Soundings Trade Only, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and Baird Research have expanded a partnership to compile, analyze and deliver the most detailed insights into retail boating’s economic health.
First launched by MRAA and Baird in December 2013 as the first report of its kind compiled specifically for marine retailers, the Marine Retail Pulse Reports are designed to provide industry professionals with a regular, timely look into retail trends at the dealership level. Soundings Trade Only, a B2B print and digital magazine reporting on marine industry news since 1963, joins the partnership this month to participate in distribution of the survey and reporting of results.
“The information contained in each Pulse Report simply can’t be found anywhere else, and we strongly believe our print and online audiences will find them extremely useful,” says Trade Only Editor-in-Chief Bill Sisson. “Joining MRAA and Baird in gathering data and distributing the Pulse Report results each month was an easy choice for us, and we’re pleased to partner with these two organizations.”
While the Pulse Reports analyze an array of industry data points such as new boat demand, inventory levels, access to credit and other indicators, the Marine Retail Sentiment Index, a sort of confidence index for retailers, was one of the chief reasons the reports were created. Providing a glimpse into how dealers are feeling about current and future market conditions, the current conditions sentiment index rebounded to near-record highs in December and January after dipping early in the fourth quarter of 2016. The 3-5 year sentiment index remains at record highs.
“Regularly monitoring the economic vitality of retail boating not only plays a key role in how MRAA members plan their year, but identifying key trends allows marine retailers to adjust their long-range plans as well,” MRAA President Matt Gruhn said. “Offering the industry access to the Pulse Reports provides an important baseline off which dealerships can make decisions.”
In addition to raw numbers, Baird provides an analyst’s report to accompany each survey. This expert analysis of the most recent data available adds valuable context to detailed analytics and allows the information to be applied with confidence at dealerships.
“Our goal is to make participation in the survey a quick and easy exercise,” Craig Kennison, senior research analyst and director of research operations at Baird, said. “We’re interested in gathering data from dealerships of all sizes, and confidentially sharing a few important metrics can have a major benefit for the entire marine industry.”
Access to the monthly Pulse Reports is free for MRAA members; all others can view the report by either participating in the survey or by visiting www.rwBaird.com and creating an account.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the companies that interact with the boater in their community must thrive. Those businesses determine the boater’s experience and are the leading factor in the industry’s success. MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those businesses, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com.
About Baird Research
Baird offers internationally recognized equity research, sales and corporate access to institutional clients around the world and a full suite of equity trading services. As a privately held, employee-owned firm, we have a long-term focus on client relationships and associate development. Our exceptionally low turnover rate ensures continuity and quality in client coverage. And as one of the nation’s best places to work, we are able to attract and retain top talent. Our client relationships are built on:
About Soundings Trade Only
Soundings Trade Only is the B2B print magazine marine industry professionals count on for all the news that is relevant and important to them in their jobs. Trade Only monthly magazine breaks news and explores it in depth, through features and columns that help the industry understand the news and put it into context. It is available in a printed or digital format.
