Slovenian bicycle market growing

In Slovenia, the bicycle industry trends in 2014 were similar to that of 2011, as there has been significant growth just like in 2011. But a survey amongst dealers tends to show a mixed picture of positive growth and a flat market.

The bicycle market in Slovenia grew last year (2014) and now enjoys better connections with the suppliers from Europe. The total imports surged to 77,000 bikes, which is 5% more than 2012 and comparable to the best year for the bicycle industry which was in 2011. However, 12,000 of this total number of bikes were re-shipped to Hungary and Croatia, so total bicycle consumption was 65,000 in Slovenia. E-bikes are starting to sell, but at a slower rate than other leading Central European e-bike markets such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland and Czech, where e-bikes represent at least 1 in 10 bikes sold.  Slovenia tends to be a price competitive market less so than Central Europe countries such as Poland, Slovakia and Hungary, but more comparable to a market like Czech. Of the 250 Suppliers and retailers surveyed by CeSport 78% are under the impression that the sales will increase in 2015.

Italy was the leading exporter of bicycles, components, accessories and garments to Slovenia in 2013, followed by Taiwan and Austria. Italy and Taiwan have always been major exporters, but Austria managed to be the third largest exporter in 2013 and is expected to be as well for 2014, all thanks to sports retailers such as Hervis. The market share held by Hervis and another popular company, Intersport accounts for almost half of the total sales.

Road bikes and mountain bikes that come with a price tag of over €1000 are a growing sector of this market, the market enjoys stability and there is always a growing demand in the lower to middle sector of the bicycle market. The most successful dealers are able to offer flexibility and come out with great deals that are in the best interest of customers.

It will be of great interest to see how the market has performed since Croatia entered the market and joined the European Union. Slovenia managed to have a greater market share than Croatia in 2013 and this was mainly because dealers preferred operating in the Slovenian market rather than the Croatia. Both markets have now become far more diverse, so Bicycle dealers are taking proactive measures to actively manage sales in both Croatia and Slovenia as success in one of these countries will often bring results in the other country.

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