Arc’teryx Powers Ahead Despite Xizang Fireworks Controversy
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An Arc'teryx flagship store in Beijing. Photo: VCG
Amer Sports Inc.’s Arc’teryx brand delivered its strongest quarterly growth of 2025 in the final three months of the year, brushing aside a high-profile controversy over a pyrotechnic show in the Xizang autonomous region that triggered official investigations and public backlash.
The performance underscores the financial resilience of the premium outdoor label, which is owned by a consortium led by Anta Sports Products Ltd. Double-digit sales growth across major markets defied concerns that the environmental dispute in China would weigh on consumer demand.
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- Arc’teryx’s revenue grew 34.2% in Q4 2025 to $1 billion, despite environmental controversy in China; full-year segment revenue rose 30.1% to $2.86 billion.
- Amer Sports’ total Q4 revenue increased 26% to $2.1 billion, with strong growth in Greater China (up 41.8% to $544 million).
- The company plans 16-18% revenue growth in 2026, slower than 2025’s rate; Arc’teryx and Salomon expanded store numbers significantly.
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Who’s Who
- Arc'teryx
- Arc'teryx, a premium outdoor label owned by a consortium led by Anta Sports Products, achieved its strongest quarterly growth in Q4 2025 despite a controversy involving a pyrotechnics show in Xizang. Its Technical Apparel segment, which includes Arc'teryx, saw Q4 revenue of $1 billion, up 34.2%, contributing to a full-year revenue of $2.86 billion. The brand is expanding globally, opening 24 stores in 2025 and planning 25-30 more in 2026.
- Amer Sports Inc.
- Amer Sports Inc. recorded strong Q4 2025 revenue of $2.1 billion, a 26% increase. Despite a controversy involving its Arc’teryx brand in China, the company saw significant growth. Greater China was a key driver, with revenue up 41.8% to $544 million. For 2026, Amer Sports anticipates 16-18% full-year revenue growth.
- Anta Sports Products Ltd.
- Anta Sports Products Ltd. leads a consortium that owns Amer Sports Inc., which in turn owns the premium outdoor brand Arc'teryx. Despite a controversy involving Arc'teryx over an environmental dispute in China, the brand demonstrated strong financial resilience, achieving double-digit sales growth across major markets in 2025. This performance highlights Anta Sports' successful investment in the premium outdoor apparel sector.
- Salomon
- Salomon, a brand within Amer Sports' Outdoor Performance segment, achieved $764 million in fourth-quarter revenue, a 28.6% increase. Its annual sales surpassed $2 billion, driven by strong growth in Greater China and a resurgence in South Korea and Japan. Salomon expanded its presence in Greater China, adding nearly 100 stores in 2025, bringing its total to 286.
- Wilson
- Wilson is a brand within Amer Sports Inc.'s Ball & Racquet Sports segment. This segment reported a quarterly revenue of $337 million, marking a 13.8% increase.
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What Happened When
- September 2025：
- Arc’teryx came under scrutiny after staging a fireworks show with artist Cai Guoqiang in Shigatse, Xizang, which led to widespread public concern over its ecological impact.
- After September 2025：
- A government investigation into the fireworks show found localized environmental risks, resulting in disciplinary action against 10 local officials. Authorities ordered Arc’teryx and Cai’s studio to compensate for ecological damage and restoration costs.
- Third-quarter 2025 earnings call：
- Amer Sports Chief Executive James Zheng expressed regret over the incident and pledged to cooperate with local authorities; CFO Andrew Page stated that the controversy had not affected the company's fourth-quarter 2025 sales guidance.
- Fourth quarter of 2025：
- Amer Sports’ Arc’teryx brand delivered its strongest quarterly growth of 2025, with the Technical Apparel segment posting revenue of $1 billion, up 34.2% year-over-year.
- Fourth quarter of 2025：
- Amer Sports posted revenue of $2.1 billion, up 26% after currency adjustments, with adjusted operating profit rising 18% to $263 million.
- By the end of 2025：
- Arc’teryx opened 24 brick-and-mortar stores in 2025.
- By the end of 2025：
- Salomon added nearly 100 stores in Greater China and reached a total of 286 stores in the region.
- Full year 2025：
- Technical Apparel segment lifted full-year revenue by 30.1% to $2.86 billion.
- Full year 2025：
- Salomon’s annual sales topped $2 billion.
- Full year 2025：
- Greater China revenue for Amer Sports climbed 41.8% to $544 million.
- January 2026：
- Arc’teryx appointed Avery Baker, a former Tommy Hilfiger executive, as its first chief brand officer.
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