Brooks Running Company set new records in 2021, ending the year with global revenue exceeding $1.11 billion, an increase of 31% year over year. This result marks the first time the running brand has reached $1 billion in annual revenue. In EMEA Brooks achieved a growth of 25% year over year (in local currency).
Setting the pace in EMEA
At the market level, Brooks performed strongly throughout Western Europe, achieving greater than 20% growth in DACH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), France, Italy, the Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) and Spain. Growth in Brooks’ Southern European markets paced the brand’s overall performance: France increased 43%, Italy 28% and Spain 28%. In France Brooks drove accelerated growth in part due to its increased focus on trail running.
Brooks achieved healthy growth through all channels of distribution, including at specialty retail, at general sporting goods and directly on BrooksRunning.eu, further underscoring the brand’s overall momentum. Franchise styles, led by the Ghost (+21%), powered Brooks’ performance. On the heels of announcing its commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040, Brooks introduced the Ghost 14 in 2021, making its highest-volume style carbon-neutral through a combination of recycled materials and carbon offsets. Other core franchise footwear styles also resonated strongly with runners – including the Adrenaline, Glycerin and Cascadia. Finally, the apparel business grew 35% based in part on strong consumer demand for Brooks’ Run Visible collection, which helps runners stay visible in the dark.
“2021 was a banner year for Brooks both globally and in EMEA specifically,” said Matthew Dodge, Managing Director of Brooks Running EMEA. “Our recipe for success continues to be our singular focus on solving for and serving runners. As we look ahead, we continue to see strong demand for Brooks products, and we remain committed to inspiring runners to run their path.”
Outpacing the challenges
Brooks achieved record growth in EMEA in 2021 despite tough headwinds. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global business operations, including several quarantine-mandated factory closures, production disruptions, an inability for product and sourcing teams to travel internationally and retail closures. Brooks pushed through these challenges, prioritizing product quality, service, customer communication, and executing its omni-channel distribution strategy at the highest level.
Running is a team sport
Brooks’ success in 2021 wouldn’t be possible without its 1.100+ employees across the globe, all committed to the same purpose, promises, and values. The company made great strides in building a diverse and inclusive culture that supports and empowers its people. Brooks experienced limited turnover while continuing to hire new teammates at an accelerated pace, reflecting a stable and engaged workforce and an attractive work environment.