The footwear market in the EU

Despite the recession, a growing number of EU consumers turn away from cheap imports. They prefer quality footwear that is fashionable, lasts longer and fits well within their personal style. Best opportunities for DC exporters are in niches such as casual footwear made of reycled material, ethical footwear, flip-flops, clogs or in comfortable evening footwear of a good design.

Check out the seasonal trends in footwear for 2010/2011 in Appendix E of this EU market survey, as well as in the Annexes of the market surveys covering the French, Italian, German, Spanish and Danish markets!

In addition, as the EU footwear industry looks for ways to cut its costs, which implies opportunities by forming working partnerships. The best form of partnership is likely to be with an EU company with an outlook that is similar to your own company.

This CBI survey provides information on the EU footwear markets (market sizes and trends), production, trade channels for market entry, pricing, market access requirements and business practices & sales promotion. More detailed information – including websites of buyers and trade fairs – can be found in the related surveys on individual EU Member States.