Organisations
UK retail sales pick up in January
UK total retail sales rose by 2.7% in January, according to the BRC, surpassing the 12-month average of 2.3%. Post-Christmas discounts boosted spending on both food and in-store items
CEC welcomes technology centres as new associate members
The European Footwear Confederation (CEC) has introduced a new membership category to engage with stakeholders beyond national footwear associations. This new category will encompass technology centres
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
Edvin Prençe, President of ProEksport: towards a more value-added footwear industry in Albania
We spoke to Edvin Prençe, President of ProEksport, the official representative body for Albania’s clothing and footwear industry. Among other topics, we discussed ProEksport’s role in the country, the importance of multi-country partnerships and the current state and future of the sector in Albania
British Footwear Association announces CEO departure
The British Footwear Association (BFA) has announced that Richard Shetliffe will step down from his role as Chief Executive Officer in early June 2026. The search for his successor is underway
AI has not yet matured sufficiently to meet the specific needs of the industry
This is one of the key findings from the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey, conducted in October and November 2025. We asked our panel of experts to share their views on the impact of AI in the footwear industry. Here’s what they told us
Two Ten Footwear Foundation appoints new Board Chair and Vice Chair
The US-based charitable foundation has appointed Jonathan Frankel, President of Aldo Product Services, as Board Chair, while Ed Rosenfeld, Chairman and CEO of Steve Madden, now serves as Board Vice Chair
Signs of stabilisation emerge in the Italian footwear industry
According to Assocalzaturifici, the Italian footwear industry is beginning to stabilise following a challenging start to the year. However, activity remains below 2024 levels
Dr Luis Zugno: Leather Naturally plays a key role in raising awareness about leather
We spoke to Dr Luis Zugno, Chair of Leather Naturally, a non-profit organisation dedicated to leather education and the promotion of compliant, regulated leather manufacturing. Our conversation focused on the organisation’s role in the industry and current debates surrounding leather
Cotance and industriAll Europe outline roadmap for the EU leather sector
Cotance and industriAll Europe have adopted a new Social Dialogue Work Programme 2026-2030. This is aimed at strengthening the skills, sustainability and competitiveness of the EU leather industry
Brazilian footwear exports decline in November amid rising imports
Brazilian footwear exports fell in November, with shipments to the US, its main market, continuing to decline while imports surged. The trade balance is being pressured by US tariffs and growing inflows from Asia
Kering Foundation launches research programme on violence against women and children
In partnership with McGill University and the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI), the Kering Foundation is launching a research programme that addresses the intersection between violence against women and children
US: Thanksgiving Weekend attracts a record 203 million shoppers
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 202.9 million consumers shopped over the Thanksgiving-Cyber Monday weekend, up from 197 million last year and surpassing the record of 200.4 million set in 2023
Marijn Verschure from CAST: rethinking the future of showrooms and fairs
We spoke to Marijn Verschure, the General Manager at CAST, a trading platform for footwear, sport and fashion. Among other topics, we discussed CAST’s role in the footwear ecosystem and the future of permanent showrooms and trade fairs
Leather Naturally appoints two new members to its Management Board
The not-for-profit membership association representing the leather industry has appointed Jim Deheer (Loop Marketing) and Carla Vélez (Leather Cluster Barcelona) to its Management Board-
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