Lululemon's Mainland China Revenue Growth Slows as Comparable Sales Fall 8%

Lululemon said mainland China net revenue rose 4% year on year in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, but fell 2% at constant currency and comparable sales dropped 8% at constant currency, according to Jiemian News. Interim co-chief executive and chief financial officer Meghan Frank said Q2 revenue came in below expectations, with the shortfall driven mainly by mainland China, where the company had previously forecast mid- to high-teens sales growth for the quarter and about 20% full-year growth. The company said new and expanded stores and other channels in mainland China added revenue during the quarter, but weaker comparable sales offset part of that contribution. Jiemian News reported that analysts have questioned whether lululemon should slow new store openings in China and the US until sales stabilize, while Frank said the company is taking a “very prudent” approach and will reassess store plans against current operating trends. The slowdown follows years of rapid expansion in China. Lululemon opened its first three mainland stores in 2016, and its mainland store network grew from 99 locations at the end of fiscal 2022 to 172 in fiscal 2025. Revenue rose from US$577 million in fiscal 2022 to US$1.76 billion last year, when mainland China accounted for about 16% of group revenue. From fiscal 2021 to 2025, annual mainland China revenue growth ranged from 29% to more than 80%. Management said some new products have received positive feedback, but performance after launch has been inconsistent. Sales of the core yoga leggings category fell about 20% in the second quarter. Jiemian News also cited weaker enthusiasm for some new releases, while competition in China is increasing from brands such as Alo and domestic label MAIA ACTIVE.