Fashion
Azzas 2154 plans split into Arezzo&Co and SOMA
The Brazilian fashion group Arezzo & Co has announced plans to reorganise its businesses into two independent listed companies, Arezzo & Co and Soma. The former is set to concentrate the group’s Shoes & Bags operations
CHIC Autumn 2026 attracts more than 61,000 visitors to Shanghai
CHIC Autumn welcomed 61,824 trade visitors and 738 exhibitors from the 25th to the 27th of August of 2026, with international buyers from 17 countries attending the Shanghai fashion trade fair
US Retail: Footwear remains under pressure as consumers turn to value
The US footwear market started 2026 under pressure. Footwear inflation accelerated beyond headline inflation, while sales lagged behind those in the wider retail and fashion sectors. Additionally, a rebound in imports in late spring contrasted with weakening consumer confidence. Together, these trends point to a market where rising prices, uneven demand and recovering supply are creating a more challenging environment, with consumers becoming increasingly selective and value-conscious
Portuguese fashion takes centre stage at the United Nations
Representatives of the Portuguese fashion industry will present the sector at the United Nations headquarters on the 10th of September, during an event held alongside New York Fashion Week
US footwear sales rise slightly in the first half
The US footwear market recorded a slight year-on-year increase in sales of 1% in the first half, according to Circana, as consumers remained selective in their discretionary spending
UK Retail: Footwear market faces broad-based weakness
Although clothing sales remained resilient and online fashion retail continued to grow in the first half of the year, the footwear sector faced a more challenging environment characterised by ongoing price deflation, weak retail sales, and subdued household spending. A sharp contraction in footwear imports also suggests greater caution among retailers and distributors, suggesting that pressure has extended beyond consumer demand to inventory and replenishment decisions
Zalando maintains growth, narrows full-year outlook
The Germany-based online retailer continued to grow in the second quarter of 2026, supported by its multi-app strategy, B2B expansion and the integration of About You, while tempering its full-year expectations
Germany Retail: Footwear remains under pressure
The German footwear market is under increasing pressure due to declining sales, rising prices and weakening consumer confidence. While total retail and online sales have remained relatively resilient, footwear and leather goods have consistently underperformed. Meanwhile, retailers have become more cautious, as reflected in declining imports and weak retail confidence, which points to a challenging environment for the sector
Kering returns to growth
The French luxury group saw a return to revenue growth in the second quarter, with Gucci and other luxury brands making sequential improvements. This suggests that Kering’s turnaround efforts are gaining traction
Spain Retail: Fashion recovers amid mixed market signs
Spanish retail has remained resilient over the past year, supported by sustained growth in online sales. Meanwhile, the fashion sector recovered in early 2026 following a weaker performance in 2025. However, rising prices, weakening consumer and retail confidence, and lower footwear imports suggest that the improvement in turnover this year reflects a mixed market environment rather than an overall strengthening in demand
US retail body reports higher imports, sales growth and early back-to-school season
US retailers are increasing imports ahead of potential tariff changes, while retail sales continued to grow in June and consumers started their back-to-school shopping earlier than usual
Fast Retailing raises full-year outlook again after strong third quarter
The Japan-based fashion retailer Fast Retailing has raised its full-year outlook again after reporting strong third-quarter results, driven by Uniqlo’s operations worldwide
Inspiramais closes São Paulo edition
The 34th Inspiramais closed in São Paulo with higher professional attendance, 150 exhibitors and 22 international buyer groups from seven countries, reinforcing its role as a materials platform
France Retail: Widespread recovery remains elusive
After an uncertain 2025, the French retail market is showing few signs of widespread recovery. While online sales remain its main source of growth, overall retail has stagnated and the footwear market continues to struggle with subdued consumer demand. Meanwhile, the recent acceleration in headline inflation has not resulted in higher clothing and footwear prices, which suggests weak pricing power and ongoing promotional pressure. Against a backdrop of fragile consumer and retail confidence, it is no surprise that businesses have become more cautious in their approach to inventory management
Hugo Boss advises shareholders to reject Frasers’ takeover bid
The managing and supervisory boards of Hugo Boss have asked shareholders to reject the offer from the Frasers Group because it is too low and does not reflect the brand’s current and future potential-
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