Sales
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
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Germany Retail: footwear slumps as e-commerce and imports surge
The German retail sector is split in two: the footwear and leather goods market is experiencing one of its worst years, with sales falling by 4.2% year-on-year in the first eight months of the year, while overall retail is growing and e-commerce is booming, fuelled by Asian marketplaces. Complicating matters further, footwear imports have surged in value by 16.9%, defying the decline in domestic sales and raising questions about the country’s trade position. Despite current volatile business conditions and subdued consumer confidence, the industry is cautiously seeking signs of positive change
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
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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
UK: Budget anxiety dampens retail spending and footfall
Retail activity in the UK is showing signs of slowing down, with consumer caution ahead of the Autumn Budget dampening spending and footfall in major shopping areas
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!
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
US Retail: fashion retail under pressure despite signs of recovery
Although overall retail sales increased in the first half of the year, fashion sales fell, weighed down by weak demand in the early months, inflationary pressures and new tariffs. In this context, the online channel remains a bright spot, as consumers increasingly seek convenience and discounts. At the same time, footwear imports in the first seven months of the year recorded higher values but lower volumes, as average prices climbed under tariff pressure. Despite glimpses of improvement, retailers face a challenging road ahead, with fragile consumer sentiment and uncertain trade policy
Domestic demand fuels modest growth for the German footwear industry
The German footwear industry saw a 1.3% year-on-year increase in sales in the first half, driven solely by domestic demand. Foreign sales fell by 11%, highlighting market challenges, according to HDS/L
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
Spain Retail: the fashion sector is now under pressure
Unlike our previous forecast, the Spanish fashion sector is currently under pressure, with its turnover down by 2.56% year-on-year in the first half of the year. The footwear sector, in particular, is showing worrying signs, with low prices and cautious consumer behaviour. This has left retailers with high inventory levels and high hopes for summer discounts. However, only time will tell if the slowdown of the Spanish economy due to mounting global geopolitical and financial uncertainty will affect their prospects-
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