News
Early Easter boosts UK retail sales but clothing and footwear lag
The early Easter resulted in stronger-than-expected growth in UK retail sales in March. However, this masked the ongoing weakness of discretionary categories, particularly clothing and footwear
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
Puma appoints first ever Vice President Creative Direction
The Germany-based sportswear company has appointed James Carnes to the newly created role of Senior Vice President of Creative Direction. He will oversee creative direction, innovation and product excellence
Kering signals slow recovery despite Gucci’s weakness
The France-based luxury group has reported early signs of recovery. However, growth across several of its Houses has been partly offset by continued weakness at its flagship label, Gucci
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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