How Retailers Can Capitalize on the Pickleball Apparel Boom

Pickleball isn't just trending, it's been exploding in popularity for the past several years. 

Since 2021, the sport has surged and there's no sign of it slowing down. This rapid growth presents significant opportunities for B2B wholesale retailers, especially those already serving golf, tennis, or resort markets.

Why Pickleball Is a Must-Have Category

What makes pickleball particularly appealing is its accessibility. From backyard setups to club expansions, adding pickleball courts is straightforward, making it easy for retailers to adopt and promote. Pickleball's demographic also overlaps pretty tightly with golfers and tennis players, sharing similar interests, active lifestyles, and spending habits.

The apparel, footwear, and equipment associated with pickleball are projected to hit around $1.5 billion in sales within the next decade, so there’s a large, viable, and long-term market that you as a retailer don’t want to miss out on. 

We’ve talked to retailers and brands in the pickleball space, as well as those looking to expand into that market, and here are some tips we learned from them. 

Expanding Your Retail Presence with Pickleball

Create Attractive Product Bundles

Many newcomers to pickleball are starting fresh without existing gear. Help these customers by offering bundled sets. 

Combine paddles, balls, grip tape, and even complementary products like hydration packs or sunscreen. Bundles make it easier for customers to purchase and serve as perfect gift options, enhancing overall sales.

Emphasize the Brick-and-Mortar Advantage

Pickleball is still new enough that players often prefer trying gear in person. This creates a significant advantage for physical stores over online-only retailers. Encourage customers to visit your shop by offering opportunities to test rackets, feel apparel, and interact directly with products, to boost both engagement and sales.

Diversify Apparel Offerings

Pickleball apparel offers versatility, appealing to customers both on and off the court. Brands like J. Pritchard and Avi Athletics feature trendy items like joggers, dresses, and yoga pants specifically tailored to pickleball players. By expanding your apparel assortment, you’ll attract diverse customers, including those who don't traditionally frequent golf shops.

Create Eye-Catching In-Store Displays

Enhance customer interest by creating vibrant, eye-catching displays using bold colors and engaging product presentations. Pair bright-colored pickleballs with complementary accessories such as stylish bags, sunglasses, and hydration gear to capture attention. Such displays encourage impulse buys and gift purchases, to further drive your retail success.

Leverage Big Brand Legitimacy

With major brands like Nike and Lululemon entering the pickleball market, consumer interest and trust continues to grow. One way you can capitalize on this trend is by aligning your product offerings with these recognizable brands. 

Capitalize on Social and Corporate Events

Pickleball is rapidly becoming a popular social and corporate event activity, attracting groups that previously focused exclusively on golf tournaments. Organize or partner with events like pickleball tournaments and social gatherings at your location. Promote specialized gear bundles for these events to attract new customers who want to look and play their best.

The Long-Term Opportunity of Pickleball

Pickleball has shown that it has legs.  

It’s becoming an established, fast-growing sport with broad demographic appeal and embracing pickleball now positions your retail stores for sustained growth.