Residents' Activities and Sports: Additional Pastimes Planned for May
May 5, 04:00 Chatty Katie
Residents of Nizhny Novgorod are embracing the great outdoors this spring with burgeoning enthusiasm! Russians, in general, have been snatching up sports equipment, hiking gear, and dacha essentials more frequently on online marketplaces in April 2025 compared to last year and even the previous month. This surge in demand is backed by insights from Megafon's "Marketplace Analytics" service.
Running, walking, and cycling have captured the hearts of Russians: sports shoes were purchased a whopping 63% more frequently in April 2025 compared to the same period last year, and bicycles and related accessories were bought 29% more. Ironically, sports shoe sales in March 2025 were 17% higher than April.
Tourism and outdoor recreation are on the rise among our nation's residents: for instance, sleeping bag sales rose by a quarter compared to the previous year. Hiking tents sales have remained at last year's level, but there was a staggering 86% increase in April compared to March – a clear indication that folks are getting excited about camping and exploring the outdoors.
Traditional dacha goods are experiencing a revival, with Russians expressing a preference for both alfresco dining and gardening: grills, barbecues, and outdoor cooking equipment are being purchased 14% more this year, greenhouses are up 28%, watering and irrigation equipment are up 36%, and gardening equipment sees a robust 58% increase.
Curiously, the prices of some of these goods have risen since the beginning of the year: for example, the "Cycling" category has seen a 23% price hike, and "Watering and Irrigation" by 38%. Surprisingly, grills, sports shoes, and gardening equipment have maintained the same price level as at the beginning of the year, and some hiking gear has even dropped in price – tents are now 16% cheaper.
Surveying the data provided by "Marketplace Analytics," we can see trends closer to home as well as broader travel and tourism trends affecting Russia and Europe. As Russians are increasingly drawn to exotic destinations and cruises, they may be seeking more outdoor adventures within their own borders. Additionally, the shift towards alternative destinations in Europe could prompt Russians to explore less crowded domestic spots, which could fuel demand for outdoor activities within Russia.
In conclusion, while the data on the increase in demand for outdoor activities in Russia, specifically, is scant, broader trends suggest a growing emphasis on exploration and outdoor experiences, which could spur demand for related goods and activities in our beautiful country.
- The surge in demand for sports shoes, bicycles, and related accessories suggests a growing interest in fitness-and-exercise and health-and-wellness among Russians.
- The rise in sales of sleeping bags and hiking tents indicates a growing trend towards tourism and outdoor-living, with residents of Nizhny Novgorod showing enthusiasm for camping and exploring nature.
- The increased demand for alfresco dining and gardening equipment, such as grills, barbecues, greenhouses, watering and irrigation equipment, and gardening equipment, reflects a shift towards an outdoor-living lifestyle and home-and-garden improvement.
- The data on the price changes of various outdoor goods suggests a growing market for outdoor activities within Russia and possibly a response to increased domestic tourism and a shift towards less crowded destinations in Europe.
