Changes in demand - the Olympic impact on goggles and bikes

Students taking the new AS specifications need to know how a “sudden change” in demand can afffect a business. So here is a good example to use from the sporting events of the last three weeks…

The Telegraph reports how demand for sporting goods, particulalarly related to swimming and cycling, has risen significantly following the successes of Rebecca Adlington, Chris Hoy and the other superb GB sportsmen and women.

For example, Tesco, the UK’s largest retailer, said sales of swimsuits and goggles have increased by 135pc over recent weeks, while sales of bicycles have risen by 130pc.

Of course this might just be a short-term blip in demand as we take the opportunity to rekindle our own Olympic ambitions (even at the age of 44, I haven’t given up hope on selection for London 2012 )

Sports equipment manufacturers will be hoping that a longer-term and sustained increase in sporting participation will mean higher demand over more than the immediate post-Olympic period.