Skateboarding, what a passion

For several months now, all skateboard shops have been experiencing a surge in sales of hardware, skateboards, longboards, and surfboards. Demand has risen so rapidly internationally that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have found themselves constantly out of stock. Those who had planned their purchases through pre-sale campaigns were able to secure a base quantity, but even they found it difficult to add quantities and items. It will take time for major brand groups, factories, and logistics to get back up and running and ensure everyone has the inventory in their suppliers' warehouses. Some are estimating next summer, others next winter... it will certainly be even more difficult for smaller brands to secure production slots.

 

Demand worldwide, not just in Italy, is skyrocketing, and supply continues to struggle. In fact, everyone is losing sales they never even imagined. Will this trend continue? That's the question we're asking ourselves! Of course, we don't have a crystal ball, but for months we've been wondering what's happening around the globe, and we've been talking to customers and suppliers. These are some of the considerations we find useful to share with you, because what we're witnessing truly seems like the beginning of a new wave we'll be riding!

 

SKATEBOARDING HAS ALWAYS BEEN CYCLICAL

 

Some estimate decades-long cycles, which led to the first major international boom in the late 1980s. After a few years of peak popularity, starting in 1993, the market, users, and consequently sales began to decline, reaching historic lows in 1995, 1996, and 1997. But by the late 1990s, a new wave was beginning. It happened again in the late 2000s, and as all industry professionals well remember, the decline was steep again from 2016 to the end of 2019. From May 2020 to today, we all know what happened, with abnormal demand and sales that caused an out-of-stock situation in just a few months.

 

WOMEN'S SKATEBOARD

 

This movement is certainly not new, but it seems to have suddenly materialized in recent months. Sales of skateboards to girls and surfskates to young women have created the conditions for a market aimed at a more mixed audience.

 

 

LOCKDOWN, SPORTS BREAKDOWN, ECOLOGICAL MOVEMENT

 

The situation created by the pandemic and subsequent lockdown undoubtedly accelerated a process that was already underway. Boys and girls who practice other sports found themselves without a gym, a team, and the opportunity to have fun like before. The alternative proposed by classmates and friends who had already been skateboarding for some time was quickly embraced by a growing number of young people. Likewise, the growing focus on eco-friendly means of transportation for urban transportation, where longboards, cruisers, and surfskates have added new sales opportunities to this wave.

 

 

OLYMPICS

 

The Olympics have been postponed, right! But for at least a year, the mainstream press has been covering the topic, effectively clearing skateboarding as a sport in its own right. This has changed the perception and impact on families and people far removed from this world.

 

 

SCHOOLS IN THE TERRITORY AND SKATEPARKS

 

Skateboarding schools, run and organized by many local organizations, have also been promoting skateboarding to young children for years. All grassroots organizations, they are decidedly more mature than in previous years. Increasingly positioning themselves as a viable alternative to youth centers and summer camps, they have in recent years introduced more and more young people to skateboarding. In addition to these organizations, more and more public skateparks have opened in recent years...some are still waiting for an organization to manage them, others are already serving as meeting and socializing spots. Many skateparks are now at capacity, and more will be built to meet the ever-growing demand.

 

 

ON CAVEMAN-SHOP.IT YOU CAN FIND SKATEBOARDS AND ACCESSORIES!

 

At our online skate shop you'll find complete skateboards, decks, wheels, trucks, skateboard bearings, and other accessories to help you create the perfect custom setup.