DATA
Quarter Comps YoY 2018-2025
ADAPT AND EVOLVE The latest data on Grassroots retail trends shows retailers finding stability in an unpredictable environment.
The 2025 performance of Grassroots members reflects continued adaptation within an evolving market land- scape. Quarter-by-quarter results illustrate how mem- bers are working toward sta- bility after several years of unprecedented disruption. Following the extreme volatility of 2020–2022—when quarterly changes ranged from -11.46% to +53.07% during the pandemic and re- covery—Q1 2025 began with a 2.59% decline versus 2024. The trajectory improved through nearly flat performance in Q2 (-0.26%) before returning to modest growth of 3.81% in Q3. The relative steadiness of these results—now fluctu- ating within a narrow band rather than swinging dramat- ically—signals that indepen- dent specialty retailers have adapted to post-pandemic conditions and are building to- ward sustainable operations. At the individual level, per- formance remains uneven: 47% of members reported declines in 2025. However, this marks a notable improvement from the
59% who were down in both 2023 and 2024, suggesting that more retailers are finding foot- ing in a complex marketplace. Beyond the numbers, retailers are making strategic shifts that indicate a more mature and intentional ap- proach to the market. Many are deepening partnerships with brands that align with their values and business models—71% now dedicate 70% or more of their buying power to pre-book orders— while reevaluating relation- ships with brands that rely heavily on promotions or fall short of specialty outdoor retail standards. These adjustments, coupled with improved inventory man- agement, reflect an industry regaining balance after the his- toric growth of 2021–2022. The successive quarterly declines that began in early 2023 have moderated, and the 2025 tra- jectory suggests that retailers and vendors alike are navigat- ing inventory challenges more effectively while posi- tioning strategically for the holiday season.
Retailer Inventory Positions 2023-2025
Vendor Inventory Positions 2023-2025
6 GRASSROOTS STORIES
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