The Business of Billiards
Industry Statistics
In its role as the trade
organization for the billiards industry – the BCA is committed to helping your business grow by keeping tabs
on market trends, conducting surveys and compiling important data. Making pool
everybody's game is everybody's business ... and the BCA is here to help
you succeed! [
click on graphs for larger views ]
 Who buys?
Following a record peak sales year in 2004, last year's numbers returned to the
$240 ballpark that has been the norm over most of the past decade. Americans
have continued to purchase billiard equipment within that steady range each year since tracking began in 1988, with downturns in 2001 and 2005.
According to the most recent Sporting Goods
Manufacturers Association (SGMA) State of the Industry Report, 2005 wholesale
shipments were $240 million [ see longer
term
Billiard Wholesale Shipments data ].
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 Who plays?
Since 1998, billiard participation has risen steadily from 32.3 million players
to 36 million in 2005 as
reported by the National Sporting Goods Association. This
rebound brings participation to a new peak, with the gender
demographic remaining at 63% male, 37% female. Based on total
participation, billiards ranks 8th, behind walking, camping,
swimming, exercising with equipment, bowling, fishing and
bicycling. |
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 Who attends? Retailers make up the majority of the buyers
that attend the
BCA
International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo at 94%,
followed by room operators at 5%, and 1% categorized as "other" operators (of
bowling and amusement centers).Who exhibits? Cross-listed across
several categories, exhibitors at the annual Expo represent product lines in
accessories, apparel, association services, discount providers, balls, bars &
barstools, books/videos, chalk/talk, cloth, computer systems, cue care, cue
cases, cue stands, cues, darts/dartboards, design consulting,
food/facilities/services, furnishings/art, games & game tables, instruction,
juke boxes & sound systems, lighting, poker, promotional items/trophies,
publications & websites, shuffleboard, signs/neon, slate, spas/tanning/pools,
table parts/supplies/repair, tables, tips/scuffers/shapers,
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BUSINESS TOOLS |
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The BCA offers a full line of business aids at
both its
public and
member-only storefronts. From tips on new
room start-up ... to industry survey data, you'll
find comprehensive and valuable information to
help your business grow!
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To download PDF
formatted documents, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.
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