Middle-income consumers pulled back on sporting goods purchases in the final quarter of the retail calendar ended Jan. 31, more than offsetting strong spending from the upper-income cohort, according to Consumer Edge’s Sporting Goods Outlook 2026 report. Tallying retail transaction data, the report found that an 18% plunge in Western states’ sales combined with a 4% drop in the Northeast, while the Midwest (+1%) and South (-1%) were closer to flat. Tariffs, inflation, and other macro pressures on middle-income consumers weighed on discretionary purchases.

Upper-income consumers making more than $150k per year ... Log in to view full article.