Footwear
US Retail: recovery gains ground amid ongoing pressures
Clothing and footwear sales have improved since January, with the latter already exceeding last year’s figures, but overall retail remains slightly below 2024’s levels. Although holiday forecasts point to moderate growth, rising inflation, falling consumer confidence and shifting interest rates suggest an economically fragile backdrop. Trade pressures are also having an impact on the sector: the value of footwear imports increased, but their volume fell, suggesting that retailers are absorbing higher costs through surgical price increases. A one-year suspension of additional tariffs on Chinese footwear provides temporary relief, but economic uncertainty persists
Designer Brands posts sequential improvements
The US-based footwear has posted sequential improvements across key financial metrics in the third quarter, with stronger sales, higher gross profit and increased operating income
Caleres softens year-end outlook amid margin pressures
The US-based company reported better-than-expected third-quarter sales. However, margin pressures and dilution from Stuart Weitzman have led Caleres to forecast a fourth-quarter loss
FAIST project drives modernisation in the Portuguese footwear industry
The FAIST project aims to transform the Portuguese footwear industry by advancing automation, digital manufacturing, and sustainability. It plans to deliver 80 innovations under its 50 million euros investment
Genesco lowers its full year guidance
Despite reporting a solid third quarter, the US-based footwear company has lowered its full-year guidance, having witnessed lower sales trends during regular shopping periods
Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags adapts to a changing market landscape
Ahead of the upcoming January edition, the Italian trade fair is adapting to changing market landscape while reinforcing its dual role as strategic observatory and a meeting place for footwear and accessories professionals
Swiss brand honoured for circular footwear design
Awarded by the Swiss American Chamber of Commerce, Crimagno was praised for its recyclable, genderless footwear made from sustainable materials and its commitment to environmental and social impact
Portuguese Footwear Association promotes professional footwear abroad
The expected growth in European defence investment could present an opportunity for the Portuguese footwear industry, which aims to double exports of technical footwear to 100 million euros by 2030
Japan Retail: fashion shows strength amid rising cost pressures
The Japanese fashion retail sector is enjoying a standout year, with apparel and footwear sales surging to record highs, despite early signs of cooling demand. Strong Chinese tourist spending has helped to boost results, although geopolitical tensions pose risks for the future. Meanwhile, e-commerce continues to grow much faster than physical retail. Inflation is now converging across categories, with footwear prices rising in line with general inflation. However, the weakening yen is pushing up import costs, leaving retailers reliant on steady consumer demand to absorb rising costs
Future of the footwear industry discussed at Porto conference
An international conference dedicated to the future of the Portuguese and European footwear industries was held as part of the FAIST project on the 18th and 19th of November
Portugal maintains export growth trajectory in 2025
Data from the first nine months of the year shows that the Portuguese footwear industry is gaining ground in the main international markets, with year-on-year export increases of 3.8% in volume and 2.1% in value
Dr. Martens reports narrower losses in the first half
The UK-based footwear company has narrowed its first-half losses as revenue has risen slightly and full-price sales have strengthened, thanks to the early success of its consumer-first strategy
UK Retail: fashion rebounds despite pressure on footwear spending
Since May, the UK’s textile, clothing, and footwear (TCF) sector has regained momentum, outperforming the total retail sector and benefiting from increased online demand. But this rebound masks underlying weaknesses in the footwear sector: consumer spending remains low amid persistent price deflation, and imports have fluctuated significantly as retailers adjust stock levels in response to volatile demand. With inflation still above the target rate and the Budget looming, the retail sector has entered the Golden Quarter with improved sales but constrained by economic uncertainty and cautious consumer behaviour
Shoe Carnival reiterates outlook and long-term focus
The US-based footwear retailer has reiterated its net sales outlook for the full year, emphasising the success of the Shoe Station banner and its commitment to the long-term strategy
Calçados Beira Rio set to close 2025 on a high
The Brazilian footwear manufacturer, whose brand portfolio includes Beira Rio, Moleca, and Vizzano, is set to finish 2025 on a high, with growth and global expansion marking its success-
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Footwear Consumer 2030
A study reflecting on the main global consumer trends and the key changes for the footwear industry.
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World Footwear Public Calendar
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