Online
Spain Retail: all hopes are pinned on the final quarter
The Spanish fashion retail sector is experiencing contradictory cycles. Sales for physical textile and footwear retailers plummeted by 1.8% in the first eight months of 2025, exacerbated by an unusual deflationary environment. E-commerce retail, however, seems to be in a league of its own. Despite negative trends, retailers appear to be betting on a recovery, as evidenced by a 5.4% surge in fashion imports up to August, as well as an unusual peak in shoe imports in July. This suggests that retailers are now focusing on the final quarter of the year, hoping for a return of consumer spending at key events such as Black Friday and Christmas
New CFO at Zalando
The Germany-based online fashion retailer has appointed Anna Dimitrova as Chief Financial Officer. She will succeed David Schröder, who has served as interim CFO since March
Amazon reports strong third quarter and separately confirms 14,000 job cuts
In two separate announcements, Amazon revealed strong third quarter results and confirmed its intention to cut 14,000 jobs worldwide. The company did not link the layoffs to its financial performance
Netherlands Retail: the footwear sector holds up amid volatility
The Dutch footwear retail sector has held up against volatility, achieving a 0.7% increase in sales in the first eight months of 2025, as compared to the same period of the previous year. This outpaces growth in the overall retail market. Despite highly variable monthly sales, ranging from a high of 11% to a low of 7.7%, this modest growth trajectory appears to be supported by a surge in retail confidence, which aligns with positive import data. Although still negative, consumer sentiment is slightly more optimistic
Asos reports profitability gains in full year 2025 amid strategic turnaround
In its latest trading update, the UK-based online fashion retailer announced lower than expected revenue against a soft consumer backdrop, but said it had improved profitability
Japan Retail: mixed signs for the footwear sector
Sales of apparel and footwear remain sluggish, with monthly declines compared to 2024. However, while clothing prices in Japan have outpaced general inflation (which is higher than usual for the country’s economy), footwear inflation has remained relatively stable, hovering just above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target. This suggests that, while households are reducing discretionary spending, footwear is less susceptible to price volatility. Nevertheless, rising import costs and exchange rate fluctuations could alter this situation
CEC calls for stronger EU rules to ensure safe and fair e-commerce
The European Footwear Confederation (CEC) has joined forces with 64 NGOs and industry, retail and consumer organisations to urge the EU to address loopholes in online marketplace trade and protect consumers
Strong second quarter for Zalando
The Germany-based online fashion retailer has experienced growth in revenue and profit in the second quarter. Investment in AI technology will now form part of its strategy for expanding its customer base
Amazon delivers strong second quarter results
The Seattle-based e-commerce giant has delivered strong second quarter results as it continues to invest in artificial intelligence to improve customer experience across segments
UK Retail: signs of a slowdown are emerging
After a promising start to the year, the UK retail sector is now showing signs of slowing down. Textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) sales, which had recorded consistent year-on-year growth in the first months of 2025, have now begun to decline, reflecting a general downturn in retail performance. Online sales have been highly volatile, with TCF categories being particularly sensitive to changes in consumer sentiment. Meanwhile, rising inflation and weakening consumer confidence are putting downward pressure on spending, and the decline in sales suggests that imports may follow this trend
Germany Retail: cautious forecasts reign amid uncertainty
Although the retail sector has shown modest year-on-year growth overall, the footwear segment continues to struggle. Meanwhile, online sales have recorded double-digit increases since September 2024. The truth is that despite signs of easing inflation and seasonal discount campaigns, both retailers and consumers remain cautious amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. The rebound seen earlier in the year has given way to cautious forecasts, particularly in light of the sharp downturn in footwear imports and the potential ramifications of shifting trade policies
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
Amazon reaches robot milestone, debuts new generative AI model
The US-based e-commerce giant has announced that it has deployed its one millionth robot and that its entire fleet will be powered by a newly launched generative AI model
EU Commission targets Shein over consumer protection concerns
The European Union Commission has urged Shein to comply with EU consumer protection laws, warning that the fast-fashion retailer could face fines if it fails to address the concerns that have been raised
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-
-
Footwear Consumer 2030
A study reflecting on the main global consumer trends and the key changes for the footwear industry.
-
World Footwear Public Calendar
Click here to subscribe an updated version of the calendar displaying the footwear trade shows.
-
-
Media Partners
Media Partners
-
SHOES-MAGAZINE.COM
ARS ARPEL
UNIT Publishing House
La Conceria