Residents of Yakutia exhibit a growing preference for cycling, jogging, and strolling as physical activities.
Spring Fever Hits Russia's Outdoor Market
Russians are embracing the great outdoors this spring! According to Megafon's "Marketplace Analytics" service, sales of sports, hiking, and dacha goods are skyrocketing in April 2025 compared to the previous year. Here's a breakdown of what's driving this newfound love for nature.
Running, walking, and cycling are popular activities among the Russians as they step out in sports shoes 63% more often in April 2025 compared to the same period last year. The bike enthusiasts are not left behind, with bicycles and cycling gear sales up by 29%. Interestingly, sports shoe sales in March 2025 were only 17% higher than in April.
Tourism and outdoor recreation are also on the rise. Notably, sleeping bags' sales have increased by a quarter year-on-year, while the demand for hiking tents has seen a significant increase in April compared to March – interest in tents, marquees, and canopies has soared by 86%.
Russians are showing a keen interest in dacha goods too. Outdoor grilling and gardening are the flavors of the season, with grills, barbecues, greenhouses, watering, and irrigation systems, and garden equipment sales up by 14%, 28%, 36%, and 58% respectively.
Curiously, despite some goods becoming more expensive since the beginning of the year, such as the 'Cycling' category goods which have increased by 23%, and 'Watering and Irrigation' by 38%, the demand remains strong. Grills, sports shoes, and garden equipment retain their price levels, and some hiking goods have even become cheaper – tents are now 16% cheaper.
"Marketplace Analytics" is a valuable tool for businesses in MegaFon ProBusiness line. It enables sellers to track sales trends, monitor product requests, and keep tabs on stock levels. With insights into revenue-inventory correlation, discounts, and more, businesses can better understand market trends and make informed decisions. The platform's analytics can help new users find profitable niches, analyze product categories, sales of specific brands and suppliers, and improve product marketing strategies.
From an outdoor recreation perspective, Russia's expansive boreal forests seem to be drawing more citizens towards nature-based activities. With the global trend toward eco-tourism fueling demand for tactical and high-performance clothing, the Russian outdoor goods market is set for growth. Brands that focus on sustainability and innovative gear designs are likely to see increased consumer engagement.
In summary, the rise in demand for outdoor recreation goods in Russia reflects a blend of factors, including geographic advantages, a growing appreciation for outdoor activities, and a focus on sustainable, high-quality products. As the world continues to embrace outdoor lifestyles, the Russian market is poised to mirror global trends and tap into the multibillion-dollar outdoor goods industry.
- In addition to sports shoes and cycling, Russians are also showing a significant interest in health-and-wellness, with sales of running and walking equipment increasing by 63% compared to the same period last year.
- The trend towards nature-based activities extends to science, as the demand for camping gear, such as sleeping bags and hiking tents, has seen a substantial increase in April 2025, compared to March – interest in tents, marquees, and canopies has soared by 86%.
- The shift towards an outdoor lifestyle also resonates with the lifestyle category, as evidenced by the surge in sales of dacha goods like grills, barbecues, greenhouses, watering, and irrigation systems, and garden equipment in Russia, with most categories showing over 30% growth.
