Fashion
H&M reports higher profitability despite slight sales decline in the first quarter
The fashion group reported improved margins and a rise in operating profit in the first quarter of 2026, despite a slight decline in sales due to currency headwinds and store optimisation measures
UK Retail: fashion retail grows, but caution persists
Sales in the UK’s textile, clothing, and footwear (TCF) sector recovered in 2025, exceeding total retail figures despite periods of volatility. However, this recovery was driven more by increased transaction volumes than by higher consumer spending, with expenditure on footwear remaining largely unchanged and prices declining amid persistent discounts. At the same time, volatile yet growing online sales and increasingly responsive import patterns suggest that the sector is trying to adapt quickly to uncertain demand
John Galliano enters two-year collaboration with Zara
Zara has entered a two-year partnership with John Galliano, tasking him with “re-authoring” its archives. This signals his return to the atelier following his departure from Maison Margiela in 2024
Spanish footwear sector warns against ultra-fast-fashion model
Several major organisations from the Spanish footwear and leather goods industry issued a joint declaration raising concerns over the rapid expansion of ultra-fast fashion platforms in Europe
Germany Retail: Footwear under pressure amid clouded outlook
Germany’s footwear and leather goods sector remained under pressure in 2025, with weak consumer and retail confidence, falling sales, and substantial discounts weighing on the market, despite the expansion of the online channel and a significant increase in footwear imports. Looking ahead, industry representatives appear to anticipate cautious stabilisation rather than a clear rebound. While e-commerce and Germany’s role as a regional hub offer some support, weak domestic demand and persistent uncertainty continue to cloud the outlook
Inditex profit rises to 6.2 billion euros in 2025
The Spain-based fashion retailer saw its profits rise by 6.2% year-on-year to reach 6.2 billion euros in 2025, with sales approaching 40 billion euros amidst continued global expansion
Mango delivers double-digit revenue growth in 2025
The fashion retailer reported a year-on-year increase in turnover of 13% to 3.8 billion euros in 2025. This was achieved through continued international expansion and investment in stores, technology and logistics
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
Spain Retail: Fashion falters amid broader retail growth
While the broader Spanish economy expanded by 2.8% in 2025 and total retail sales grew steadily, driven largely by double-digit gains in e-commerce, the fashion sector struggled. On average, there was a monthly year-on-year decline of 0.8% in clothing and footwear sales, accompanied by sector-specific deflation despite positive headline inflation. Although consumer confidence remained relatively solid, households increasingly prioritised services and savings over fashion purchases
Asos rolls out hybrid virtual try-on in app update
The online fashion retailer has launched a virtual try-on feature, which allows customers to see how products would look on them by either uploading a photo or using an AI-generated model that looks like them
Kurt Geiger drives revenue growth for Steve Madden at the end of 2025
The US-based designer and marketer of footwear and accessories ended fiscal year 2025 with strong revenue growth in the fourth quarter, led by the recently acquired Kurt Geiger
Netherlands Retail: The sector held its ground in 2025, but momentum is cooling
The retail sector in the Netherlands remained resilient in 2025, achieving moderate growth. However, the fashion retail sector, including the footwear sub-sector, was more volatile. While overall inflation eased, clothing and footwear saw subdued or negative price dynamics, potentially suggesting limited pricing power. Despite relatively stable retail sentiment, consumer confidence deteriorated towards the end of the year, which, together with a slowdown in footwear imports, points to a softer trade outlook
New EU regulations target destruction of unsold clothes and footwear
The European Commission has just adopted new measures under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to prevent the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing, accessories, and footwear
H&M fourth quarter operating income rises as sales outlook softens
The Sweden-based fashion group reported an improvement in profitability in the fourth quarter. However, it warned of weaker sales at the start of the new year due to calendar effects and lower post-holiday demand
Next rescues British footwear brand Russell & Bromley
The UK-based fashion retailer acquired the Russell & Bromley brand out of administration for 3.8 million British pounds (4.4 million euros), retaining just three stores. This could put 440 jobs at risk-
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