Arc’teryx is still climbing in China despite a controversy over a high-altitude fireworks display in the Tibet Autonomous Region last year. The premium outdoor brand, known for its technical jackets and alpine credibility, has maintained strong sales momentum even as the incident triggered environmental scrutiny.
The controversy dates back to September 2025, when Arc’teryx collaborated with Chinese contemporary artist Cai Guoqiang on a 52-second fireworks performance staged in the Himalayas. The spectacle was designed as a dramatic visual event, lighting up the mountain skyline and quickly circulating across Chinese social media. But the campaign soon drew criticism, with concerns raised about the ecological impact of fireworks in a fragile high-altitude environment.
Authorities later investigated the event and concluded that it had caused disturbance to the surrounding alpine grasslands. Organisers were required to take responsibility for environmental restoration and address the damage caused by the display.
Despite the backlash, Arc’teryx’s commercial momentum has remained strong. The brand sits within the portfolio of Amer Sports, the global sporting goods group controlled by a consortium led by Anta Sports. Recent financial results show the company’s technical apparel segment – largely driven by Arc’teryx – continuing to expand rapidly.
Arc’teryx China: The 2025 numbers
In the fourth quarter of 2025, Amer Sports reported that the segment generated around $1 billion in revenue, marking year-on-year growth of more than 30%. For the full year, technical apparel revenue reached approximately $2.86 billion, underlining the brand’s strong global demand.
China has been a key driver of that growth. Revenue from Greater China rose sharply during 2025, reinforcing the country’s position as one of Arc’teryx’s most important markets. The company has continued to expand its retail footprint in response, opening more than 20 new stores during the year.
The episode highlights a reality in China’s outdoor market. Demand for premium technical gear is surging, and brand momentum can remain remarkably resilient even in the face of controversy.
