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Digital Personalization in Footwear: Valuing Craftsmanship in a Customer-Centric Era
NEW PAPER JUST RELEASED! The shift from mass production to mass personalisation is redefining the bond between footwear brands and consumers, blending traditional craft with digital technology. A new World Footwear innovation paper focusing on this transformation is now available for FREE download
CEC study finds safety and chemical compliance failures in online footwear
An European Footwear Confederation (CEC) study found widespread failures in terms of chemical and safety compliance in footwear sold on Shein, Temu and AliExpress, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement of EU product safety rules
Join the 15th edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey
The WorldFootwear.com is asking all experts within the footwear industry to share their views on the current business situation. Join the new edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey. WE WANT TO HEAR YOU!
UK retailers face rising electricity costs in 2026
UK retailers are set to face a 16% rise in electricity costs in 2026, despite energy consumption remaining virtually unchanged, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC)
German footwear market contracts as demand shifts towards versatile styles
Germany’s footwear market is forecast to generate less revenue for the third consecutive year, as consumers buy fewer shoes and increasingly favour versatile, everyday sneakers
EU–Mercosur: A Practical Guide for the Footwear Cluster
World Footwear’s new guide is designed to help companies on both sides of the Atlantic examine what the agreement could mean for the products they sell, source and manufacture
US: E-commerce to outpace overall retail holiday sales growth
E-commerce growth in the US is expected to outpace overall retail sales growth from November 2026 to January 2027, according to Deloitte’s annual retail forecast
Spain commits to Action Plan for footwear and components industry
Both FICE and AEC have welcomed the commitment of the Spanish Ministry of Industry to develop an action plan for the footwear and components industry
EU–Mercosur: What Does the Agreement Mean for the Footwear Industry?
The EU–Mercosur trade agreement is now in effect. A new World Footwear study examines the implications of the agreement for companies in the footwear, components, leather goods, and hides and leather sectors
Retail Flash: Footwear trails broader retail across key markets
The retail landscape in the Netherlands, France, Spain, Germany, the UK, the US and Japan remains uneven, with the footwear sector often trailing behind broader retail and fashion categories. Fragile consumer confidence, varying pricing power and cautious inventory management continue to weigh on the sector, while stronger digital sales have yet to translate into a broader footwear recovery
German fashion consumers prioritise fit and value as spending slows
German consumers are becoming more restrained in their fashion spending, while fit, comfort and conveniente, and value for money continue to dominate purchasing decisions, according to the GermanFashion Consumer Panel 2026
Japan Retail: Higher rates meet an uneven fashion recovery
Against a backdrop of renewed price pressures and a weaker yen, the Japanese fashion market has experienced an uneven recovery. Interest rates have continued to rise, and consumer confidence remains subdued. Within the fashion sector, clothing inflation has outpaced that of footwear. Commercial sales also diverged, with textile sales enjoying a strong rebound, whereas apparel and accessories only returned to marginal growth. Meanwhile, despite falling volumes, footwear import value held up, supported by higher average prices
US trade associations urge Trump Administration to restore ILO funding
US trade associations are urging the Trump administration to restore funding for the International Labour Organization (ILO), warning that reduced involvement could weaken US influence over global labour standards
US Retail: Footwear remains under pressure as consumers turn to value
The US footwear market started 2026 under pressure. Footwear inflation accelerated beyond headline inflation, while sales lagged behind those in the wider retail and fashion sectors. Additionally, a rebound in imports in late spring contrasted with weakening consumer confidence. Together, these trends point to a market where rising prices, uneven demand and recovering supply are creating a more challenging environment, with consumers becoming increasingly selective and value-conscious
CEC welcomes two new associate members
The European Footwear Confederation (CEC) has welcomed Trade Partners Sweden and the CAST Trade Platform for the Footwear, Sports & Fashion Industry in the Netherlands to its network
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