Photo shows the booth of Lululemon, a first-time exhibitor of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), during the 7th CIIE in east China’s Shanghai. — Xinhua photo
BEIJING (Nov 25): In the bustling metropolis of Beijing, where the skyline seems to reach for the heavens, 29-year-old Ariel Peng embodies a new era of fitness enthusiasm. After clocking hours in her demanding role as a quality manager at a multinational pharmaceutical company, she dedicates five to six days a week to the gym, squeezing in workouts that last anywhere from a brisk 40 minutes to a grueling hour.
Since 2019, lululemon has woven itself into the very fabric of her lifestyle—a brand that transcends mere workout attire. “The Align series, oh, it’s just magical! Snug yet featherlight, it’s the perfect balance,” she muses, referring to the iconic leggings that have captured the hearts of many fitness aficionados.
Over the years, her fondness for this Canadian sportswear titan has led her to invest over 50,000 yuan (around 6,900 U.S. dollars) in its products, not just for exercise but as versatile pieces for her daily escapades. “Comfort and style combined—that’s what lululemon offers,” she declares.
Ariel’s fervor for fitness mirrors a sweeping trend in Chinese society, particularly among urban dwellers who are increasingly intertwining health and wellness into the very essence of their everyday lives. Gym sessions, yoga classes, and outdoor jogs have morphed into crucial rituals rather than mere pastimes.
This burgeoning fitness culture is transforming more than just the daily routines of individuals; it’s redefining their spending habits. Once relegated to the realm of functionality, sportswear has now evolved into a pivotal element of contemporary wardrobes.
Industry reports reveal a staggering leap in China’s sportswear market, almost hitting the 500 billion yuan mark in 2023. During the recent Singles’ Day shopping bonanza—an annual spectacle running from October to mid-November—34 distinct brands in the sports and outdoor sector raked in sales surpassing 100 million yuan on Tmall, the leading e-commerce platform in China.
Driving New Trends
As sportswear ascends the fashion hierarchy, it has birthed novel movements such as “athleisure” and “gorpcore.” Many, including Ariel, seamlessly blend athletic garments into their casual wardrobes, donning leggings and tennis skirts not just to the gym but also to work and social gatherings.
The gorpcore trend—a celebration of rugged, utilitarian outdoor fashion—has gained traction post-pandemic, reflecting the populace’s newfound love for the great outdoors. Functional jackets, weather-ready footwear, and versatile backpacks have shifted from niche items to fashion mainstays, celebrated for their practicality and silence—the ability to transition smoothly from hiking trails to urban escapades.
For individuals like Wang Xinyu, a 28-year-old office worker from Shanghai, this trend is more than a style choice; it symbolizes liberation. “I swapped my dresses and heels for outdoor-inspired pieces—it feels so liberating! Minimalist yet chic,” she shares. This shift signifies a broader desire for simplicity, freedom, and authenticity.
Social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu have erupted with enthusiasm, as users share glimpses of their athletic ensembles and adventurous outings, cultivating a vibrant community that embraces active lifestyles.
The clamoring demand for sportswear hasn’t gone unnoticed, with premium brands reaping the rewards. Lululemon reported a 34 percent year-on-year surge in net revenue on the Chinese mainland in the second quarter of this year alone. Since its inception in China in 2013, it has blossomed, with over 130 stores statewide.
Amer Sports, the masterminds behind outdoor gear brand Arc’teryx, saw their revenue swell by 17 percent year-on-year to an impressive 1.35 billion U.S. dollars, with profits skyrocketing by an astounding 257 percent. Notably, China has emerged as their fastest-growing market, with revenues surging by 56 percent.
Presenting New Opportunities
According to the Outdoor Sports Industry Development Plan (2022-2025), a staggering 400 million individuals engage in outdoor leisure activities within China, emphasizing the sector’s amplified significance. Professor Zhou Lijun, head of the National Sports Industry Research Base at Zhejiang University, notes that this number is still considerably lower than in Western nations, where participation hovers between 60 and 70 percent.
“Given China’s vast demographic and the current fervor for outdoor activities, the industry’s growth potential is immense, should this enthusiasm continue,” Zhou elaborates, highlighting rising health consciousness and supportive government initiatives as vital catalysts.
The Chinese government’s Healthy China 2030 initiative aims for an impressive 530 million Chinese citizens to engage in regular physical activities by the decade’s close.
Forecasts suggest China’s sportswear market could balloon to a staggering 599 billion yuan by 2027.
Earlier this month, lululemon stepped onto the global stage at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), where André Maestrini, executive vice president for lululemon’s international markets, projected that by 2026, the Chinese mainland could ascend to their second-largest market worldwide, boasting over 200 stores. “We’re steadfast in our commitment to invest further in China, tapping into its growth potential and expanding our audience,” Maestrini declared.
