Online sales of top sporting goods companies rose 13.26% in 2015 to $4,681.1 million from $4,133.2 million, right in line with the overall growth rate in e-commerce sales of 13.46%, according to data compiled by Internet Retailer. Apparel and accessories growth, which includes chains like Foot Locker, was also in the same neighborhood with growth of 13.85% to $48,828.8 million from $42,887.7 million. The fastest growing categories were housewares/home furnishings (22.44%), hardware/home improvement (22.04%) and specialty (21.58%). The slowest was office supplies (1.66%).

The industry has a number of heavy hitters in the online space already, led by Fanatics which had ... Log in to view full article.