World Footwear Reports
AI's impact in the footwear industry
Artificial Intelligence seems destined to deeply change our lives, so we have asked our panel of experts about the expected impact of this tool in the footwear business. Get free access to the report with the main conclusions
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
Stability is the word for employment levels in the footwear sector
In the latest edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey, nearly half of our panel members responded that they believe the level of employment will stabilise in the next few months. Get free access to the report with the main conclusions
Optimistic outlook for the footwear industry’s business health
More than 55% of the respondents of the last edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey are confident about the health of their businesses. The 12th edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey results are now available
Reverse engineering: opportunities and challenges for more digitised footwear businesses
JUST RELEASED! The latest World Footwear Innovation Paper highlights the opportunities and major challenges of using reverse engineering processes in the context of the digital and green transition currently being undertaken by the footwear industry
Trump's Tariffs Expected to Negatively Impact Footwear
In the latest edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey, we have asked our panel about the expected impact of Trump's wave of tariffs in footwear. The expectations are not positive. Read it all by accessing the report with the main conclusions
Footwear industry anticipates sales volumes will increase
More than 60% of the respondents of the last edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey expect quantities of footwear traded in their country to increase over the next six months. The report with the main conclusions of the 12th edition of the survey is now available
Cost of raw materials continues to worry the footwear industry
Cost of merchandise or raw materials maintains its position as the top concern for the footwear industry, according to respondents of the 12th edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey. Domestic market challenges have intensified
Footwear prices to increase over the next six months
75% of the respondents of the last edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey expect footwear retail prices to increase over the next six months. The report with the results of the 12th edition of the survey is now available
Climbing the ladder from manufacturing to launching a brand: how can technology help?
JUST RELEASED! The latest World Footwear Innovation Paper explains how footwear manufacturers can use available technology to launch their own brands, and outlines other important considerations in the process
Less Optimism about Footwear Consumption in 2025
The results of 12th edition of the World Footwear Business Conditions Survey are now available. The average expected growth rate for footwear consumption is 7.6%, slightly less than the 8.4% projection made in the last quarter of 2024
Lean Robotics: How can robots and humans join forces in the footwear industry?
JUST RELEASED! Read the latest World Footwear Innovation Paper on how robots can contribute to footwear production processes by improving efficiency through lean manufacturing principles
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
UK Retail: the sector appears to be holding its own
The UK retail sector appears to be holding its own despite fears of increased costs as a result of the new Employment Rights Bill. In particular, retail sales of Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) have risen back-to-back in the first quarter of the year, and the improvement in footwear inflation from negative to neutral in March may suggest a boost to demand. Although consumers aren’t exactly optimistic about the future, especially with new rising bills and the ongoing US trade war, retailers still have reasons to restock-
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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
Click here to subscribe an updated version of the calendar displaying the footwear trade shows.
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Media Partners
Media Partners
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MPA Style
Shoes Report
La Conceria
UNIT Publishing House