SAM Magazine - Denver, Co., December 20, 2007 - Three years of early season sales gains have come to an end, reports SIA in their first retail audit of the season. The industry group's audit shows a total of $468 million in sales for the August to October period. Specialty retailers suffered a 7 percent drop from the previous year, clocking in at $287 million for the August to October period. The decline was felt across all categories, with total hardgoods sales plunging 12 percent, accessory sales took the same hit, also dropping by 12 percent. Apparel sales were stronger, dropping by only 4 percent. But while brick and mortar establishments took it on the chin, internet snow sport equipment and apparel sales saw a whopping 52 percent gain, for a total of $104 million in sales. \