ecommerce
SECOND CALL: 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!
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
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!
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
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
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
Zalando delivers 2025 growth across B2C and B2B
The Germany-based online fashion retailer has reported double-digit growth in GMV and revenue in 2025, driven by its acquisition of About You and progress in its B2C and B2B strategy pillars
Business coalition urges EU to fast-track deemed importer rules
A business coalition that includes the European Footwear Confederation (CEC) is urging the EU to implement deemed importer rules more quickly, as delays would lead to continued unfair competition in e-commerce
Germany Retail: Footwear under pressure amid clouded outlook
Germany’s footwear and leather goods sector remained under pressure in 2025, with weak consumer and retail confidence, falling sales, and substantial discounts weighing on the market, despite the expansion of the online channel and a significant increase in footwear imports. Looking ahead, industry representatives appear to anticipate cautious stabilisation rather than a clear rebound. While e-commerce and Germany’s role as a regional hub offer some support, weak domestic demand and persistent uncertainty continue to cloud the outlook
France Retail: uncertainty hangs over the year ahead
The French retail sector remained largely stagnant in 2025. Subdued sales, declining consumer confidence and cautious household spending negatively impacted footfall and average basket sizes in physical stores. While e-commerce continued to grow, the footwear sector experienced falling sales, negative sentiment and limited inflationary support. Data on imports also suggests that retailers have adopted more cautious inventory management strategies. Even the approval of the new Budget does not appear to lift the cloud of uncertainty hanging over the year ahead
Netherlands Retail: The sector held its ground in 2025, but momentum is cooling
The retail sector in the Netherlands remained resilient in 2025, achieving moderate growth. However, the fashion retail sector, including the footwear sub-sector, was more volatile. While overall inflation eased, clothing and footwear saw subdued or negative price dynamics, potentially suggesting limited pricing power. Despite relatively stable retail sentiment, consumer confidence deteriorated towards the end of the year, which, together with a slowdown in footwear imports, points to a softer trade outlook
Amazon posts strong 2025 as it steps up AI spending
The Seattle-based e-commerce giant delivered robust fourth quarter and full year 2025 results, driven by double-digit revenue growth and accelerating AWS sales. For 2026, it plans to increase AI spending
New footwear material trends revealed by industry survey
Industry experts point to sustainable natural fibres as the dominant footwear material trend for the next two years, a key insight from the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey conducted at the end of 2025
Zalando plans to close its Erfurt logistics centre
Following its acquisition of About You, the German online retailer will streamline its European logistics network. This will include the closure of the Erfurt fulfilment centre by September 2026
JD Sports to enable direct purchases through AI platforms
The sportswear retailer has announced that its US customers will be able to use AI platforms to search for and purchase sports footwear, apparel, and accessories without having to leave the interfaces-
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