Rental Boosts Sales: SPORT 2000 Austria Draws A Positive Winter Balance
Rent, test, buy: SPORT 2000 Austria experienced increased demand for high-quality equipment and personalized advice during the 2024/25 winter season. Top conditions on the slopes and increased customer awareness of quality made rental and sales a key success factor. At the same time, pressure on brick-and-mortar retailers remains high: rising costs and staff shortages are challenging domestic businesses.
At this year's SPORT 2000 rent Meetings in Salzburg and Tyrol, the sports retail association drew a positive conclusion for the 2024/25 winter season. Conditions were optimal this season: plenty of sunshine, stable snow conditions, and packed slopes. The tourism sports retail trade in particular benefited from this. The sales and booking figures for SPORT 2000 rent show a clear trend: high-quality equipment was once again in high demand, according to feedback from SPORT 2000 retailers. "Those who hit the slopes today want top-quality equipment and maximum flexibility. Our retailers are clearly feeling this in their rental business," says Irina Andorfer, Managing Director of SPORT 2000 Austria. Ski rental has long been more than just a pragmatic solution for vacationers. It is increasingly being used to thoroughly test new equipment before purchasing. "Rental is increasingly becoming a strategic sales channel," emphasizes Andorfer. Skis and ski boots in the upper price segment also recorded strong growth in brick-and-mortar sales. The textile sector developed differently regionally, but remained above the previous season's level. The touring and cross-country segment showed stable development this season. The sports retail association expects an upward trend for the coming winter season.
Service as a decisive competitive advantage
Not only products, but also services are increasingly at the center of the customer experience. According to Andorfer, personal advice, customized adjustments such as ski boot fitting, and various professional ski services are key reasons why consumers consciously choose brick-and-mortar retailers. "Our SPORT 2000 retailers are far more than sales outlets. They act as competent, on-site problem solvers who specifically address the individual needs of their customers," says the Managing Director of SPORT 2000 Austria.
SPORT 2000 Austria is once again industry champion
This commitment to quality is clearly confirmed by the market: Customers trust the expertise of SPORT 2000 specialist retailers, both in brick-and-mortar stores and through the SPORT 2000 rent platform. For the sixth time in a row, SPORT 2000 Austria was ranked first in the customer satisfaction category in the 2025 ÖGVS Industry Monitor. In the ski rental sector, SPORT 2000 has topped the rankings for the fifth time in a row. Andorfer sees this as a strong indicator of committed service quality and continuous customer proximity.
Specialist retailers need more flexible framework conditions
Especially in service-intensive areas such as workshops and rental services, many specialist retailers are increasingly reaching their limits. The shortage of qualified personnel is having a noticeable impact on day-to-day operations. Added to this are rising non-wage labor costs, especially for weekend shifts, as well as high rental prices and growing purchasing costs, which are putting additional pressure on business planning. "Brick-and-mortar specialist retailers need reliable, future-proof, and above all, contemporary framework conditions. This includes, among other things, flexible working time models, better access to seasonal staff, and a reduction in bureaucratic hurdles," concludes Andorfer.
