Pickleball: The Growing Sport Retailers Can’t Ignore  

What’s small, fast and taking over the nation one “dink” at a time? Pickleball! This once-niche game has skyrocketed in popularity, capturing the hearts (and courts) of millions. For retailers, pickleball is a golden opportunity to meet the needs of this thriving trend.  

  

The Rise of Pickleball’s Popularity  

  

A Sport on the Rise  

Pickleball has evolved from a backyard hobby to a nationwide phenomenon. With over 36.5 million players in the U.S. alone, it’s the fastest-growing sport in the country. Why? Simple: It’s easy to learn, highly social and appeals to everyone— from Gen Z-ers looking for a fun activity to Baby Boomers staying active.  

  

Pickleballers love its low barrier to entry (a paddle, a ball and some space are all you need), and its community vibe keeps them coming back for more. Add in media buzz, sponsorships and tournaments popping up everywhere, and you’ve got a sport that’s here to stay.  

  

Economic Impact  

The rise of pickleball isn’t just changing the way people play – it's also reshaping the retail market. In fact, the global pickleball market size is projected to grow from $1,425.2 million in 2024 to an impressive $3,053.5 million by 2031. This massive growth is fueled by the sport’s increasing popularity and the proliferation of pickleball courts and facilities worldwide.   

  

For retailers, this means a unique chance to capitalize on a market that’s more than doubling in size. It’s not just about paddles and balls anymore. From apparel to hydration tools to recovery products, players want stylish, practical items that make their pickleball experience more fun and convenient. This means the opportunity to stock up on products that cater to this passionate (and growing) fanbase.  

  

Lifestyle Products for Pickleball Enthusiasts  

Pickleball fans are embracing the sport beyond the game itself, which means their shopping carts are filling up with more than just the basics. These customers want products that blend style, comfort and convenience, both on and off the court. This opens up a huge opportunity for retailers to stock lifestyle products that cater to this engaged and growing community.   

  

At DM Merchandising, we take it a step further by thoughtfully designing our products with retailers in mind. Every item comes with eye-catching packaging and display options, making them shelf-ready and easy to integrate into your store. With our versatile lineup, it’s never been simpler to start selling and tap into the pickleball craze.   

  

Product Spotlight: Must-Haves for Pickleball Retailers  

  

Ace Your Look: Pickleball-Inspired Style  

Pickleball isn’t just a game — it’s a lifestyle! Help your customers showcase their passion with these fun, stylish accessories:  

• Pacific Brim OG Trucker Hat - “Dink Responsibly”:  

A classic trucker hat with a cheeky pickleball twist. With its foam crown, mesh panels and snapback closure, this hat is perfect for keeping cool while serving up style.  

• Soul Stacks Bracelet Bar Allstar Collection - “Pickleball”:  

A goldtone beaded bracelet with a pickleball racquet charm that sparkles. It’s a giftable, fashionable way to show love for the sport, and it pairs with any bracelet in the Bracelet Bar collection.  

• Two Left Feet Socks - “Dink Responsibly” and “Pickle Baller”:  

Colorful, quirky socks that add a playful touch to any outfit. Soft, durable and full of personality, they’re perfect for players who want to make a statement both on and off the court.  

  

Game On: Must-Haves for the Court  

Athletes need tools that keep them cool, hydrated and ready to perform their best. These are the essentials they’ll want to bring courtside:  

• Kedzie Pickleball Tote:  

This isn’t your average gym bag—it’s the courtside carryall! With a zippered racquet sleeve, a water bottle holder and an easy-to-clean neoprene design, this tote keeps everything organized and ready to go.  

• Modern Monkey The Mistinator 2-In-1 Water Fan:  

When the match heats up, this rechargeable fan delivers a cooling breeze and a refreshing ultra-fine water mist. It’s portable, practical and the ultimate game-day lifesaver.  

• Krumbs Kitchen Collapsible Silicone Water Bottle:  

Hydration on the go just got easier. This leak-proof bottle holds 17 ounces and collapses when empty, making it compact and convenient for pickleballers on the move.  

• Krumbs Kitchen Silicone Storage Bags:  

Snack breaks are serious business. These eco-friendly, leak-proof zipper bags are perfect for storing on-the-go fuel during a match.  

  

Cool Down Like a Champ: Recovery Made Easy  

Pickleball might be fun, but it’s still a workout and recovery is key. Help players cool down and feel their best with these tools:  

• Modern Monkey Squid Pro Rechargeable Body Massager:  

Sore muscles don’t stand a chance. This hand-held massager targets tension with three massage points, making it a must-have for post-game relief.  

• Lemon Lavender Sore Winner Body Massager:  

A compact rollerball massager that’s great for easing muscle tension. Because no one wants to limp through their next match.  

• Lemon Lavender Ice & Easy Hot & Cold Body Wrap:  

With intelli-gel beads and a secure, stretchy strap, this wrap delivers hot or cold therapy to help soothe sore muscles and speed recovery.  

  

Why Retailers Should Embrace the Pickleball Trend  

• Capitalize on an Exploding Market:  

Pickleball isn’t just a fad—it’s a cultural movement that’s only gaining momentum. Retailers who embrace this trend and stock lifestyle products tailored to the pickleball crowd can carve out a competitive edge. By offering gear that blends functionality with fun, you’ll position your store as the go-to spot for this passionate and rapidly growing community.  

• Appeal to Every Kind of Customer:  

From die-hard competitors chasing their next gold medal to weekend warriors looking for a social activity, pickleball’s appeal spans generations and lifestyles. The beauty of this trend? It’s inclusive! These products also double as thoughtful gifts, making them a hit with shoppers looking for unique, sport-inspired items.  

• Maximize Cross-Sell Potential:  

The versatility of pickleball accessories makes them natural fits for multiple retail categories. Pair that quirky “Dink Responsibly” hat with casual apparel or spotlight the Kedzie Pickleball Tote alongside outdoor and fitness essentials. The opportunity to create creative displays and drive add-on sales has never been better.  

  

Pickleball isn’t just a sport—it’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon. For retailers, this trend is a chance to ride the wave of one of the fastest-growing movements in sports. By curating stylish, practical and fun pickleball products, you’re not just filling shelves; you’re meeting the demand of an engaged, enthusiastic customer base.  

  

So, whether it’s quirky socks, versatile totes, or game-changing recovery tools, these must-have items are your ticket to tapping into a booming market. Don’t just watch the pickleball craze from the sidelines — get in the game and let it drive your sales to new heights!  

  

Choosing DM as a vendor means choosing a retail partner that’s with you every step of the way. Our signature brands are carefully developed and retail-proven to boost your business. From conception to final sale, we develop our products to be emotionally appealing, affordable and shelf-ready with built-in merchandising. That’s the DM difference. So, what are you waiting for? Contact your DM Sales Representative at 1-800-548-6784 or create an online account at www.247DM.com to start shopping The Goods!