North America Retail Cooler Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (High-Sided Coolers, Soft-Sided Coolers), By Price Range, By Capacity, By End Use, By Distribution Channels, By Country, And Segment Forecasts

Published Date: May - 2025 | Publisher: MIR | No of Pages: 240 | Industry: consumer and goods | Format: Report available in PDF / Excel Format

View Details Buy Now 2999 Download Sample Ask for Discount Request Customization

North America Retail Cooler Market Trends

The size of the North America retail cooler market was estimated to be USD 1.65 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2025 to 2035. Demand for retail coolers is increasing as there is a rise in outdoor activities, increased disposable income, and growing emphasis on family-based experiences. The rise in engagement in outdoor recreational activities in the U.S. and Canada is also fueling business growth in the region.

Growing numbers of first-time outdoor recreation participants are also driving demand for camping coolers. In 2023, 7.7 million Americans had their first experience of outdoor recreation, reflecting a wider movement towards outdoor lifestyles. Because recreational and beginner consumers usually seek high-quality, reliable equipment, coolers with advanced features like improved ice retention and easy portability are what this evolving consumer base needs. This trend opens up opportunities for camping cooler producers to enter new markets while fulfilling varied consumer demands.

Moreover, the demand for long-weekend getaways, van living, and off-grid escapades has driven interest in robust, compact, and multi-day cooling solutions. Premium players such as YETI and RTIC are taking advantage of this trend by providing customizable and highly efficient models, whereas mid-range players are making gains by finding a balance between price and performance.

Report Coverage & Deliverables

PDF report & online dashboard will help you understand

  • Competitive benchmarking
  • Historical data & forecasts
  • Company revenue shares
  • Regional opportunities
  • Latest trends & dynamics

Consumer Surveys & Insights

The need for retail coolers is growing across all age groups in North America nations. Post-pandemic camping is now extremely popular among the young generation, and 45% of Millennials and 44% of Gen Z show the greatest interest among potential new campers.

As per a survey conducted by CamperChamp in 2023, more than 87.99 million North America campers took part in camping during 2023, out of which close to 50% were Millennials and Gen Zers and 5.5 million were first-time campers. A third of first-time 2023 campers were in the age range of 18-34 years. Therefore, the growing size of first-time campers is fueling the growth of North America camping cooler market.

Type Insights

Hard-sided retail coolers held a revenue market share of 73.52% of the North America retail cooler market in 2024. Demand for hard-sided coolers in North America has increased dramatically in recent years, spurred by outdoor recreation, increasing interest in adventure travel, and increasing demand for quality, long-lasting products. Hard coolers are well-suited to maintain low temperatures for extended periods due to their improved insulating characteristics. On long excursions, they are able to tolerate extreme heat while keeping food and beverages at the desired temperature.

Soft-sided cooler demand is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period of 2025-2035. The demand for soft-sided coolers in North America, specifically in the United States and Canada, has been fueled by evolving customer needs that value portability, convenience, and versatility. Due to expanding outdoor recreations such as picnicking, beach visits, and hiking, soft-sided coolers are a preferred option for consumers looking for a combination of usability and performance.

Price Range Insights

Upper mid-range cooler held a revenue market share of 33.12 % in 2024 in North America retail cooler market. Such coolers are made for serious campers, hunters, tailgaters, and fishermen who require dependable cold storage for extended trips. Advanced features such as rotomolded construction (utilized in most high-end coolers) and heavy insulation enable these coolers to freeze ice for multiple days, even under hot conditions.

The budget cooler segment of the market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.4% during the period 2025-2035. Customers in this segment mainly consider affordability, although they still expect decent insulation performance for temporary usage. Such coolers are usually made of molded plastic and provide sufficient cooling for day trips or weekend excursions. While not possessing the extreme ice retention or rugged toughness of high-end versions, budget coolers meet core requirements, such that they prove particularly popular for families, one-time campers, and thrift shoppers.

Capacity Insights

Retail coolers with a 50-100 quart capacity had a revenue market share of 31.06% of North America retail coolers in 2024. Coolers with a 50-100 quart capacity are especially favored by outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and individuals with large-capacity coolers for extended excursions or big events. These coolers best suit individuals who need ample storage for several days' worth of food and beverages, which makes them a must-have on longer camping trips, fishing trips, and tailgating parties.

Under 20 quarts capacity coolers are anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 8.3% during the period 2025-2035. Coolers under 20 quarts are small and personal coolers. The demand for small or personal camping coolers has shown steady growth in the North America camping cooler market. These compact coolers are ideal for individuals or small parties seeking a lightweight, convenient, portable option for short excursions or daily commutes. Used by consumers who like to take easy trips such as picnics, tailgate parties, or one-day beach excursions, these coolers are best suited for their lightweight and compact nature.

End Use Insights

Camping and hiking held a market share of 43.55% in 2024. Demand for coolers during camping and hiking has grown tremendously owing to various decisive factors. It is estimated in the Camper Champ study that more than 87.99 million individuals were involved in camping activities in North America in 2023 and 5.5 million of them were new campers. Camping participation rose by 23% since 2014.

Retail coolers for fishing and marine use are projected to expand at an 8.4% CAGR between 2025 and 2035. Growing interest in marine-based recreation, such as boating and sailing, has also been instrumental in propelling demand. Boaters and sailors depend on marine coolers to keep provisions fresh for longer journeys. With better cooler technology, including enhanced insulation, hardness, and capacity, buyers are increasingly willing to spend money on quality coolers intended for extreme marine conditions.

Distribution Channel Insights

Offline sales accounted for 75.67% of the market in 2024. Even though there has been a rise in online shopping, a lot of customers prefer to buy coolers at brick-and-mortar outlets because of the ability to inspect the product, gauge its ruggedness, and get personalized advice from sales personnel. These include traditional brick-and-mortar stores like REI, Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Canadian Tire, which are major players in the offline retail space, selling an assortment of retail coolers to suit various requirements, ranging from low-cost products to high-end versions.

Online retailing is forecast to expand at a CAGR of 8.2% during the period 2025-2035. Online shopping provides consumers with a broad range of coolers to choose from, enabling them to compare prices, read reviews, and get expert advice without the pressure of store sales. Companies such as YETI, Coleman, and Igloo have taken advantage of this trend by building their web presence and advertising directly to the outdoor user base through their sites and venues such as Amazon, REI, and Walmart. The convenience of home or campground delivery is another draw for the convenience shopper.

Country Insights

The U.S. retail cooler industry will grow at a CAGR of 7.2% during the period from 2025 to 2035. The U.S. retail cooler market is fueled mainly by changing lifestyles among consumers and growing outdoor activities. Consumers are looking for high-performance and durable coolers for food and beverage storage and as a vital piece of gear that complements their overall outdoor experience. Classic coolers have evolved into high-tech products with cutting-edge insulation technology, portability, and versatility. This is in line with the increasing demand for coolers that can deliver both recreational and utilitarian requirements, ranging from weekend getaways to large-scale outdoor activities.

Canada Retail Cooler Market Trends
Canada's retail cooler industry is going to expand at a CAGR of 7.7% from 2025 to 2035. Canada's growing camping and outdoor activity popularity drives retail cooler demand in Canada. Since Canadians look more and more towards experiences derived from nature, particularly during warm-weather seasons, products aiding in outdoor life have become heavily in demand. Where previously viewed mainly as camping gear, retail coolers are increasingly being adopted more generally for their applicability in all sorts of outdoor environments, ranging from hiking adventures, fishing outings, beach activities, and patio parties.

Key North America Retail Cooler Company Insights

The North America retail cooler market is fragmented mainly because of the existence of various globally known players along with regional/local players. Some of the key players in this market are YETI COOLERS, LLC., RTIC Outdoors LLC, Pelican Products, Inc., Igloo Products Corp., The Coleman Company Inc., ORCA (Outdoor Recreation Company of America), and others.

YETI COOLERS, LLC is a high-end outdoor products company based in Austin, Texas, with a reputation for high-performance, rugged coolers and lifestyle accessories for outdoor enthusiasts. The company has multiple business unitsHard Coolers, Soft Coolers, Drinkware, Bags, and Outdoor Accessories. The company has a broad portfolio of products, including the legendary Tundra hard coolers, Roadie personal coolers, Hopper soft-sided coolers, and small Trip lunch bags.

Coleman Company Inc., which is owned by Newell Brands, is a highly ranked American manufacturer of outdoor recreation products. It has several business units in Chicago, ranging from outdoor equipment to camping gear and recreational items. Its product line includes tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, stoves, and portable appliances.

Key North America Retail Cooler Companies

Recent Developments

  • In April 2025, Coleman launched its Pro Cooler series, designed to offer rugged performance and ease of transport. These coolers feature thick insulation and sealed lids, allowing them to keep ice for up to five days. Despite their toughness, they're up to 30% lighter than similar rotomolded models. Built for versatility, they include oversized wheels, one-handed latches, a large drain plug, anti-slip feet, tie-down points, and a lockable lid. The line consists of hard coolers in 25, 45, and 55-quart sizes, priced from USD 159 to USD 299, along with soft cooler options for 16 or 24 cans, ranging from USD 59 to USD 79. A 10-year warranty backs each model.

  • In April 2025, YETI unveiled a limited-edition Spring Color Collection featuring pastel shades such as Big Sky Blue, Sandstone Pink, Lowcountry Peach, and Key Lime. This seasonal lineup includes the Tundra 45 Hard Cooler, known for its durability and ice retention capabilities. The collection is available for a limited time, and customers are encouraged to act quickly to secure items in their preferred colors.

  • In October 2024, Igloo partnered with Minecraft to release two exclusive cooler and drinkware collections designed for game fans. The first launch featured a limited-edition Mystery Box Little Playmate cooler, sold in just 150 units and including surprise designs inspired by Minecraft themes like TNT, Diamonds, and Mobs. Shortly after, a larger nine-piece collection was introduced, showcasing iconic characters such as the Creeper, Enderman, and Pig. This second wave included coolers, softside bags, and insulated stainless steel drinkware, blending Minecraft’s visual style with Igloo’s practical outdoor gear.

North America Retail Cooler Market Report Scope

Report Attribute

Details

Market revenue in 2025

USD 1.76 billion

Revenue forecast in 2030

USD 2.51 billion

Growth rate (revenue)

CAGR of 7.3% from 2025 to 2035

Actual data

2018 - 2024

Forecast period

2025 - 2035

Quantitative units

Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2025 to 2035

Report coverage

Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends

Segments covered

Type, price range, capacity, end use, distribution channel, region

Regional scope

North America

Country scope

U.S; Canada

Key companies profiled

YETI COOLERS, LLC.; RTIC Outdoors LLC; Pelican Products, Inc.; Igloo Products Corp.; The Coleman Company Inc.; ORCA (Outdoor Recreation Company of America); Chilly Moose Ltd.; Grizzly Coolers; California Innovations Inc. (Arctic Zone Products); Engel Coolers

Customization

Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope.

Pricing and purchase options

Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options

North America Retail Cooler Market Report Segmentation

Market Analysis

Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2035)

    • Hard-Sided Coolers

    • Soft-Sided Coolers

  • Price Range Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2035)

    • Budget

    • Mid-Range

    • Upper Mid-Range

    • High-End

    • Ultra-Premium

  • Capacity Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2035)

    • Below 20 Quarts

    • Between 20-50 Quarts

    • Between 50-100 Quarts

    • Above 100 Quarts

  • End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2035)

    • Camping & Hiking

    • Fishing & Marine

    • Sports & Tailgating

    • Overlanding & Off-Roading

    • Others

  • Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2035)

    • Online

    • Offline

  • Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2035)

    • North America

      • U.S.

      • Canada

Related Reports

Table of Content

List Tables Figures

FAQ'S

For a single, multi and corporate client license, the report will be available in PDF format. Sample report would be given you in excel format. For more questions please contact:

sales@marketinsightsresearch.com

Within 24 to 48 hrs.

You can contact Sales team (sales@marketinsightsresearch.com) and they will direct you on email

You can order a report by selecting payment methods, which is bank wire or online payment through any Debit/Credit card, Razor pay or PayPal.

Discounts are available.

Hard Copy

Email