Wonder

Research Outline

Prepared for Davis S. | Delivered February 8, 2021

Product Sales at US Surplus Stores, Tactical Gear Stores and Related Online Retailers

Goals

Overall tactical gear apparel market revenue 
How many merchants are there 
Who are the biggest merchants 
Roughly what apparel revenue do they sell 
What followings do they have on social channels 
What products are they selling most of

Early Findings

Industry Statistics
In 2018, the global tactical and outdoor clothing market was expected to exceed $16bn by 2022.
 The Americas was predicted to be the major revenue contributor to the military tactical gear market throughout this period, with steady market growth in this region owing to the expansion of private military and security companies, to fulfill the integral need for wars and dangerous missions.
The tactical gear market (in North America) is anticipated to develop from $4.2bn in 2019 to $6.4bn by 2025, at a CAGR of 7.2%
The tactical & service clothing manufacturing industry in the US in 2019 reported revenue of $775.4m, with profits of $59.7m.
Trends
Historically, tactical gear was predominantly in use by members of the military and law enforcement officers, but as time has gone on, the variety of people utilizing tactical gear has expanded.
The so-called 'brick and mortar' US surplus store model is currently in decline, largely due to reportedly lower imported quality stock and online retail establishments.
 Limited access to genuine military surplus equipment is cited as another of the challenges surplus stores face.
The 'Tactical and Service Clothing Manufacturing Industry Report' from 2016 concluded that in the US, as defense spending falls, new markets will help offset losses.
External Factors
Sales of 'tactical apparel' have been seen to increase significantly owning to various current events. In 2020, online sales increased 20-fold ahead of the US elections.
 New smart technologies in tactical and outdoor clothing, such as the emergence of flame-resistant tactical clothing, are some other factors impacting market growth.
Online Retailers
 Published list of the 8 best online surplus stores.
 Ranger Joe's — A military surplus store located in Columbus, Georgia. Ranger Joe's is a well-known military store that sells a wide range of army clothing equipment for those who are interested in buying anything that's inspired by the military. They've been active since 1963, and they provide a wide range of clothing from uniforms to belts, jackets, vests, sweatshirts, and even clothing for kids. They have 57k followers on Facebook plus several thousand on other platforms.
Describing themselves as the world-wide leader in military surplus, Sportsman’s Guide is a surplus store that sells military clothing, boots and shoes, tactical gear, and military collectibles. It’s also a surplus gear store that delivers across the globe. They have 454k followers on Facebook, 65k on Instagram, plus thousands more across other platforms.
 Army Surplus Warehouse is seen to be one of the best military surplus online stores ever. Formed in 1977, they focus on providing and selling top-quality military clothing and gear to those who are looking for genuine material.
New Products To Sell
One area of recent growth is in the tactical communications market. It was estimated at $20bn globally in 2017 and predicted to register 4th growth by 2024 
The US market is anticipated to hold the highest share during this time.
Research Challenges
There are lots of companies who trade in tactical gear, but the total number of merchants or retail outlets in the US is difficult to determine because many sellers sell equipment alongside other products.
US surplus stores are generally 'brick and mortar' type enterprises, and some of these operate with little or no online presence.
The traditional surplus store has diversified from exclusively selling military surplus equipment to selling imported stock and in some cases, reportedly low quality equipment.
Absolute sales revenue for tactical gear retailers is difficult to determine in some cases, and there is a lack of reliable and readily available information online.