Press release
05/07/2018

Trending topics in focus at ISPO Shanghai 2018

It is the fourth gathering of the Asian sporting goods industry at ISPO Shanghai. From July 5 to 7, 2018, around 500 brands and 350 exhibitors will meet at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) to present the latest innovations for summer sports in the four major segments of Running, Health & Fitness, Outdoor and Water Sports. In 2018, the trade fair will pick up on the trends in the Chinese sporting goods industry, focusing in particular on women and kids. Retail and industry will be presented with future-proof digital solutions in the ISPO Digitize Forum.

Visitor at ISPO Shanghai 2018
Females athletes are becoming increasingly important and are the focus of the Women Sports Industry Forum at ISPO Shanghai 2018.

The most densely populated country in the world has set its sights on improving the health of its population. To do so, the Chinese government is turning to sport. Sales in the domestic sporting goods industry are expected to reach up to 460 billion U.S. dollar by 2020. National and international companies who are players in China’s rapidly growing sporting goods market see a great deal of market potential in the segment for women and kids. Although women participate less in sport than men, they spend more money on their athletic clothing and workouts. Sporting goods manufacturers have picked up on this trend. The number of women-only stores is steadily growing here. Female athletes are becoming increasingly important and are the focus of the Women Sports Industry Forum at this year’s ISPO Shanghai. Experts in the field will report on their experiences and upcoming developments.

The idea of focusing on one target group has also been adopted by sporting goods manufacturers in the children’s fashion segment. According to experts, 90 percent of Chinese parents spend around 300 Euros each year on the sporting activities of their children. This positive trend for the market, in light of the growing population rate, has already been identified by major sporting goods manufacturers in the multi-segment range. The interactive experience in the China Kids Sports Industry Forum will highlight the opportunities that today’s young athletes can offer retailers and brands.

The digital transformation has long since arrived in China: What unique features does the Chinese market offer for international companies?

How do retailers and industry need to act in response? What business models will arise? The ISPO Digitize Forum will tackle these issues on the first two days of the fair. Experts will offer solutions for the digital future of sports business in panel discussions and presentations.

Cooperation with China's largest e-commerce platform Tmall will be continued at ISPO Shanghai 2018. Tmall will broadcast live from the fair to give consumers who aren’t at the trade fair an insight into the latest products.

As part of the X-Mudders, the Open Demo Day will give sports enthusiasts the opportunity to test the latest sporting goods even before the fair starts: From water yoga and stand-up paddling to running, this special event will feature a wide range of activities for athletes. Exhibitors will have the chance to present their products to the more than 5,000 participants and 7,000 viewers of the mud run. Reduced rates are available to ISPO Shanghai exhibitors.