LI NING(HK:02331) Bei Jing Shang Bao·2025-10-30 10:41Core Insights - The upcoming Beijing Marathon is driving a surge in sales of sports equipment, particularly running gear, as brands like Li Ning and Xtep expand their offerings in this segment [1][2] - The running shoe market in China is projected to become a competitive focal point for sports brands, with the overall sports footwear market expected to exceed 500 billion yuan by 2025 [1] - Li Ning's financial data indicates that running, basketball, and cross-training categories accounted for 67% of its retail revenue in the first half of 2025, with running shoes alone contributing 34% and experiencing a 15% increase in retail revenue [1] Company Insights - Li Ning has introduced multiple new running shoe products and is focusing on professional sports categories to enhance brand strength and product capability [1] - Despite facing challenges in offline traffic and discount pressures, Li Ning's investments in running and professional sports are expected to yield growth opportunities, particularly with upcoming Olympic-related marketing strategies [1] - The total sales volume of professional running shoes for Li Ning surpassed 14 million pairs in the first half of 2025 [1] Industry Insights - According to a report by the Chinese Sports Economic Research Center, nearly 60% of runners' direct spending is on apparel and wearable professional equipment, with spending on running clothing and shoes projected to increase from 29.98% in 2023 to 35.02% in 2024 [2] - The report highlights that 78% of runners prefer domestic brands for running shoes, with a strong preference for shoes priced between 500 and 999 yuan [2] - The running economy is seen as a key driver for high-quality development in the sports industry, promoting consumption upgrades and urban development [2]