ecommerce
Spain Retail: all hopes are pinned on the final quarter
The Spanish fashion retail sector is experiencing contradictory cycles. Sales for physical textile and footwear retailers plummeted by 1.8% in the first eight months of 2025, exacerbated by an unusual deflationary environment. E-commerce retail, however, seems to be in a league of its own. Despite negative trends, retailers appear to be betting on a recovery, as evidenced by a 5.4% surge in fashion imports up to August, as well as an unusual peak in shoe imports in July. This suggests that retailers are now focusing on the final quarter of the year, hoping for a return of consumer spending at key events such as Black Friday and Christmas
New CFO at Zalando
The Germany-based online fashion retailer has appointed Anna Dimitrova as Chief Financial Officer. She will succeed David Schröder, who has served as interim CFO since March
Amazon reports strong third quarter and separately confirms 14,000 job cuts
In two separate announcements, Amazon revealed strong third quarter results and confirmed its intention to cut 14,000 jobs worldwide. The company did not link the layoffs to its financial performance
Join the 13th 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!
France Retail: operating in the dark
Overall retail sales have struggled to stay afloat this year, and the footwear sector has performed even worse. Despite a 1.9% increase in the value of footwear imports and an 8.4% increase in the volume of imports in the first half of the year, sales decreased by 1.4% in value and 2.6% in volume in the first eight months, suggesting that retailers are focusing on lower-cost stock. The sector’s challenges are exacerbated by below-target inflation and a sharp fall in consumer confidence. As political uncertainty continues to cast a shadow over consumer and retail sentiment, hopes for a turnaround are almost entirely on the Black Friday and Christmas shopping seasons
Netherlands Retail: the footwear sector holds up amid volatility
The Dutch footwear retail sector has held up against volatility, achieving a 0.7% increase in sales in the first eight months of 2025, as compared to the same period of the previous year. This outpaces growth in the overall retail market. Despite highly variable monthly sales, ranging from a high of 11% to a low of 7.7%, this modest growth trajectory appears to be supported by a surge in retail confidence, which aligns with positive import data. Although still negative, consumer sentiment is slightly more optimistic
Join the 13th 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!
Asos reports profitability gains in full year 2025 amid strategic turnaround
In its latest trading update, the UK-based online fashion retailer announced lower than expected revenue against a soft consumer backdrop, but said it had improved profitability
CEC calls for stronger EU rules to ensure safe and fair e-commerce
The European Footwear Confederation (CEC) has joined forces with 64 NGOs and industry, retail and consumer organisations to urge the EU to address loopholes in online marketplace trade and protect consumers
Strong second quarter for Zalando
The Germany-based online fashion retailer has experienced growth in revenue and profit in the second quarter. Investment in AI technology will now form part of its strategy for expanding its customer base
Amazon delivers strong second quarter results
The Seattle-based e-commerce giant has delivered strong second quarter results as it continues to invest in artificial intelligence to improve customer experience across segments
Germany Retail: cautious forecasts reign amid uncertainty
Although the retail sector has shown modest year-on-year growth overall, the footwear segment continues to struggle. Meanwhile, online sales have recorded double-digit increases since September 2024. The truth is that despite signs of easing inflation and seasonal discount campaigns, both retailers and consumers remain cautious amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. The rebound seen earlier in the year has given way to cautious forecasts, particularly in light of the sharp downturn in footwear imports and the potential ramifications of shifting trade policies
AI's impact in the footwear industry
Artificial Intelligence seems destined to deeply change our lives, so we have asked our panel of experts about the expected impact of this tool in the footwear business. Get free access to the report with the main conclusions
Netherlands Retail: mixed signs in the first half of the year
Despite a strong start to 2025, the Dutch retail sector has been experiencing some volatility. Sales in the footwear sector recorded significant fluctuations, reaching their lowest point in April with a decline of 7.5%, before recovering to a decline of 2.5% in May. Notably, the footwear sector experienced negative inflation in these months, meaning consumers paid less for footwear. However, imports to the Netherlands have increased in the first quarter, and Retail confidence remains above zero. Therefore, despite negative consumer confidence and a challenging macroeconomic backdrop, there may still be some hope for the rest of the year
Stability is the word for employment levels in the footwear sector
In the latest edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey, nearly half of our panel members responded that they believe the level of employment will stabilise in the next few months. Get free access to the report with the main conclusions-
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