eCommerce Tumbles for Dick’s Sporting Goods

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Shoppers’ return to their local Dick’s Sporting Goods store took a bite out of the omnichannel sporting goods retailer’s eCommerce business — both for the fourth quarter (ending Jan. 29) and for the full fiscal 2021, the company reported Tuesday (March 8).

In Q4, Dick’s saw an 11% drop in eCommerce sales compared to the same period one year earlier, after the previous fiscal year saw a 57% increase in Q4 eCommerce sales. eCommerce penetration has grown from 25% of total net sales in the fourth quarter of 2019 to 27% for the fourth quarter of 2021.

The firm’s eCommerce penetration was approximately 32% in the fourth quarter of 2020.

For the year, eCommerce sales dipped 9%, including a period of temporary store closures, following a 100% increase in eCommerce sales in fiscal 2020. eCommerce grew from 16% of net sales in fiscal 2019 to 21% in fiscal 2021, after hitting 30% in fiscal 2020.

“Our exceptionally strong 2021 reflects another positive step forward in our multi-year transformational journey,” Executive Chairman Ed Stack said in the company press release. “Our strategies are driving sustainable sales and profitability growth, and we have set our business on a new trajectory.”

Q4 brick-and-mortar sales grew 14%, while full-year brick-and-mortar sales were up 42% in 2021.

Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2021 were $3.35 billion, an increase of 7.3% compared to the fourth quarter of 2020 and a 28.5% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. Net sales were $12.29 billion in fiscal 2021, an increase of 28.3% compared to fiscal 2020 and a 40.5% increase compared to fiscal 2019.

“We are extremely pleased that our team delivered the largest sales quarter in our company’s history,” President and CEO Lauren Hobart said in the company press release. “Our diverse category and brand portfolio, world-class omnichannel platform and strong execution continue to help us meet robust consumer demand.

“We are a growth company with a strong balance sheet and incredible momentum and confidence in our business. Our 2022 sales and earnings outlook establishes a new foundation for us to build on in the future,” she said.

Related: Dick’s Sporting Goods Debuts Afterpay Option

In December, Dick’s announced a partnership with buy now, pay later (BNPL) platform Afterpay to bring flexible payments to the chain’s in-store and online channels.