Employment
New footwear material trends revealed by industry survey
Industry experts point to sustainable natural fibres as the dominant footwear material trend for the next two years, a key insight from the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey conducted at the end of 2025
Zalando plans to close its Erfurt logistics centre
Following its acquisition of About You, the German online retailer will streamline its European logistics network. This will include the closure of the Erfurt fulfilment centre by September 2026
AI has not yet matured sufficiently to meet the specific needs of the industry
This is one of the key findings from the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey, conducted in October and November 2025. We asked our panel of experts to share their views on the impact of AI in the footwear industry. Here’s what they told us
Geox to implement restructuring plan that could affect up to 115 jobs
The Italy-based group Geox has announced a restructuring plan that could result in the loss of up to 115 jobs. These measures form part of the implementation of its Industrial Plan
Asos and ITF sign landmark agreement to safeguard transport workers’ rights
The online fashion retailer has signed a legally-binding agreement with the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) to protect the rights of transport workers across the supply chain
Abicalçados proposes additional measures to mitigate the impact of US tariffs
The Brazilian Footwear Industries Association (Abicalçados) has welcomed the 5.5 billion USD credit line to support local companies affected by US import tariffs, but says that additional measures to protect jobs are needed
AI's impact in the footwear industry
Artificial Intelligence seems destined to deeply change our lives, so we have asked our panel of experts about the expected impact of this tool in the footwear business. Get free access to the report with the main conclusions
Stability is the word for employment levels in the footwear sector
In the latest edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey, nearly half of our panel members responded that they believe the level of employment will stabilise in the next few months. Get free access to the report with the main conclusions
Optimistic outlook for the footwear industry’s business health
More than 55% of the respondents of the last edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey are confident about the health of their businesses. The 12th edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey results are now available
Primark plans significant workforce cuts
The international retailer plans to reduce staff in key support functions, impacting about 7% of Dublin HQ jobs, as it restructures to maintain competitive pricing and invest in overseas markets
Trump's Tariffs Expected to Negatively Impact Footwear
In the latest edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey, we have asked our panel about the expected impact of Trump's wave of tariffs in footwear. The expectations are not positive. Read it all by accessing the report with the main conclusions
Footwear industry anticipates sales volumes will increase
More than 60% of the respondents of the last edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey expect quantities of footwear traded in their country to increase over the next six months. The report with the main conclusions of the 12th edition of the survey is now available
Cost of raw materials continues to worry the footwear industry
Cost of merchandise or raw materials maintains its position as the top concern for the footwear industry, according to respondents of the 12th edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey. Domestic market challenges have intensified
Ecco and Lowa to close factories in Slovakia
This summer, the German outdoor footwear brand Lowa and the Danish footwear brand Ecco are set to close their factories in Slovakia. This is a cause for concern for the country’s footwear industry
Footwear prices to increase over the next six months
75% of the respondents of the last edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey expect footwear retail prices to increase over the next six months. The report with the results of the 12th edition of the survey is now available-
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