Water sports drive swimwear sales in China market

By Emma Gonzalez (China Daily) Updated: 2016-07-12 07:34

The first group of revellers have fun at an indoor water amusement park in Hefei, Anhui province, in April.[Provided to China Daily]

The most notable market trends involve Chinese customers enquiring about products used by international athletes but adapted to their local needs.

"We have 'Asian-fit' goggles and swimwear tailored for Asian bodies, and other products that are designed specifically for Chinese consumers," said Mao. "Young female consumers are also looking for cooler sporty-looking swimwear, compared to the girly cute styles they preferred in the past."

Looking ahead, the company expects to benefit from rising disposable incomes in China as more Chinese consumers are willing to invest a greater part of their earnings in leisure activities and professional products.

"We believe the market will keep growing," said Mao. "Chinese consumers will be more selective. They will demand premium products and value would be more important than price."

The Chinese swimwear market is expected to achieve an annual average growth of 20 percent from 2015 to 2020, according to market consultancy firm Frost and Sullivan.