. 2005 and Mar. 2006,specialty stores and (12.3% vs. 10.4%), the Web (4.6% vs. 3.8%) and departmentstores (21.6% vs. 19.9%) sold more pairs of sneakers than in the same prioryear period, according to newly released data from the National Sporting GoodsAssociation (NSGA). Full-line sporting goods stores, meanwhile, sold fewer pairsof athletic footwear during the six months (11.9% vs. 14.1%).

Total U.S. athletic shoe sales rose 9.8% in dollarsfor the six months to $6.08 billion from $5.53 billion, while unit growthduring the period was 7.4% higher. Sales by category showed sales declines inonly three ... Log in to view full article.