In recent years, the sports industry has benefited from an almost global fitness trend. Now the prospects for the future are much more uncertain.

Munich (dpa / lby) - In uncertain times for the sporting goods industry, the annual industry trade fair Ispo begins on Monday (0900) in Munich. For the first time since the beginning of the corona pandemic, Europe's most important sports trade fair can take place again without special conditions. But the number of exhibitors has shrunk considerably. Before the start of the corona pandemic, there were almost 3,000 in the record year 2019; this year, according to the Munich trade fair company, there are only 1,500.

Winter sports are traditionally the focus at Ispo. A big question for the sports industry and retailers is whether and how long the sports and fitness trend fueled by the corona pandemic will last. This year, sales figures in Germany have collapsed, especially in online trading. According to market and consumer researchers, high inflation and the associated increase in the cost of living are causing people to save on non-essential expenses.