Online
UK Retail: the future is not looking very bright
Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) sales have held their own in the final quarter of the year, showing resilience to the drag from overall retail sales. However, the sticky above-target inflation in the UK over the past year is a cause for concern as wages fail to keep pace. In addition, the higher costs for retailers predicted in the last Budget may leave them with little choice but to raise prices and cut jobs. As much as imports have shown some stability, the future for the retail sector is not looking very bright at the moment
Zalando raises profitability guidance after better-than-expected fourth quarter
The Germany-based online multi-brand retailer has raised its profitability forecast for the fiscal year 2024, following a better-than-expected fourth quarter, driven by strong customer growth
Spain Retail: will the positive momentum hold up?
Fashion retail sales were generally positive from July to November 2024, but will this trend continue? While we await official data on year-end sales, the negative footwear inflation seen in October and November, combined with a rise in consumer confidence, may have helped to boost spending. And with import figures showing that retailers were stocking up, let’s hope the holidays were the reason, as a recent dip in retail confidence could be just the bad news the sector didn’t need to hear at the start of the year
France Retail: retailers cautiously optimistic for the holidays
October brought good news for footwear sales and retailer confidence is also on the rise, despite negative footwear inflation and rising costs. However, the picture isn’t clear regarding consumer confidence, which fell to a five-month low in November as households worried about the economic outlook in light of France’s difficult political environment. Will this weigh on footwear sales in the last two months of the year, or will recent news that consumers are planning to spend more on the festive season prevail?
Netherlands Retail: good expectations for the footwear holiday season
After record growth between July and September, footwear sales fell abruptly in October, accompanied by a hiccup in consumer confidence. But that’s no cause for despair: lower footwear inflation has kept footwear prices relatively stable and there has been a recent upturn in retailer confidence. This could bode well for the future of footwear imports, especially with the festive season just around the corner. In this context, the online channel will continue to be favoured by Dutch consumers to shop
E-commerce led the way on US Black Friday
US retail sales were up by 3.4% on Black Friday compared to the same day last year, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse, driven by a significant 14.6% increase in online sales
Global luxury spending to hold steady in 2024
Growth in luxury experiences and shrinking demand for luxury goods highlight a shift in consumer priorities as brands navigate changing market dynamics and regional challenges
Asos eyes profit growth for fiscal 2025 despite revenue pressures
The UK-based company reported a 16% decrease in like-for-like sales in fiscal 2024, partially offset by improved operational efficiencies. Asos remains optimistic for the next fiscal year, anticipating higher margins
Growth in both B2C and B2B vectors confirms strong third quarter for Zalando
The German multi-brand online retailer has reported growth in both the B2C and B2B vectors, confirming the strong performance previously reported for the third quarter of the year
Japan Retail: the picture is unclear for both consumers and retailers
Contrary to what was suggested in our previous flash, fashion retail sales have fallen sharply since April, by a total of 22.8%, while total retail sales have remained somewhat stable. In this context, the low footwear inflation in Japan, now close to 0%, tends to indicate a lack of demand. Perhaps the growth in consumer spending and tourism will help to turn the situation around, especially given the falling yen in September. However, for now, the future remains unclear for all
US Retail: expectations on the rise for the last quarter
The summer months have brought relief to footwear retailers, as sales in the category now appear to be on an upward trend. Although consumers remain cautious, the slowdown in employment and inflation is somehow starting to lift their spirits and retailers are showing signs of restocking. As the winter holidays approach, and despite question marks over the geopolitical turmoil and the upcoming presidential election, it’s safe to say that expectations are on the rise
Zalando raises full year guidance after strong third quarter results
The German online multi-brand company has upgraded its financial forecast for 2024 following a strong third quarter, driven by its new ecosystem strategy and rising consumer demand in the fall/winter season
Asos to cut 200 head office jobs in major restructuring
Struggling with post-pandemic challenges, the UK-based online fashion retailer plans to cut 200 head office roles as part of a restructuring process to streamline operations and drive innovation
Temu’s owner warns of slowing growth ahead
The Chinese e-commerce group PDD Holdings has reported a strong performance in the second quarter of 2024. However, it has also warned of challenges ahead as growth slowed on a quarter-on-quarter basis
Amazon reports strong second quarter
The Seattle-based online giant has reported a strong second quarter, with increases in both revenue and profit. Amazon Web Services (AWS) segment on the rise-
-
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
-
La Conceria
UNIT Publishing House
ARS ARPEL
Fotoshoe