News
Dass Group closes footwear factory in Argentina, lays off 150 workers
After nearly two decades, the Brazilian footwear manufacturer has ended production at its Eldorado plant in Argentina, citing deteriorating market conditions and a loss of competitiveness
France Retail: Widespread recovery remains elusive
After an uncertain 2025, the French retail market is showing few signs of widespread recovery. While online sales remain its main source of growth, overall retail has stagnated and the footwear market continues to struggle with subdued consumer demand. Meanwhile, the recent acceleration in headline inflation has not resulted in higher clothing and footwear prices, which suggests weak pricing power and ongoing promotional pressure. Against a backdrop of fragile consumer and retail confidence, it is no surprise that businesses have become more cautious in their approach to inventory management
Coalition urges EU to strengthen marketplace accountability
The CEC and 87 other organisations are urging the European Commission to use the upcoming European Product Act to address the lack of accountability surrounding the billions of low-value parcels entering the EU each year
Burberry formalises partnership with Leeds Beckett University
The British luxury group has formalised its partnership with Leeds Beckett University and its BA Fashion Design course to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing emerging talent
Former Allbirds CEO is the new President of Sorel
Sorel, the outdoor brand owned by Columbia Sportswear, has announced the appointment of Joe Vernachio as its new president. He joins the brand from Allbirds
Portuguese footwear takes centre stage at Milan Fashion Week
The London-based designer Saul Nash has joined TOWORKFOR to reinterpret the boat shoe, combining technical and luxury elements. This was presented at Milan Fashion Week
Clarks to accelerate European retail expansion
Following the opening of a new store in Italy, the UK-based footwear brand announced plans to open between 15 and 20 new stores across Europe this year
US opens new chapter in USMCA negotiations after declining renewal
The US administration has declined to renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in its current form. This will launch a new phase of negotiations while keeping the North American trade pact in force
Assomac calls for stronger supply chain coordination
Italy’s technology sector for footwear, leather goods and tanning contracted again in 2025, prompting Assomac to call for stronger supply chain links and coordinated industrial policy
Primark reports sales growth in the third quarter despite retail headwinds
The UK-based fashion retailer has reported a 4% increase in third-quarter revenue, supported by new stores, despite weaker consumer demand across several key markets
Nike’s fourth-quarter profit surges on tariff recovery
The US-based sportswear company reported a net income increase of more than four times in the fourth quarter, following the expected recovery in US tariffs. However, revenue slipped by 1%
Genesco appoints Jonathan Collins as Chief Financial Officer
Following a thorough search, the US-based footwear retailer appointed Jonathan Collins as its Chief Financial Officer. He served in the same position at America’s Car-Mart in the last year
HSG completes acquisition of majority stake in Golden Goose
HSG has completed its acquisition of a majority stake in Golden Goose, with Temasek and True Light Capital investing as minority shareholders. Permira will also remain a strategic minority investor
ECOSTEP to deliver the first tailored ecodesign framework for the European footwear industry
The European footwear sector has taken another step towards a sustainable transition with the launch of ECOSTEP, a four-year Horizon project that aims to establish a comprehensive ecodesign framework for footwear
Digital Product Creation: The New Frontier in Footwear Manufacturing
JUST RELEASED! The global footwear industry is undergoing a profound digital transformation. The shift from physical development to digital workflows - known as Digital Product Creation (DPC) - is redefining how shoes are designed, tested, and manufactured, blending traditional craftsmanship with technological precision
Global footwear trade weakens in early 2026
International footwear trade began 2026 under pressure. In the first quarter of the year, most of the main production-based exporters analysed recorded a decline in exports, while several major consumption markets also reduced their imports. The results point to a cautious start to the year for global footwear, although the impact varied substantially across country profiles
Portuguese Footwear Association highlights sustainability challenge at Brussels event
If the European footwear sector is to address the growing environmental impact of consumption, it must accelerate its transition to circularity. This was the key message of a conference organised by APICCAPS in Brussels as part of the BioShoes4All project
H&M improves profitability in the second quarter despite flat sales
The Sweden-based fashion retailer reported that sales remained broadly unchanged in local currencies in the second quarter, while improved margins and lower costs helped to increase profitability
Accent Group rejects Frasers' takeover bid
The independent board committee of the Australian sports footwear retailer has urged shareholders to reject a takeover offer from Frasers Group, describing the bid as highly opportunistic
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