News
FAIST Voices: meet ISI
With sustainability in its core, ISI, a Portuguese manufacturer specialised in injected soles, aims to accelerate digitalisation and artificial intelligence use under the FAIST consortium
France Retail: uncertainty hangs over the year ahead
The French retail sector remained largely stagnant in 2025. Subdued sales, declining consumer confidence and cautious household spending negatively impacted footfall and average basket sizes in physical stores. While e-commerce continued to grow, the footwear sector experienced falling sales, negative sentiment and limited inflationary support. Data on imports also suggests that retailers have adopted more cautious inventory management strategies. Even the approval of the new Budget does not appear to lift the cloud of uncertainty hanging over the year ahead
Portuguese footwear in the spotlight at international fashion weeks
The Portuguese footwear industry has strengthened its international presence by collaborating with prominent designers at major fashion events in New York, Paris and Milan
US Supreme Court rules against Trump’s emergency tariffs
The US Supreme Court has ruled against former President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs. This has prompted reactions from US retail groups and international industry stakeholders
Asics reports strong full year 2025 results
The Japan-based sportswear group ended the 2025 fiscal year with double-digit sales and profit growth, driven by strong global demand across the performance and lifestyle product categories
Footasylum CEO steps down
David Pujolar has stepped down as CEO of the UK-based footwear retailer after two years in the role. The company has initiated a search process to appoint his successor
US House votes to scrap Trump’s tariffs on Canada
In a rare bipartisan rebuke, the US House of Representatives voted to revoke President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, although this is largely a symbolic gesture
Import growth continues in Brazil’s footwear industry
Brazil’s footwear imports increased in January by 34.3% in volume and 31.2% in value year-on-year. This growth comes amid slowing domestic consumption and weakening national production
Designer Brands appoints new CFO
The parent company of DSW and brands such as Topo Athletic, has appointed Sheamus Toal as its new Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Financial Officer
MICAM expands global reach and redesigns fair layout
The leading trade fair has broadened its international reach and revamped its layout to enhance the visitor experience and business opportunities ahead of its 101st edition
Portuguese footwear exports resist international downturn in 2025
Against a backdrop of global instability, the Portuguese footwear sector ended 2025 on a positive note, in contrast to the downward trend observed among the world’s leading producers
Netherlands Retail: The sector held its ground in 2025, but momentum is cooling
The retail sector in the Netherlands remained resilient in 2025, achieving moderate growth. However, the fashion retail sector, including the footwear sub-sector, was more volatile. While overall inflation eased, clothing and footwear saw subdued or negative price dynamics, potentially suggesting limited pricing power. Despite relatively stable retail sentiment, consumer confidence deteriorated towards the end of the year, which, together with a slowdown in footwear imports, points to a softer trade outlook
Birkenstock posts strong first-quarter growth on holiday demand
The Germany-based group has reported an 18% year-on-year revenue growth in the first quarter, driven by strong holiday demand. Despite facing currency headwinds and US tariffs, net profit surged by 151%
Brooks Running names VP of Footwear Product Strategy
The US-based running shoe company has appointed Claire Wood, a former New Balance and Sorel executive, to the newly created role of Vice President of Footwear Product Strategy
Crocs reports modest full-year revenue decline
The US-based casual footwear company reported a modest decline in full-year revenue in 2025. This reflects ongoing pressure on the HeyDude brand, while the core Crocs brand has remained stable
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