After reporting a record 2022, Brooks Running has carried momentum into the first quarter of 2023 with 20% year-on-year global revenue growth. Q1 2023 also saw a record 32% increase in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.
In the first quarter, Brooks reported strong brand demand across retail channels as it overcame pandemic-related supply chain and inventory hurdles.
Through quarter end, Brooks ranked as the top brand at US retail in adult performance running footwear, reportedly maintaining a 23% retail share. The Brooks Ghost and Adrenaline GTS were the top two franchise lines sold, together accounting for more than 13% share in adult performance run.
Brooks noted that it also captured strong momentum in the US specialty run channel, with year-on-year revenue up 42% in the first quarter. In direct e-commerce, Brooks’ Q1 global revenue grew 33% year over year.
“In the face of continued uncertainty in the global consumer marketplace, the premium running category remains a bright spot as getting outdoors and moving is a positive force in people’s lives,” said Jim Weber, CEO.
“With participation rates healthy and the demand for quality, premium product as strong as ever, Brooks is executing uniquely and earning the trust of retailers and runners. Every runner and walker deserves performance product.”
Brooks’ advancements in nitrogen-infused midsoles is now offered in its cushion, speed, and trail shoes. In January, Brooks introduced the Hyperion Max to its speed category, featuring nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH and Rapid Roll rocker technology, with plans to introduce amplified cushioning and additional rocker technology in new styles later this year.
Brooks’ cushioning innovation is also winning over runners and walkers with Glycerin franchise sales up 200% year over year. The Glycerin GTS 20 claimed lead market share in premium priced adult running stability shoes (US$150+) at US retail in March. In April, the Glycerin 20 was also named a finalist by SHAPE magazine in the Best Shoes for Walking category.
Brooks expanded its performance trail product offerings with the introduction of the new High Point head-to-toe trail apparel collection. The brand also launched the Catamount 2 trail shoe, featuring a new SkyVault propulsion plate and TrailTrack rubber outsole for stability and traction on a variety of wet and dry terrain.
In January, Brooks’ near and long-term emission targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In accordance with those targets, Brooks reduced Scope 3 carbon emissions per unit of production by 6% from 2021.
Brooks also launched the carbon neutral Ghost 15 in 2022, offsetting 53,140 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions through offsets to make its largest volume product carbon neutral.
In line with its commitment to maintain an ethical and sustainable supply chain, Brooks implemented TrusTrace, a leading traceability software, to deepen visibility across its manufacturing supply chain and help identify and mitigate responsible sourcing and business continuity risks.
Also summarized by Brooks was its progress in fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. In 2022, Brooks’ representation of women among global employees was at 54% (up 1% from 2021 and outpacing its goal of 50%).
The company also exceeded its goal of 30%+ representation of BIPOC among US employees (35% in 2022). For the third consecutive year, Brooks achieved a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies, practices, and benefits pertinent to LGBTQ+ employees.
