Logistics
Japan Retail: trade did not improve at the end of 2023, but a recovery is not out of the picture
As anticipated in the previous edition of the WF Retail Japan, trade (physical and online) did not improve at the end of 2023. What’s more, the country unexpectedly slipped into recession amid sluggish consumption and pressure on retail costs due to the weak yen. However, it’s expected that the easing of consumer inflation and the recovery of wages due to labour shortages could occur in the first half of 2024 and both consumer and retailer sentiment is on an upward trend. So perhaps a modest recovery could take place soon
Japan Retail: footwear trade is not expected to improve until the end of the year
Despite some positive news on the growth of department store sales and the return of foreign tourists, rising consumer prices set alarm bells ringing in September, suggesting that Japanese consumers in general are cutting back on spending and may be at their breaking point. In addition, the reduction in the volume of footwear imports and the impact of the country’s monetary policy on the cost of imported goods is another sign that footwear retail is unlikely to improve by the end of the year. The Government has been taking measures, but the outcome shouldn’t be seen until 2024
Inditex teams up with Maersk to reduce its maritime transport emissions
The fashion group has partnered with the freight group Maersk to reduce its GHG emissions from maritime logistics by incorporating alternative fuels into all its inbound routes with the carrier
Japan Retail: mixed signs cast a shadow over a clear outlook for the rest of the year
The growth rate of footwear consumer prices has largely outpaced that of the overall prices. This is not a good sign for the footwear sector, as discretionary items are always the first to be discarded by consumers, but it is not all bad news. The truth is consumer confidence has rebound at the start of the year, private consumption has shown some resilience and the return of tourists is a welcoming sign. Perhaps most surprising is the fact that the volume of imports has not been affected by the weakening of the yen. It remains to be seen how the outlook will unfold
Japan retail: unlocking consumer confidence is key for retail
The volume of footwear imports closed 2022 about 10 percentage points below the 2015 baseline, suggesting that the impact of the imported inflation on prices has been clouding the real performance of retail sales in the category. Both the government and some companies have offered inflation allowances or anti-inflation subsidies, but given the saving Japanese mindset, it can be expected that any additional disposable income will not necessarily be used for discretionary shopping, such as clothing and footwear. To boost consumption, it is therefore needed to unlock consumer confidence, which improved only marginally In February, and appears now to be flattening
Pakistan: tanneries risk closure due to credit issues
Several goods destined for the tanning industry remain detained at the Karachi Port because commercial banks are refusing to collect documents due to the non-availability of dollars
Caution rises as we step into 2023
Following the slump caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2021, most fashion brands and retailers equalled or even exceeded their pre-pandemic performances. But 2022 will hardly be a forgettable year: the world’s inflation hit levels not seen since the early 80s, leading to a sharp hike in interest rates, Russia’s ceased to be a viable market for Western brands after its invasion of Ukraine on the 24th of February, and China’s economy slowed down due to the country’s zero COVID-19 policy. And yet, despite the worst projections, for the better part of the year, the fashion industry prevailed. Nevertheless, as we enter 2023 with a global recession still on the table, it is worth looking into the year-to-date results of some of the largest companies worldwide to understand the current situation
Japan Retail: apparel and footwear retail will hardly remain safe amidst such troubling waters
The further easing of COVID-19 border control measures brought tourists back to the stores, but the anticipated consumption-led recovery is being curbed by the high wholesale inflation, as the weak yen is inflating the costs of imports. On the other end, if the yen depreciation is fostering exports, the fear of a global economic slowdown is a bearer of bad news. Both the Apparel & Accessories Retail and the Consumer Confidence indicator are currently trending down, and not to increase prices is no longer an option. As for online commerce, now that the pandemic boosting effect is over, the competitiveness between this channel and physical retail is at stake, however, it is yet soon to claim a winner
Japan Retail: imported inflation troubles retail despite positive signs on consumer mood
Despite positive signs regarding the consumers’ mood, which is leading the BoJ to focus on boosting domestic demand, retailers are facing imported inflation unseen for decades. So, as the yen sinks, it is more accurate to wonder whether Japanese companies’ margins can resist for much longer to fully pass on rising costs to consumers. In addition, the sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will certainly take a toll on retail, alongside persistent supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, even as the country moves away from those times. Since expenses on energy and food cannot be readily cut, the slack demand for footwear already observed is far from being a surprise
Complexity of a shoe must be considered for a successful green transition
The European social partners of the textiles, clothing, leather, and footwear (TCLF) sectors adopted a joint statement calling for action to ensure a successful green and digital transition
Port bottlenecks in the US are spreading into freight rail networks
The bottlenecks that have constrained the country’s supply chains are now extending from the docks to the freight rail networks, raising costs and difficulties for importers
Europe: fashion brands don't share geographical location with manufacturing
When looking into the location of the main brands and manufacturing businesses of the European TCLF industry (Textile, Clothing, Leather and Footwear), one easily concludes about the existence of a dichotomy between brands and production
Footwear business not expected to be carbon neutral by 2050
Sustainability is becoming more of a real concern for businesses and inhabitants of this world. However, some claim this is just a fashion trend or a marketing tool. With that in mind we have asked our panel if the footwear industry will be able to be carbon neutral by 2050. Half of the respondents don’t believe that will happen
Fashion brands halt sales in Russia
Pressure has been mounting on the Fashion industry to cut off commercial trading with Russia in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the 24th of February
Matt Priest: the US footwear industry is resilient and agile
We have spoken to Matt Priest, who is the President & CEO of the Footwear Distributor & Retailers of America, to discuss in detail the achievement of the 100.7 billion US dollars record on consumer demand for shoes in 2021. We have also ventured into the future, going over the main concerns for the US footwear industry, such as rising inflation (7.5% in January), additional duties on Chinese consumers goods, but also the opportunities on the horizon-
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