SPORTING GOODS INDUSTRY STAYS STRONG DURING RECESSION

While many industries are expected to feel a pinch from the economic downturn, the sporting goods industry should continue to grow, according to the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA). Retail sales of sports clothing, footwear and equipment rose by 2.4 percent in 1982, the peak year for the last recession.

A few other industries - family clothing, women's ready-to-wear, and auto dealers - saw sales grow in the 1981-82 recession. NSGA hopes for 2 to 3 percent annual growth in real dollars in the current slump.