Select Country Report
Apparel and footwear in 2024: The big picture
2024 was a key year for South Africa due to national elections, which resulted in some political instability, consumer wariness, as well as a challenging economic environment. Therefore, local consumers continued to seek value and affordability as key purchasing factors.
2024 key trends
Superbalist, a pure online retailer, recently launched an AI-powered stylist to assist consumers in choosing the most appropriate style and size. The platform is powered through WhatsApp where consumers can chat to the AI stylist, Stella, to select items depending on their budget, body size and preferences.
Competitive landscape
The competitive landscape of apparel and footwear in South Africa is fairly fragmented, comprising established local players such as Woolworths, Edgars, and Mr Price, among others, and a mix of international chains such as H&M, Cotton On and Zara. Local players such as Pepkor Holdings Ltd and Mr Price Group remained in the lead due to their wide store networks, strong reputation in the local market, competitive pricing and payment options such as the ability to buy on credit, including lay-by.
Retailing developments
Despite the dominance of retail offline, and some loss of share for e-commerce in 2024, many local consumers are becoming increasingly comfortable shopping online – either through branded websites or through social media platforms. Small businesses leverage the power of social media to not only promote their products but also to sell by engaging with customers through messaging platforms such as WhatsApp.
What next for apparel and footwear?
Affordability will remain a priority for cash-strapped consumers as the cost of living continues to force them to prioritise their spending. However, with the cycle of interest cuts having started in South Africa, it is expected that this will provide some relief to consumers and they may spend more on discretionary items including fashion.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Apparel and Footwear industry in South Africa with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:
- Childrenswear
- Apparel and Accessories
- Menswear
- Womenswear
- Jeans
- Hosiery
- Footwear
- Sportswear
If you're in the Apparel and Footwear industry in South Africa, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Apparel and Footwear in South Africa report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Apparel and Footwear in South Africa?
- Which are the leading brands in South Africa?
- How are products distributed in South Africa?
- How is the rise of e-commerce shaping demand?
- What % of apparel and footwear sales are made via grocery retailers?
- Do consumers want premium quality or fast fashion?
- How will COVID-19 and recession impact demand?
- How important is sustainability in Apparel and Footwear in South Africa?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Apparel and Footwear in South Africa
Apparel and footwear in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Competitive landscape
Retailing developments
What next for apparel and footwear?
Table 1 Sales of Apparel and Footwear by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 2 Sales of Apparel and Footwear by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 3 Sales of Apparel and Footwear by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 4 Sales of Apparel and Footwear by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 5 NBO Company Shares of Apparel and Footwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 6 LBN Brand Shares of Apparel and Footwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 7 Distribution of Apparel and Footwear by Format: % Value 2019-2024
Table 8 Distribution of Apparel and Footwear by Format and Category: % Value 2024
Table 9 Forecast Sales of Apparel and Footwear by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 10 Forecast Sales of Apparel and Footwear by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 11 Forecast Sales of Apparel and Footwear by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 12 Forecast Sales of Apparel and Footwear by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
DISCLAIMER
Summary 1 Research Sources
Childrenswear in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Changing socioeconomic dynamics provide a boost to childrenswear
Inexpensive imports from Shein and Temu pose a threat to local players
Local childrenswear brands cater for niche customers
New launches expected to target affluent consumers
Social media influences brand and style selection
Affordability and sustainability to increase demand for second-hand clothing
Table 13 Sales of Childrenswear by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 14 Sales of Childrenswear by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 15 Sales of Childrenswear by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 16 Sales of Childrenswear by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 17 NBO Company Shares of Childrenswear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 18 LBN Brand Shares of Childrenswear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 19 Forecast Sales of Childrenswear by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 20 Forecast Sales of Childrenswear by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 21 Forecast Sales of Childrenswear by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 22 Forecast Sales of Childrenswear by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Apparel Accessories in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Affordability pushes consumers to purchase imports where pricing differences exist
Apparel accessories tend be seasonal purchases in South Africa
Apparel accessories remains a fragmented competitive landscape
Demand set to improve over the forecast period despite seasonal nature
Category to remain highly fragmented
Table 23 Sales of Apparel Accessories by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 24 Sales of Apparel Accessories by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 25 Sales of Apparel Accessories by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 26 Sales of Apparel Accessories by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 27 NBO Company Shares of Apparel Accessories: % Value 2020-2024
Table 28 LBN Brand Shares of Apparel Accessories: % Value 2021-2024
Table 29 Forecast Sales of Apparel Accessories by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 30 Forecast Sales of Apparel Accessories by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 31 Forecast Sales of Apparel Accessories by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 32 Forecast Sales of Apparel Accessories by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Menswear in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Casualisation of office wear impacts demand
Value-seeking behaviour continues to drive purchasing decisions
E commerce still offers expansion opportunities
Affordability concerns encourage consumers to invest in wardrobe staples
Social media will play important role in educating consumers about sustainability
Aspirational purchases make premium brands attractive despite economic challenges
Table 33 Sales of Menswear by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 34 Sales of Menswear by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 35 Sales of Menswear by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 36 Sales of Menswear by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 37 NBO Company Shares of Menswear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 38 LBN Brand Shares of Menswear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 39 NBO Company Shares of Men’s Nightwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 40 LBN Brand Shares of Men’s Nightwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 41 NBO Company Shares of Men’s Outerwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 42 LBN Brand Shares of Men’s Outerwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 43 NBO Company Shares of Men’s Swimwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 44 LBN Brand Shares of Men’s Swimwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 45 NBO Company Shares of Men’s Underwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 46 LBN Brand Shares of Men’s Underwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 47 Forecast Sales of Menswear by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 48 Forecast Sales of Menswear by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 49 Forecast Sales of Menswear by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 50 Forecast Sales of Menswear by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Womenswear in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Local womenswear consumers are accustomed to promotional offers
Inexpensive imports from Shein and Temu threaten local players
Yaga offers affordability and business opportunities
Affordability will remain a key purchase driver over the forecast period
Inclusive fashion still a strong selling point and differentiating factor
Reducing costs will help drive demand for sustainable options
Table 51 Sales of Womenswear by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 52 Sales of Womenswear by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 53 Sales of Womenswear by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 54 Sales of Womenswear by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 55 NBO Company Shares of Womenswear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 56 LBN Brand Shares of Womenswear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 57 NBO Company Shares of Women's Nightwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 58 LBN Brand Shares of Women's Nightwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 59 NBO Company Shares of Women's Outerwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 60 LBN Brand Shares of Women's Outerwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 61 NBO Company Shares of Women’s Swimwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 62 LBN Brand Shares of Women’s Swimwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 63 NBO Company Shares of Women's Underwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 64 LBN Brand Shares of Women's Underwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 65 Forecast Sales of Womenswear by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 66 Forecast Sales of Womenswear by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 67 Forecast Sales of Womenswear by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 68 Forecast Sales of Womenswear by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Jeans in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Affordability remains a key purchasing factor for jeans
Inexpensive imports pose a threat due to their wide range of styles
E-commerce offers greater visibility and growth opportunities to brands
Inclusive sizing will remain an area of growth for jeans
Growing awareness of environmental concerns linked to denim production
Second-hand market to remain attractive to consumers, especially for luxury brands
Table 69 Sales of Jeans by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 70 Sales of Jeans by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 71 Sales of Jeans by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 72 Sales of Jeans by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 73 Sales of Men’s Jeans by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 74 Sales of Men’s Jeans by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 75 Sales of Men’s Jeans by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 76 Sales of Men’s Jeans by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 77 Sales of Women’s Jeans by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 78 Sales of Women’s Jeans by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 79 Sales of Women’s Jeans by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 80 Sales of Women’s Jeans by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 81 NBO Company Shares of Jeans: % Value 2020-2024
Table 82 LBN Brand Shares of Jeans: % Value 2021-2024
Table 83 Forecast Sales of Jeans by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 84 Forecast Sales of Jeans by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 85 Forecast Sales of Jeans by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 86 Forecast Sales of Jeans by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 87 Forecast Sales of Men’s Jeans by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 88 Forecast Sales of Men’s Jeans by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 89 Forecast Sales of Men’s Jeans by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 90 Forecast Sales of Men’s Jeans by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 91 Forecast Sales of Women’s Jeans by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 92 Forecast Sales of Women’s Jeans by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 93 Forecast Sales of Women’s Jeans by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 94 Forecast Sales of Women’s Jeans by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Hosiery in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Falling demand as hosiery has slow replacement cycle
Limited innovation and strong challenge from inexpensive imports
School uniforms provide consistent demand for certain types of hosiery
Innovation in terms of design and functionality can stimulate future demand
Hosiery as a fashion statement offers potential
New products and shelf positioning could increase consumer interest
Table 95 Sales of Hosiery by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 96 Sales of Hosiery by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 97 Sales of Hosiery by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 98 Sales of Hosiery by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 99 NBO Company Shares of Hosiery: % Value 2020-2024
Table 100 LBN Brand Shares of Hosiery: % Value 2021-2024
Table 101 Forecast Sales of Hosiery by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 102 Forecast Sales of Hosiery by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 103 Forecast Sales of Hosiery by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 104 Forecast Sales of Hosiery by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Footwear in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Affordability remains a key purchase factor for footwear
Aspirational purchases boost premium brands, despite high prices
Fitness and athleisure trends support demand for sports footwear
Counterfeit footwear to remain a major concern for brand owners
Affordability concerns will continue to influence purchasing decisions
E-commerce can still support category’s performance
Table 105 Sales of Footwear by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 106 Sales of Footwear by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 107 Sales of Footwear by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 108 Sales of Footwear by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 109 NBO Company Shares of Footwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 110 LBN Brand Shares of Footwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 111 Distribution of Footwear by Format: % Value 2019-2024
Table 112 Forecast Sales of Footwear by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 113 Forecast Sales of Footwear by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 114 Forecast Sales of Footwear by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 115 Forecast Sales of Footwear by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Sportswear in South Africa
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Appetite for sportswear continues to grow but consumers now seek affordable options
Cross-functional styles continue to appeal to local consumers
New mergers and acquisitions evident across the industry
Sportswear in South Africa set to remain resilient
Limited editions and sportswear collaborations can potentially support growth
New official kit supplier for national sports teams will provide boost to sales
Table 116 Sales of Sportswear by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 117 Sales of Sportswear by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 118 NBO Company Shares of Sportswear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 119 LBN Brand Shares of Sportswear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 120 Distribution of Sportswear by Format: % Value 2019-2024
Table 121 Forecast Sales of Sportswear by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 122 Forecast Sales of Sportswear by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Apparel and Footwear
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-
- Baby and Toddler Wear
- Boys' Apparel
- Girls' Apparel
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- Belts
- Gloves
- Hats/Caps
- Scarves
- Ties
- Other Apparel Accessories
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-
- Men's Nightwear
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- Economy Men's Jeans
- Standard Men's Jeans
- Premium Men's Jeans
- Super Premium Men's Jeans
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- Men's Jackets and Coats
- Men's Jumpers
- Men's Shirts
- Men's Shorts and Trousers
- Men's Suits
- Men's Tops
- Other Men's Outerwear
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- Men's Swimwear
- Men's Underwear
-
- Women's Nightwear
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-
- Economy Women's Jeans
- Standard Women's Jeans
- Premium Women's Jeans
- Super Premium Women's Jeans
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- Women's Dresses
- Women's Jackets and Coats
- Women's Jumpers
- Women's Leggings
- Women's Shirts and Blouses
- Women's Shorts and Trousers
- Women's Skirts
- Women's Suits
- Women's Tops
- Other Women's Outerwear
-
- Women's Swimwear
- Women's Underwear
-
-
- Nightwear
-
-
- Economy Jeans
- Standard Jeans
- Premium Jeans
- Super Premium Jeans
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- Dresses
- Jackets and Coats
- Jumpers
- Leggings
- Shirts and Blouses
- Shorts and Trousers
- Skirts
- Suits
- Tops
- Other Outerwear
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- Swimwear
- Underwear
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- Sheer Hosiery
- Non-Sheer Hosiery
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- Children's Footwear
- Men's Footwear
- Women's Footwear
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- Performance Apparel
- Outdoor Apparel
- Sports-inspired Apparel
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- Performance Footwear
- Outdoor Footwear
- Sports-inspired Footwear
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Apparel and Footwear
Apparel is the aggregation of clothing and footwear. This dataset covers retail sales of apparel through both store-based retailers and non-store retailers. Excludes black market sales (i.e. untaxed, generated within informal retailing)and duty free sales (travel retail). Items must be new when sold to the consumer; second-hand/used items are excluded. Antique and/or vintage clothing and footwear is also excluded.
See all of our definitions
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This report originates from Passport, our Apparel and Footwear research and analysis database.
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