AUSTIN, Texas, June 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For most retailers, the December holidays are the busiest time of the year. For golf equipment retailers, the weeks leading up to the June 19th Father's Day holiday is when cash registers ring the most. In fact, Golfsmith, the nation's largest golf retailer, traditionally experiences the same high sales volumes in June that mainstream retailers experience during the year-end sales rush. For Golfsmith, it is Christmas time in June.
"We see a tremendous increase in shoppers visiting our Golfsmith stores and Golfsmith.com this time of year. Father's Day is our Christmas season and because of our buying power we have some terrific deals on some of the most popular brands in golf," said Marty Hanaka, President and CEO of Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:GOLF). "Our merchandise buyers handpick the best gifts for every golfing Dad whether they're an avid golfer or just beginning to play. And we offer ideas in all price ranges, no matter what budget challenges a gift giver may have," he added.
And the number one gift golfing dads get? Golf balls. Golfsmith sells about two million golf balls during this period at the company's 78 stores and via golfsmith.com. But, there's more than golf balls to give dad. Technology has made a large variety of golf gear better, from GPS devices giving golfers exact distances on every shot, to new custom-fit drivers providing more distance and accuracy to the tee.
For some, finding a gift for Dad can be as challenging as getting a hole in one. And to help shoppers, Golfsmith is taking the guess work out of shopping by assembling the best golf gifts to help any golfing Dad improve his golf game. Some may not realize how technology has made golf more fun to play. If your favorite golfer's clubs are looking worn or that golfer in your life has never experienced how a hand-held, high-tech golf aid can help shave strokes off a scorecard, this Father's Day is the perfect time to upgrade what's in his golf bag. High-tech products are among the fastest selling product lines at Golfsmith.
"Shopping for a golfer can sometimes be a daunting task for a non-golfer. Our associates know the game, the latest equipment and can serve as a personal shopper to find just the right gift," Hanaka added. "What sets us apart as a retailer is the depth of knowledge our Golfsmith associates offer. They have a passion for the game, understand the latest technology and will help everyone find the perfect golf gift," he said.
Father's Day by the Numbers: During the several weeks leading up to Father's Day, Golfsmith, the nation's largest specialty golf retailer, is expected to sell more than:
- 2 million Golf Balls
- 4 million Tees
- 150,000 Golf clubs of all makes and models
- 30,000 Hats
- 60,000 Golf Shirts
Source: Golfsmith International, 2011
(Editor's Note: For video, still pictures of unique and popular gifts along with other assets to illustrate this trend, please visit: )
2011 HOT GOLF GIFT TRENDS FOR FATHER'S DAY:
- GPS and Rangefinders: Technology is changing every shot. GPS and Rangefinders give a bird's eye view and empower a golfer with just the right information to get on the green. Get a $25 or $50 Golfsmith Gift Card with the purchase of certain GPS and Rangefinder models only at Golfsmith.
- Economical Gifts: Golfsmith has numerous gift ideas for any budget; Your favorite golfer will be distinctive on the course with an unusual club headcover shaped like an animal,super hero or favorite team or mascot (starting at $14.99). The Bionic Golf Glove provides unique hand support ($29.99) and the Tour Trek ($129.98, $60 savings) saves golfers money on cart rentals.
- Custom Fit Clubs: A new study estimates 90% of golfers are playing with clubs that do not properly fit, holding back a golfer's true performance. Golfsmith will custom-fit and build clubs to a player's specific measurements and swing type. Most computerized fittings are free. Golfsmith offers affordable full-set club packages for beginners starting out at $150.
- Clothing Styles Not Found in a Department Store: Golfsmith offers a huge variety of traditional clothing options for the golf courseor any other occasion. Many of the styles, colors and designers are not found in a typical department store. From moisture wicking shirtsand pants to Loudmouth's exceptionally colorful pants and shirts along with outerwear for all seasons, variety and value saving options abound just in time for the holiday.
- Not Your Typical Golf Shoes: The style and designs of golf shoes have changed dramatically. Some of the most popular don't have spikes and look like sneakers, sandals or ordinary shoes. Personalized golf shoes with a favorite sports team or company's name or logo or are hot sellers. Trade in an old pair of golf shoes and get $20 towards a new adidas shoes or FootJoy models start at $39.99.
- Golf Balls: It is the number one gift given on Father's Day and Golfsmith sells more than two million golf balls during this holiday period. There are some great specials including the most played golf ball Titleist Pro-V1 ($45.99), the Noodle 15 Pack two for $25 or a can be imprinted with a name, message, logo, company name or design on a golf ball and it is free at Golfsmith.
- Golf Clubs Using New Technology and Colors: The hottest selling drivers include the eye-catching , a club of a truly different color with a non-traditional white crown and black clubface to align the club and it's adjustable for straighter, longer drives. uses forged composite, a cutting-edge material co-developed with car maker Lamborghini to ensure the club's body parts are made thinner (lighter) or thicker (heavier) to reduce swing drag and increased head speed.
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About Golfsmith - Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:GOLF), is a 43-year-old specialty retailer of golf and tennis equipment, apparel and accessories. The company operates as an integrated multi-channel retailer, offering its guests the convenience of shopping in its 78 stores across the United States, through its Internet site and from its assortment of catalogs. Golfsmith offers an extensive product selection that features premier branded merchandise, as well as its proprietary products, clubmaking components and pre-owned clubs. Visit .
The Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc. logo is available at
Cautionary Language Certain statements made in this news release are forward-looking in nature and, accordingly, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. Important factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to those discussed in our Form 10-K, filed March 3, 2009 under the caption "Risk Factors."
CONTACT: Media Contacts: Lynn Luczkowski, L2 Communications 860-313-1426 or Lynn@L2comm.biz Aubrey Haznar, L2 Communications 617-549-8792 or Aubrey@L2comm.biz Matt Corey, Golfsmith 512-821-4883 or matt.corey@golfsmith.com
