News
US Retail: footwear under pressure as retail holds
Although overall sales remained stable in 2025, performance within the fashion sector was mixed, with clothing outperforming the far more volatile footwear segment. At the same time, weakening consumer sentiment persisted despite easing monetary policy, signalling growing uncertainty. This is particularly evident in footwear imports, which reversed sharply after a strong start to the year and declined alongside retail sales, even as import prices continued to rise. The combination of falling volumes and higher costs points to a sector increasingly squeezed by soft demand and ongoing supply-side issues
Conflict in the Middle East weighs on LVMH’s first-quarter sales
The France-based luxury group has reported a mixed first quarter, with resilient demand across key markets being partially offset by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East
Dolce & Gabbana reshapes leadership
The Italy-based fashion house has appointed Stefano Cantino as co-chief executive officer, while the company’s co-founder, Stefano Gabbana, stepped down from his formal governance roles
Join the 14th 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!
Uniqlo owner raises full-year outlook on strong first-half
The Japan-based fashion retailer has revised its full-year outlook upwards, following a strong first-half performance that was marked by Uniqlo’s growth at home and especially abroad
Laura O’Brien: the Atlanta Shoe Market facilitates real business
In today’s interview, we spoke to Laura O’Brien, who has been the Executive Director of the Atlanta Shoe Market trade fair for over forty years. We talked about the event’s history, role in the US footwear industry and its relevance to international players looking to enter the US market
Vinted grows in 2025 as profits fall on higher investment
The Lithuania-based second-hand marketplace reported significant growth in GMV and revenue in 2025, despite a decline in profits due to increased investment in expansion, logistics, and payments
New Generation: Pedro Pereira, Vapesol
Pedro Pereira is the second generation of his family to lead Vapesol. As the Portuguese footwear components company celebrates its 28th year of business, he continues his father’s legacy
Solid growth in 2025 for Decathlon
The France-based sports retailer has reported solid growth in sales and profitability in 2025, highlighting several achievements as well in sustainability and people-related areas
Dr. Martens restructures leadership to accelerate consumer-first strategy
As part of a restructuring aimed at simplifying the operating model in line with the new consumer-first strategy, the UK-based footwear company has appointed General Managers for all its major markets
China remains top US footwear supplier but market share hits 35-year low
China remained the largest supplier of footwear to the US in 2025, despite its market share falling to 35-year lows in both value and volume, according to the FDRA
Christian Decker leaves DESMA
The managing director of the Germany-based footwear machinery manufacturer has left the company after 28 years, 17 of which were spent in this leadership role
H&M advances sustainability goals in 2025
The Swedish fashion group is making progress towards its sustainability targets, according to its latest report, with 91% of materials being sustainable and emissions down by up to 41%
Asos reports 50% rise in underlying profitability
The UK-based online retailer has reported a 50% year-on-year rise in underlying profitability in the first half, according to its latest trading update, driven by higher margins and cost discipline
EU and Australia conclude negotiations on free trade agreement
The European Union (EU) and Australia concluded negotiations in March on a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) aimed at boosting trade and strengthening supply chains
MATA unveils AW26 collection, introducing women’s line for the first time
The Portuguese company unveiled its Autumn/Winter 2026 collection at the last MICAM. Focusing on waterproof performance, the collection marks the company’s entry into the women’s segment
'Building Resilient Futures leads' Global Fashion Summit agenda
Taking place in a month, organisers frame sustainability as adaptation under pressure, exploring how business models can evolve through circularity networks and stronger supply chain accountability
Nike’s third-quarter profit slides on tariffs and rising costs
The sportswear company has reported a 35% year-on-year decline in third-quarter profit despite flat revenue, with higher tariffs and rising costs having a negative impact on overall performance
Debate grows over Germany’s textiles EPR scheme
The HDS/L warns that folding footwear into a textiles framework overlooks the greater material complexity of shoes and could weaken competitiveness through higher compliance burdens and uncertainty
EU-Mercosur trade deal set for provisional application from May 1
The EU-Mercosur interim trade agreement is set to be provisionally applied from the 1st of May, despite objections from certain member states and requests for clarification from the European Parliament. We have asked industry representatives from both sides of the Atlantic to comment
Media Partners
Media Partners
-
Fotoshoe
Shoe Intelligence
SHOES-MAGAZINE.COM
SERMA