World Footwear

News

AYSAF as Türkiye’s gateway to global footwear trade

Apr 3, 2026 / Turkey
We spoke to Sait Sal?c?, the chairman of the Turkish Footwear Industrialists Association (AYSAD), about the global rise of Türkiye’s footwear sub-industry and its logistics sector, as well as the strategic importance of the AYSAF trade fair, which is taking place from the 21st to the 24th of April in Istanbul

H&M reports higher profitability despite slight sales decline in the first quarter

Apr 2, 2026 / Sweden
The fashion group reported improved margins and a rise in operating profit in the first quarter of 2026, despite a slight decline in sales due to currency headwinds and store optimisation measures

American Exchange Group agrees to acquire Allbirds’ assets

Apr 2, 2026 / United States
The brand management group, whose portfolio includes labels such as Aerosoles and Ed Hardy, has agreed to purchase the intellectual property and all assets of the eco-friendly sneaker brand for 39 million USD

Designer Brands improves margins despite sales decline in 2025

Apr 1, 2026 / United States
The US-based company has reported a 3.9% year-on-year decline in net sales to 2.9 billion US dollars for 2025. However, it has also improved its gross margins and strengthened its financial position

UK Retail: fashion retail grows, but caution persists

Sales in the UK’s textile, clothing, and footwear (TCF) sector recovered in 2025, exceeding total retail figures despite periods of volatility. However, this recovery was driven more by increased transaction volumes than by higher consumer spending, with expenditure on footwear remaining largely unchanged and prices declining amid persistent discounts. At the same time, volatile yet growing online sales and increasingly responsive import patterns suggest that the sector is trying to adapt quickly to uncertain demand

Assomac signs agreements to support Kenya’s leather and footwear sector

Apr 1, 2026 / Italy
Assomac has signed strategic agreements with Kenyan partners to support the development of the country’s leather and footwear industries by supplying Italian technologies and machinery

Shoe Carnival beats fourth-quarter expectations, adopts selective rebanner approach

Mar 31, 2026 / United States
Fourth-quarter results exceeded expectations as the business transformation through Shoe Station expansion continues. However, the company is adopting a more selective approach to store conversions in 2026

Portuguese Shoes featured in Nespresso campaign with Dua Lipa

Mar 30, 2026 / Portugal
Portuguese footwear takes centre stage in Nespresso’s latest campaign with Dua Lipa, showcasing a design created in collaboration with Portugal's footwear industry and designer Willy Chavarria

Anta Sports reports full-year revenue growth

Mar 27, 2026 / China
The China-based group has reported a strong full-year 2025 performance, with revenue rising by 13.3%, supported by continued growth across its multi-brand portfolio and improvements in profitability

Footasylum names Hannah Mercer as CEO

Mar 27, 2026 / United Kingdom
The UK-based retailer has appointed Hannah Mercer as CEO, with effect from May. She is replacing David Pujolar, who stepped down in February after serving in the role for two years

Grendene posts mixed results in 2025

Mar 26, 2026 / Brazil
The Brazilian owner of the brands Melissa and Ipanema reported mixed results for 2025. Although gross revenue increased, profits fell amid declining volumes and a challenging macroeconomic backdrop

Chinese leather sectors contract in 2025

Mar 26, 2026 / China
China’s leather sector experienced a broad downturn in 2025, recording declines in revenue and trade activity. This reflects the ongoing pressure on the global supply chain

Stella Holdings reports full-year results, outlines next three-year plan

Mar 25, 2026 / Hong Kong
The Hong Kong-based group reported modest revenue growth but lower profits in 2025 amid production inefficiencies and tariff pressures. It also unveiled a new three-year plan to promote long-term growth

Leather sector unites for World Leather Day

Mar 25, 2026 / World
Taking place on the 29th of April, Leather Naturally is launching a year-round “Make It Leather” campaign to reframe material choices around durability, repairability and more responsible consumption.

Ramon Bourscheidt from Usaflex: consumers no longer accept trade-offs

Premium Content Mar 25, 2026 / Brazil
In today’s interview, we spoke to Ramon Bourscheidt, Export Manager at Usaflex, a Brazilian premium comfort footwear company. Among other topics, we discussed how consumers' expectations of footwear have evolved, and how these expectations vary across different regions of the world

Brooks Running reshuffles leadership team

Mar 24, 2026 / United States
The Seattle-based shoe running company has announced several promotions within its executive leadership team as part of its strategy to accelerate global expansion

FAIST Voices: meet Belcinto

Mar 24, 2026 / Portugal
As part of the FAIST project, the Portuguese leather goods manufacturer Belcinto was able to innovate existing technology, optimising several production processes and facilitating work that would otherwise be time-consuming

John Galliano enters two-year collaboration with Zara

Mar 23, 2026 / Spain
Zara has entered a two-year partnership with John Galliano, tasking him with “re-authoring” its archives. This signals his return to the atelier following his departure from Maison Margiela in 2024

Portuguese footwear reaches the Oscars

Mar 23, 2026 / Portugal
Portuguese footwear made an appearance on the Oscars red carpet when the actress and comedian Chloé Fineman wore shoes by Portuguese brand JJ Heitor to the Vanity Fair party

Caleres posts mixed fourth-quarter results

Mar 20, 2026 / United States
The US-based footwear company closed the 2025 fiscal year with a mixed performance in the fourth quarter, achieving solid top-line growth while continuing to experience pressure on profitability