No surprises here! Shimano brands benefit from rush to the great outdoors

Shimano’s two major operations – fishing tackle and bicycle components – were predictably significant beneficiaries of the worldwide trend for outdoor activity during the global pandemic last year.

And that has been reflected in its financial performance in 2020, the results of which were released this morning. It saw the Japanese giant, which celebrates its centenary next month, post sales of 378,040 million yen – a 4.1% increase compared to the previous year. Its fishing business saw its sales rise 9.7% from the previous year to 79,907m yen and an operating income increase of 39.6% (14,264m yen).

In its report to investors, Shimano said: “Restrictions on outings because of lockdowns in many countries impacted sales of fishing products in the first half of the year. However as these were relaxed fishing regained attention as a leisure activity and demand for products increased.

“Under these conditions, in the Japanese market sales remained favourable, reflected by the increase in the number of new customers. In the fourth quarter, sales of mid-range and popular price range products were especially favourable, supported by good weather.

“Overseas, new products in the North American market were well received. Despite some regions being in lockdown in Europe due to a further surge in infections, sales remained strong as growth in e-commerce sales for fishing tackle encouraged a diversification in sales channels.

“Chinese sales remained robust as the nation emerged from COVID-19 rapidly, while in Australia, where the fishing season began in the fourth quarter, sales also remained favourable.”

It added that orders for new products were also good, highlighting the Zodias bass rods equipped with HI-POWER X and the BB-X SPECIAL series of sticks. It added that the Vanford (main picture) and Saragosa SW reels were also well received.

Shimano added that there are some promising signs of economic recovery as vaccinations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are rolled out, but some uncertainties still remain. “Meanwhile, with a view to preventing the spread of the virus, interest in outdoor leisure activities that avoid close-contact is expected to continue.”

With that in mind, the group is bullish about its financial performance in 2021 and has predicted sales of 455,500m yen – a 20.5% increase on the year just ended.