Is the Auto Aftermarket Healthy? SEMA Says Yes

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, has released its Fall 2020 State of the Industry report, which denotes the health of the automotive aftermarket despite the disruption caused by COVID-19. This report provides companies with the information needed to make good business decisions, not to put a positive spin on a time of uncertainty.

Estimates on how sales have changed over the last year and during the lockdown vary widely, from a shortage of tires and wheels at Phoenix, Arizona’s Warehouse Tire Distributor USA, to advertising delays and cancellations for OutdoorX4, an enthusiast media company based in Spring, Texas.

According to SEMA, in-store sales and other physical channels continue to outpace online sales. Online sales accounted for 39 percent of sales prior to the pandemic, rising to 44 percent since masking was implemented. Fifty-sevdn percent of buyers prefer physical stores, no doubt assisted by retailers and installers being designated as ‘essential’ nationwide. Whether this had anything to do with SEMA’s Political Action Committee, their Congressional Motorsports Caucus, or the work they do with state and local governments is unknown, but the fact remains that speed shops and truck outfitters are open, unlike restaurants, hair salons, or gyms.

The lock down that occurred in the second quarter of 2020 caused the biggest disruption, but sales rebounded in Q3, and manufacturers like Hobbs Truck and Jeep Accessories, distributors, and retailers have increased sales as other businesses reopened. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that 93 percent said it’s business as usual, or had a short-term downturn. Fifty-five percent of companies expect 2020 sales to finish higher than the previous year, optimism that is not shared by many other types of businesses.

Due to COVID-19 and the resultant lack of inventory at stores, more day-to-day necessities have purchased by consumers online. As the country reopens and the virus situation improves, buyers will shop more in-store, especially for the aftermarket’s specialized goods and services. Although some manufacturers have gone direct to consumer (DTC) during the pandemic with good results, most don’t foresee continuing to ship items one by one when they are more accustomed to large wholesale orders from distributors and retailers.

What’s the biggest takeaway from the lockdown? Enthusiasts used their down time or furloughs to work on their vehicles, driving up sales in many product categories. While light-duty pickups are the most popular and commanded the biggest share of aftermarket spending, most segments are growing including classic cars and SUVs. With the fluctuation between reopening and staying at home, it appears that until the coronavirus recedes, we’re going to continue to spend more time and money in the garage.

[Images: © 2020 J. Sakurai/TTAC]