Do you think “sporting goods” stores are catered more towards men?

Question

My husband and I are going to Ireland next month, and we’ve been looking for rain jackets. We live in a climate thats very hot most of the time, so we have no winter/waterproof clothing. We went into Dick’s Sporting Goods today, and it was the first time in my life I felt kind of jipped to be a woman. They had a whole section of men’s rain jackets, divided into what was expensive and then some cheaper and discounted jackets, all for men. Like an entire section! And then we go to look for women..and there’s two single racks. $90-$100 each. There was not one single jacket less than $90. My husband found his for $40. I wish I would have taken pictures, but I was really peeved. I left that store empty handed and probably won’t go back. Have you ever gone into a store and felt like the selection was a little bit sexist? I probably sound like I’m complaining too much, but I honestly felt a little bit hurt. It was supposed to be a fun day. At least my husband got his.

Answer

I think the inventory at stores adjust according to the demand. There might not be a huge demand in your area for those items. I also think the demographics of some sports and activities (i.e. golf, fly fishing, hunting) are mostly male, so it makes sense to provide mostly men’s clothing items. 
I also don’t see the issue with purchasing a men’s jacket or clothing item. Did you not see anything you liked in the men’s area? 
With that said, contacting the store and requesting they stock more women’s items is always a possibility. So is online shopping.

Answer

I’m surprised! Must be your geographic location cuz in my town, dicks has a huuuge selection for women   Sorry you didn’t find anything!

Answer

It’s a sporting store, considering the majority of people who participate are men, the store will cater to what they’ll sell the most of. Obviously there are women who shop at those stores as well, but since it’s a less majority, they’d end up losing money having a larger section of things which has less people buying from it. It’s all about money and catering to how they’ll sell more. Also depends on the store location as well. Some will have more than others.

Answer

There are tons of stores that typically cater to one sex more than the other. I can think of several stores that have a much bigger women’s selection than men’s. As far as sporting goods go, I think some sporting stores may gear more toward men, but that’s probably just their majority target audience. They won’t want to stock too much of something that they won’t sell that well.

Answer

I’m not sure that I’ve ever spent any time really looking around a sporting goods store, but I think a better question is, what doesn’t cater to men? 😒

Answer

Have you checked amazon? And can you just buy a small or xs in a men’s style if it is so much cheaper?

Answer

I live where it's humid and hot,  I plan on going to the mountains to see snow.... I'm buying all my stuff online.  I would never think of going to dicks to find anything I would wear outside of a gym

Answer

So I think there are likely more rain jackets because there are more male dominated outdoor sports. Before everyone freaks out, I’m talking hunting and fishing. Some may even be gender neutral, but a masculine cut or color. Could also just be the stock at your local Dicks though.

Answer

In Ohio Dicks, TSC, Cabellas, Fin Feather and Fur....Rocky's, Mcsports and others all have equally sides men and women I mean at least here in Ohio i think here tho women Hunt, Fish, play sports maybe more so them other places but heres its definitely equal

Answer

In my experience, most stores are very segregated by gender. 'Women's' clothing is often more expensive, made out of cheaper materials, and more inconsistent in terms of size. I have also noticed fewer options in more specialized stores as certain interests in our society are still seen in a very gendered manner. 
I think, ideally, there would be more consistency in terms of pricing and fabric quality, more options for people of all genders (including those who are androgynous or prefer to present that way), and more consistent sizing. It's ridiculous that so many clothing companies use very different standards when it comes to 'women's' clothing vs 'men's'.

Do you think “sporting goods” stores are catered more towards men?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products