Czechs are gearing up for a summer spent in nature

Czechs are gearing up for a summer holiday season that embraces nature, with more purchases of camping gear, tents, and backpacks. According to a survey conducted by ČTK, retailers have witnessed an increase in demand, although it still remains comparable to last year. The survey also revealed a growing interest in innovative camping equipment such as couples' sleeping bags and ultralight inflatable mattresses. Retailers reported a maximum 15 percent year-on-year increase in prices of camping equipment.

Online retailer Alza.cz has experienced a five-fold surge in sales of hiking backpacks compared to the previous year. Additionally, trekking shoes have garnered more than double the interest. Alza.cz spokeswoman Eliska Čeřovská noted a significant demand for tents priced around CZK 1,500, stating that models designed for two to three people were particularly sought after. Notably, large family inflatable tents are also gaining traction among buyers.

Alza.cz’s customers are spending 18 percent more on camping mattresses compared to last year. Camping furniture and outdoor food have seen a 7 percent increase in sales, according to Čeřovská. She attributed the rising popularity of ultralight car mattresses to their lightweight construction, sufficient insulation, and enhanced comfort while sleeping.

While the cost of camping equipment has risen by 10 to 15 percent year-on-year, Čeřovská clarified that the extent of the increase varies depending on the type of goods. This year, tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses are dominating the camping equipment category, as reported by the online comparison site Heureka.cz.

The site has witnessed a growing interest in backpacks in recent years, while camping showers and cooler bags have experienced a decline, according to Heureka.cz spokeswoman Lucie Dlouhá. She stated that the prices of camping equipment have remained relatively stable, with an increase ranging from 3 to 10 percent. Total spending on camping equipment is projected to be similar to previous years.

At Globus stores, demand for outdoor equipment is on par with last year. Shoppers are including small gas stoves and camping utensils in their purchases. Globus spokeswoman Aneta Turnovská observed parents preparing their children for camping trips, as they inquire about raincoats, rubber boots, quick-drying towels, and flashlights.

In contrast, Intersport stores have reported a 20 percent year-on-year surge in demand for water shoes and a 17 percent increase in demand for summer fashion. Intersport marketing manager Lucie Kuricová highlighted gas cartridges, bottles, and camping utensils as the top-selling camping accessories. However, there has been a slight decline in interest in sleeping bags and tents. Kuricová disclosed that this year, customers are spending between CZK 1,000 and CZK 1,300 on tents, and between CZK 800 and CZK 1,200 on sleeping bags.