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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
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
Japan Retail: mixed signs for the footwear sector
Sales of apparel and footwear remain sluggish, with monthly declines compared to 2024. However, while clothing prices in Japan have outpaced general inflation (which is higher than usual for the country’s economy), footwear inflation has remained relatively stable, hovering just above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target. This suggests that, while households are reducing discretionary spending, footwear is less susceptible to price volatility. Nevertheless, rising import costs and exchange rate fluctuations could alter this situation
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
UK Retail: signs of a slowdown are emerging
After a promising start to the year, the UK retail sector is now showing signs of slowing down. Textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) sales, which had recorded consistent year-on-year growth in the first months of 2025, have now begun to decline, reflecting a general downturn in retail performance. Online sales have been highly volatile, with TCF categories being particularly sensitive to changes in consumer sentiment. Meanwhile, rising inflation and weakening consumer confidence are putting downward pressure on spending, and the decline in sales suggests that imports may follow this trend
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
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
Amazon reaches robot milestone, debuts new generative AI model
The US-based e-commerce giant has announced that it has deployed its one millionth robot and that its entire fleet will be powered by a newly launched generative AI model
EU Commission targets Shein over consumer protection concerns
The European Union Commission has urged Shein to comply with EU consumer protection laws, warning that the fast-fashion retailer could face fines if it fails to address the concerns that have been raised
Japan Retail: renewed optimism for footwear demand?
Japan’s retail landscape is transforming, driven by the strong performance of the online channel. Despite overall inflationary pressure, retail sales as a whole and footwear imports are on an upward trend, boosted by a weaker US dollar against the yen. With footwear prices finally showing signs of recovery, there is cautious optimism for renewed demand in the short term, even as rising interest rates weigh on consumer confidence
US Retail: bleak prospects amid growing uncertainty
The footwear retail sector is definitely underperforming, especially compared with clothing and accessories. The current trade war between the US and its trading partners is not helping consumers recover from last year’s inflationary crisis. Consumer confidence has fallen by almost 30% in the first four months of the year as people believe that shoe prices may rise significantly again. Against this backdrop, importers are at a standstill, trying to guess the best course of action. Uncertainty is the word that best describes the current situation in the sector
Zalando reiterates full year guidance
The fashion online retailer has reported a strong first quarter with growth in revenue and profits. As a result, it has confirmed its full year outlook despite the challenging macroeconomic environment
New Generation: meet Diogo Ribeiro from dportus
With a master’s in industrial engineering and management, Diogo Ribeiro is the grandson of the founder of the footwear company Campeão Português. He has recently launched dportus, a B2B shoe platform-
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