Highlights
Netherlands Retail: Confidence gap widens, footwear lags
Recent developments in the Dutch retail market reveal an increasing gap. Although consumer confidence has deteriorated sharply, retailers remain positive and footwear imports have shown resilience. Yet, footwear continues to lag behind the broader retail sector, facing weaker demand, persistent price pressure, and inconsistent sales. Meanwhile, online retail remains structurally strong, reflecting the ongoing shift in consumer purchasing behaviour
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Global footwear trade weakens in early 2026
International footwear trade began 2026 under pressure. In the first quarter of the year, most of the main production-based exporters analysed recorded a decline in exports, while several major consumption markets also reduced their imports. The results point to a cautious start to the year for global footwear, although the impact varied substantially across country profiles
Premium ContentPortuguese Footwear Association highlights sustainability challenge at Brussels event
If the European footwear sector is to address the growing environmental impact of consumption, it must accelerate its transition to circularity. This was the key message of a conference organised by APICCAPS in Brussels as part of the BioShoes4All project
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Accent Group rejects Frasers' takeover bid
Marius Wirtz named CEO of OrthoLite
Dr. Martens CEO signals confidence with share purchase
INSPIRAMAIS to return to São Paulo in July
Mario Jorge Machado re-elected EURATEX President
UITIC Congress heads to Jakarta in 2027
Pakistan footwear exports rise despite weakness in the leather segment
Amir Pourirani from BASF Performance Materials: the industry is moving to a system-design mindset
German consumer confidence ends downward slide but remains weak
Portuguese footwear industry received at the United Nations
Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags 105 draws 8 000 participants
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Kohl’s appoints Elliott Rodgers as Chief Operating Officer
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Spanish fashion retailer Tendam posts strong full-year results
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US retail sales continue to rise
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Frasers Group launches offers for Hugo Boss and Accent
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German fashion market holds steady in 2025 despite economic uncertainty
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AAFA releases industry glossary of traceability terms
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Álvaro Sánchez from AEC and FUTURMODA: without components, there is no footwear
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Alessandro Iliprandi appointed new President of UNIC
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New York event explores Portugal’s role in premium footwear manufacturing
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Shoe Carnival confirms name change to Shoe Station Group
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Mango to open 45 new stores in France by 2028
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