B2B e-commerce platform Alibaba.com recently published the most important trends among B2B buyers in the sports sector. The Chinese company found that the total number of orders for smart fitness products increased by 51 percent year-on-year (mid-October to mid-November 2023 compared to the same period in 2022). The most popular products in this category include all-in-one fitness equipment, multifunctional ab wheels, and products that utilize cutting-edge technologies, such as a smart jump rope with App connectivity. These products reflect the growing consumer demand for versatile, space-saving, efficient equipment.
Alibaba.com’s data also shows that B2B buyers are paying more attention to sustainability and seeing significant growth in sustainable sports. Items made from sustainable materials – such as a yoga mat made from 100 percent biodegradable material – were in high demand as shoppers adapt to changing consumer preferences ahead of the January fitness season.
The growing demand for outdoor fitness also drove this. Year-on-year, Alibaba.com saw a 29 percent increase in the gross merchandise value (GMV) of online bike sales and a 19 percent increase in cumulative online GMV for scooters. The growth in these categories was driven by folding and cargo bikes and foldable electric scooters.
