Apparel and footwear in 2024: The big picture
Despite the fact that inflation is easing, demand for overall apparel and footwear in the UK is fairly stagnant in 2024, with persistent economic challenges resulting in cautious purchasing behaviour among consumers due to low disposable incomes. The cost of goods, driven by continued rising energy and raw material costs and large-scale supply chain disruptions across the value chain, has proved a hurdle to industry performance in 2024, with value sales the major growth driver.
2024 key trends
In the overall pursuit of value and amid the economic challenges in the local market, consumers are increasingly focused on finding the best purchase option. While sometimes this emphasis is placed on choosing the lowest priced items, in some instances, such as sportswear and jeans purchases, many consumers consider the overall value they perceive from a purchase beyond the face value cost of the product.
Competitive landscape
2024 has been a turbulent year for one of the leading players, Nike (UK) Ltd, which has experienced declining share across all categories within apparel and footwear in the UK due to delayed impacts from shifted retail strategies in recent years, product innovation fatigue in the form of stagnant design development, and limited technology innovations driving competitive advantage. Incumbent players and challenger brands, particularly in sportswear, are benefiting from Nike’s declining sales.
Retailing developments
Affordability is increasingly influencing the fashion retail landscape in the UK, notably as consumers are struggling with low disposable incomes. They are demonstrating heightened budget-consciousness, prompting many to shift towards more economical options, including fast fashion and the second-hand market.
What next for apparel and footwear?
Over the forecast period, apparel and footwear in the UK will continue to see the impacts of market polarisation, trading down, and shifting consumer preferences, which will drive demand for value, either through low-cost merchandise or through quality and durability. Purchase frequency is also expected to be impacted, as local consumers will likely continue to buy higher valued apparel and footwear items on an occasional basis, whilst to a lesser extent, value brand sales will also experience the effects of diminished consumption.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Apparel and Footwear industry in United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom, 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 United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom?
- Which are the leading brands in United Kingdom?
- How are products distributed in United Kingdom?
- 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 United Kingdom?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Apparel and Footwear in the United Kingdom
Apparel and footwear in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Competitive landscape
Retailing developments
What next for apparel and footwear?
DISCLAIMER
Childrenswear in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Pursuit for value in a turbulent economic environment
Private label retains strong position in competitive landscape
Omnichannel strategies remain imperative in driving sales
Growth opportunities through category diversification
Increasing opportunities in the second-hand market will impact primary sales
Social commerce as a selling strategy
Apparel Accessories in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Rising unit prices and lower discretionary spending thresholds
Increasing impact of second-hand sales
Nike retains slim leadership of competitive landscape
Market polarisation will continue to shape demand
Innovation will prove challenging
Increasing engagement in the second-hand market and social commerce
Menswear in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Discretionary spending continues to impact growth potential of menswear
Marks & Spencer strengthens leadership of competitive landscape
Increasing engagement with resale and rental market across menswear
Leveraging tech innovation will prove positive
Market fragmentation and shifting consumer preferences will shape category
Sustainability regulations to impact product development and strategies
Womenswear in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Repositioning consumption and value in the UK
Private label makes further gains in a price-sensitive market
Omnichannel and social commerce remain relevant
Value and innovation will prove winning strategies
Cautious discretionary spending to impact growth potential
Forthcoming sustainability regulations will continue to shape womenswear
Jeans in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Market polarisation impacts category’s performance
Next Plc strengthens leadership of jeans
Omnichannel strategies leverage social commerce
Harnessing the durability of denim
Fragmentation and polarisation inhibit growth prospects
Environmental impact of production to be brought into sharper focus
Hosiery in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Versatility and comfort drive purchasing habits for hosiery
Textile development continues to drive sustainable and tech innovation
Preference for private label and value brands
Pursuit of value will continue to drive demand
Potential EPR legislation will impact brand strategies
DTC selling will remain a priority through e-commerce and physical channels
Footwear in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Value and quality are most important growth drivers of local footwear
Sustainable development remains imperative
Nike retains leadership of footwear despite challenges
Aligning with tech and sustainability innovation will provide growth opportunities
Aligning strategies with consumer preferences
Sustainability demands will increase traceability reporting and innovation
Sportswear in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Sportswear continues to outperform overall apparel and footwear in the UK
Nike retains leadership but struggles to retain share
Physical stores expand nationwide
Harnessing the growth potential of Generation Z and women’s health
Retailer complacency could inhibit growth opportunities
Increasing traceability reporting will drive textile development
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
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- 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
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- Women's Swimwear
- Women's Underwear
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- Nightwear
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- 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.
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This report originates from Passport, our Apparel and Footwear research and analysis database.
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