Apparel and footwear specialists in France registered a further current value decline in 2025, with sales slipping to EUR21.2 billion. This continued contraction stands in contrast to more stable or slightly positive trends in Western Europe and reflects a complex interplay of consumer and business dynamics. Key drivers included a persistent deconsumption trend, with many French consumers, especially women, reducing the frequency of apparel purchases, prioritising essentials and embracing second

Apparel and footwear specialists in Mexico delivered solid value growth in 2025, with the rate of increase accelerating compared to previous years. Value sales reached MXN179.8 billion, representing 4% growth in current terms from 2024, a notable improvement. This robust performance was driven primarily by the strong execution of major international players, particularly Inditex (parent company of Zara México SA de CV), which enhanced supply efficiency by opening a second logistics centre in the

In 2025, apparel and footwear specialists in China experienced a single-digit decline in retail value, having seen stagnation in the previous year. This downturn was directly linked to the rapid migration of consumers towards integrated social commerce platforms such as Xiaohongshu and Douyin, which are increasingly shaping shopping habits through shoppable live streams and algorithm-driven product discovery. The rise of these platforms has set a new benchmark for convenience, blending content,

Apparel and footwear specialists in Brazil posted stronger-than-expected performance in 2025, with retail sales value reaching BRL 115.75 billion, up 5% from the previous year. This rebound stands out in Latin America, where many retail channels remained subdued amid persistent macroeconomic uncertainty and inflationary pressures. In Brazil, real GDP growth slowed to 2%, and inflation remained elevated at 5%.

Apparel and footwear specialists in the Philippines recorded moderate current value growth in 2025, with sales rising from PHP203.1 billion in 2024 to PHP213.9 billion, marking a growth rate of 5%. This performance, while not as rapid as in previous years, is notable against a backdrop of ongoing cost-of-living pressures and a consumer landscape that has shifted towards prioritising essential purchases. Sustained expansion in store outlets supports growth; however, retailers are compelled to sha

In 2025, apparel and footwear specialists in the US achieved low-single-digit growth, with total sales reaching USD205.9 billion, reflecting a continuation of the modest upward trend seen in previous years. This performance occurred against a backdrop of significant disruption triggered by policy changes, most notably the imposition of new tariffs on imports ranging from 13% to 54%. These tariffs, announced in April 2025, affected a substantial share of the channel, as over 35% of apparel import

Apparel and footwear specialists saw current value growth in South Africa in 2024. The channel faced challenging operating conditions towards the end of the review period due to inflationary pressures affecting consumers’ disposable income. As a result, demand was driven primarily by a focus on value for money, allowing for the expansion of second-hand offerings online. This trend was bolstered by the momentum gained by emerging platforms such as Yaga and the increased demand for affordable and

After experiencing post-pandemic growth during the previous two years, apparel and footwear specialists in Germany recorded value sales decline in 2024, forcing many retailers to close or scale back underperforming stores. This decline reflected the broader cost of living pressures due to persistent, albeit decelerated, inflation, encouraging consumers to postpone non-urgent fashion purchases. In particular, consumers who made purchases in previous years and remained both price- and environmenta

Morocco’s apparel and footwear sector witnessed intensifying competition in 2024, as shifting consumer preferences and macroeconomic pressures reshaped the retail environment. While physical stores continue to attract shoppers through visual merchandising and tactile experiences, rising production costs and customs duties have pushed retail prices upwards. This has led to a growing number of consumers – especially younger and budget-conscious shoppers – turning to second-hand markets such as “Jo

Leading apparel and footwear specialists such as Chicorée are adopting new services like click and collect and self-checkouts as they look to compete more fiercely with pure e-commerce players. However, the category was impacted by the exit of important retailer Esprit which went bankrupt. This also negatively affected the company’s retail partners which carried a huge assortment of Esprit products.

Apparel and footwear specialist retailers in Nigeria struggled under the weight of persistent economic pressures in 2024. Currency depreciation made imports more expensive, raising unit prices and limiting access to affordable apparel, as many retailers depend on either imported goods or imported textiles for local production. As a result, although value sales rose in current terms, growth remained negative in constant terms. Informal retail channels – particularly second-hand markets and smuggl

Apparel and footwear specialists in India maintained growth in both outlet numbers and value sales in 2024. However, the channel has been a witnessing a dual shift – premium global tie-ups, and rising demand for affordable fashion. Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd has partnered with Galeries Lafayette to bring 200 luxury brands to India, while Bata India Ltd secured a licensing deal with Nine West to expand its premium women’s footwear. However, at the same time, demand for affordable fashion i

Apparel and footwear specialists in the United Arab Emirates continued to record positive value growth in 2024, supported by the local market’s positioning as an attractive shopping destination. Infrastructure development and a diversified population continued to encourage store expansion plans, and an influx of new entrants targeting both local consumers and inbound tourists annually visiting the United Arab Emirates. The channel’s performance was also supported by the steady increase in the po

Apparel and footwear in Egypt faced ongoing economic headwinds in 2024, including currency depreciation and rising inflation, both of which have constrained household budgets. Despite these challenges, the channel recorded steady growth, supported by increasing demand for value-for-money propositions. As more consumers traded down, local brands and retailers offering competitively priced collections gained traction. The growing popularity of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services also supported purc

In 2024, apparel and footwear specialists in the UK experienced marginal value growth, as consumer spending remained stable despite ongoing economic challenges. Pent-up demand for fashion continued to drive purchases, particularly for occasion wear and seasonal collections following the resumption of social events and travel. The combination of in-store and online shopping also supported growth, with retailers enhancing omnichannel experiences to meet consumer expectations for convenience and fl

2024 was another difficult year for apparel and footwear specialists with sales continuing to decline in current value terms, which led to further outlet closures. Prevailing economic uncertainty has led Danish consumers to become more cautious with their spending with people prioritising essential purchases over discretionary items like apparel and footwear. Risen energy prices, high interest rates, and inflation have placed additional financial strain on households, prompting them to reassess

Apparel and footwear specialists saw modest current value growth in Ukraine in 2024. During the year, the channel experienced considerable development, with both international and domestic brands expanding their presence. Despite the challenges posed by the war, the retail market showed signs of recovery, and retailers adopted strategic approaches to expansion. Retailers focused on strategically opening new stores in areas with a high concentration of their target audience. International compani

Apparel and footwear specialists in the Czech Republic continued to grow at a healthy rate in 2024, albeit slower than the peaks recorded in 2021 and 2022 and slightly lower than in 2023, as the category rebounded from the COVID-19 slump. Moreover, at constant 2024 prices, retail value growth was only slight in 2024. Towards the end of the review period the volume of purchases dipped as high inflation exerted strong economic pressure on households. Many consumers reduced their spending on appare

Apparel and footwear specialists in Japan saw minimal current value growth in 2024, despite a marginal decline in outlet numbers. As apparel and footwear e-commerce continued to grow, offline sales remained fairly stagnant. The online market, while fragmented, offers a rich selection of overseas brands that are not found in physical stores. One notable trend is the rise of Asian fast fashion, which has garnered significant support, particularly amongst younger consumers. For instance, the online

In 2024, apparel and footwear specialists in Slovakia experienced positive retail value growth. Despite a challenging economic environment, fast fashion brands continued to expand. Slovaks became increasingly attracted to price discounts and deals, which influenced how apparel and footwear specialists conducted their business. To attract consumers to retail stores, offering value-for-money options alongside high-quality brands and appealing price promotions was essential. While inflation continu

Apparel and footwear specialists in South Korea has stabilised, with outlet numbers remaining relatively unchanged for a second year in 2024, after previous declines. Meanwhile, current value sales saw a second year of only marginal growth. Although sales still fell short of the pre-pandemic (2019) level, they continued to grow, largely driven by the increasing demand for affordable fashion amidst rising inflation. Fast fashion brands have capitalised on economic pressures, offering trendy, budg

Purchasing apparel and footwear is deemed discretionary, and therefore apparel and footwear specialists in Australia were impacted by the cost-of-living crisis at the end of the review period, recording a second consecutive year of weak value growth in 2024. Prolonged economic uncertainty has resulted in evolved spending norms, with purchasing decisions becoming increasingly strategic and intentional. Consumers are looking to reduce their spending to better manage their budgets, often waiting fo

Apparel and footwear specialists in Singapore saw a notable sales decline in 2024. Various factors contributed to this setback, including the rising cost of living and an economic climate that is making consumers reluctant to spend on non-essential items. Local shoppers, grappling with increasing financial pressures, have started to cut back on discretionary expenses within apparel and footwear specialists. Additionally, the Singapore dollar’s relative strength and the return of international tr

Apparel and footwear specialists in Saudi Arabia continue to face a challenging operating environment due to cautious consumer spending among middle and low income groups. The industry is negatively impacted by rising operating costs and limited human resources, as more companies aim to align with the government's Saudization plans. Additionally, many companies are restructuring their operations in the aftermath of the pandemic, leading to a steady decline in the number of outlets. Fawaz Alhokai