United States
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
Laura O’Brien: the Atlanta Shoe Market facilitates real business
In today’s interview, we spoke to Laura O’Brien, who has been the Executive Director of the Atlanta Shoe Market trade fair for over forty years. We talked about the event’s history, role in the US footwear industry and its relevance to international players looking to enter the US market
China remains top US footwear supplier but market share hits 35-year low
China remained the largest supplier of footwear to the US in 2025, despite its market share falling to 35-year lows in both value and volume, according to the FDRA
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
Nike’s third-quarter profit slides on tariffs and rising costs
The sportswear company has reported a 35% year-on-year decline in third-quarter profit despite flat revenue, with higher tariffs and rising costs having a negative impact on overall performance
American Exchange Group agrees to acquire Allbirds’ assets
The brand management group, whose portfolio includes labels such as Aerosoles and Ed Hardy, has agreed to purchase the intellectual property and all assets of the eco-friendly sneaker brand for 39 million USD
Designer Brands improves margins despite sales decline in 2025
The US-based company has reported a 3.9% year-on-year decline in net sales to 2.9 billion US dollars for 2025. However, it has also improved its gross margins and strengthened its financial position
Shoe Carnival beats fourth-quarter expectations, adopts selective rebanner approach
Fourth-quarter results exceeded expectations as the business transformation through Shoe Station expansion continues. However, the company is adopting a more selective approach to store conversions in 2026
Brooks Running reshuffles leadership team
The Seattle-based shoe running company has announced several promotions within its executive leadership team as part of its strategy to accelerate global expansion
Caleres posts mixed fourth-quarter results
The US-based footwear company closed the 2025 fiscal year with a mixed performance in the fourth quarter, achieving solid top-line growth while continuing to experience pressure on profitability
Saks Global taps additional 300 million USD from bankruptcy financing package
The multi-brand luxury retailer has drawn an additional 300 million US dollars from its 1.75 billion US dollars Chapter 11 financing package, marking the final pre-emergence tranche and bringing it closer to exiting bankruptcy
Soles4Souls acquires Erren Recondition
The Nashville-based non-profit organisation Soles4Souls has acquired a European footwear and apparel reconditioning company with the aim of expanding its global circular solutions capabilities
US import cargo volume expected to decline in the first half
Amid tariff uncertainty, US import cargo volumes are expected to fall in the first half of 2026. The potential impact of tensions with Iran on shipping remains unclear
Genesco reports strong fourth quarter
The US-based footwear retailer has ended the fiscal year 2026 on a high note, with a strong performance in the fourth quarter characterised by increased sales and profitability
AAFA announces board leadership changes
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has appointed new members to its Board of Directors. These include Joe Preston, the president and CEO of New Balance, who will serve as board chair-
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