The growing enthusiasm for healthy lifestyles among people in Hong Kong has injected momentum into the city’s sportswear and equipment market, with retailers optimistic about achieving double-digit sales growth.
But increasing competition and shifting consumer preferences underscore the challenges that lie ahead, industry players told China Daily on Wednesday at the opening of the 8th Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo.
The seven-day event is being held alongside the 35th Hong Kong Book Fair and the 5th World of Snacks at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, which have collectively attracted more than 770 exhibitors.
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Joe Chan, brand manager at local distributor Re:echo Asia Pacific Ltd, said there is an uptick in demand for high-quality sports gear as Hong Kong residents increasingly embrace outdoor activities such as hiking during short breaks. This trend, he said, has benefited sales of the mid-to-high-end products his company represents.
Many Hong Kong people took to exploring the city’s trails and outdoor spaces when travel restrictions came into effect during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this habit still persists today, Chan said, adding that this has driven the demand for products like UV-protective hats and quick-dry T-shirts.
Stronger marketing and promotional campaigns are expected to help his company achieve a 10 percent year-on-year increase in sales this year, even though consumers are more cautious with their spending amid economic uncertainties, he said.
Nick Li, retail and wholesale manager of RC Outfitters, noted that while his company also anticipates double-digit growth, shifting consumer preferences and more intense competition could temper gains.
An increasing number of young people are turning to conventional sports like running and cycling, Li said, while their interest in niche outdoor activities such as camping and rock climbing has declined. This trend will weigh on the company’s sales of its specialized outdoor sportswear and equipment, he added.
Li identified competition as another challenge. The number of players in the market has doubled over the past decade, so consumers are no longer limited to a single brand and are exploring alternatives, he said. For instance, some shoppers looking for a bigger bang for their dollars have turned to brands from the Chinese mainland.
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Meanwhile, some exhibitors are betting on technology stay competitive. Live4Well, a health management platform, showed its AI-driven monitoring systems and motion-capture technology, which collect and analyze users’ physical activity data. The platform also integrates blockchain technology to store rewards earned through exercise in encrypted digital wallets, thereby ensuring the security of users’ assets.
Founder Miranda Wong said Hong Kong’s sports and leisure industry has great growth potential, given the city’s strength in technological innovation and the transformation of its business models. The value of the global digital health market — typically referring to the use of technology to improve healthcare delivery — is projected to reach $334.1 billion this year, said Wong, adding that she hopes Hong Kong can take advantage of this wave of opportunities.
According to market research firm Euromonitor International, the retail value of Hong Kong’s sportswear and equipment market reached $2.8 billion in 2024, maintaining stability compared with the previous year, with a five-year compound annual growth of 7.7 percent.
Contact the writer at irisli@chinadailyhk.com
