News
AYSAF as Türkiye’s gateway to global footwear trade
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
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
American Exchange Group agrees to acquire Allbirds’ assets
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
H&M reports higher profitability despite slight sales decline in the first quarter
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
Assomac signs agreements to support Kenya’s leather and footwear sector
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
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
Designer Brands improves margins despite sales decline in 2025
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
Shoe Carnival beats fourth-quarter expectations, adopts selective rebanner approach
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
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
Footasylum names Hannah Mercer as CEO
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
Anta Sports reports full-year revenue growth
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
Chinese leather sectors contract in 2025
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
Grendene posts mixed results in 2025
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
Ramon Bourscheidt from Usaflex: consumers no longer accept trade-offs
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
Leather sector unites for World Leather Day
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.
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