The Yiwugo app, the digital gateway to the world’s largest wholesale market, is experiencing an unprecedented surge in global downloads. Since mid-April 2025, international demand for outdoor gear and fitness equipment has propelled the platform into the top 10 shopping apps in countries like the U.S., France, and Malaysia, with downloads skyrocketing by 200%.
Behind this explosive growth lies a global shift toward healthier, more active lifestyles—and savvy entrepreneurs in Yiwu, China, are capitalizing on the trend.
Outdoor Gear Demand Reaches New Heights
According to the Yiwu Index, outdoor and leisure product sales surpassed 2 billion yuan ($280 million) in 2024, growing at a steady 9% annually. But 2025 has seen an even sharper spike, with hiking pole sales doubling year-over-year in the first quarter alone.
Mountaineering, skiing, and hiking are driving domestic demand, while markets in Europe, Russia, and Southeast Asia are placing bulk orders. Zhu Jinming, owner of Haoyang Outdoor Articles Firm, has witnessed this firsthand. Specializing in high-end hiking poles for over 20 years, his company has seen Russian and Brazilian orders climb steadily since 2021. One long-standing client, purchasing since 2007, now places annual orders exceeding 1 million yuan ($140,000).
“Even when buyers test other suppliers, they return to us for durability and after-sales service,” Zhu explains.
Domestically, scenic spots like Mount Huangshan and Mount Sanqingshan order an average of 500 cases of hiking poles during peak seasons like May Day holidays.
Fitness Equipment Sales Spike Amid Health Push
The boom isn’t limited to outdoor gear. China’s National Health Commission has championed fitness and weight management, sparking a surge in home gym equipment sales. Yan Peng, founder of Linuo Vanguard Sport, has supplied dumbbells, barbells, and exercise bikes to European and North American clients for two decades.
His secret? Relentless quality. By investing in chrome plating for rust resistance or adding reinforced inner layers to sandbags, Linuo has built generational trust. One Spanish family has doubled their order volume over eight years, now shipping at least one container per order.
Domestically, Yan notes a shift toward professional-grade fitness gear. “People aren’t just buying basics—they want equipment that rivals gym quality,” he says.
The Next Global Lifestyle Trend?
The numbers tell a clear story: health and outdoor activity are no longer niche pursuits but global movements. As transactions pulse on the Yiwugo platform, they may well signal the next wave of consumer behavior—one where wellness and adventure drive commerce.
For wholesalers and shoppers alike, Yiwu’s market is proving to be the heartbeat of this revolution.
