Footwear in Europe: Stepping Up in the Face of Uncertainty

Introduction

Scope

Objectives

Key findings

Europe Overview

"Affordable escapism" keeps footwear sales buoyant

Contrasting performance in Eastern and Western Europe

Income variations affect footwear unit prices

Unit prices on decline, but volumes rise

Volume slowdown not expected to hit footwear

Category Analysis

Women's footwear still dominates sales

Fashion trends drive sales in women's footwear

Increased fashion consciousness boosts men's footwear

Income and demographics impact children's footwear

Sports footwear outperforms the market

Sports-inspired holds the greatest potential

Performance footwear driven by popularity of running

Outdoor footwear led by Germany

Competitive Environment

Sports and value players lead the rankings

Post-recession p olarisation

Designer footwear shows resilience

Luxury brands broaden their scope

Value fashion booms

Value fashion: Challenges to overcome looking forward

Channel Analysis

Traditional store-based formats lose share

Online attitudes opens new avenues for growth

Grocery private label brands gains momentum…

...and flex stronger fashion credentials

Compelling in-store environments lure consumers back to stores

Conclusions

European divergence set to continue

A summary of the main findings

Report Definitions

Definitions: Footwear

Definitions: Sports footwear

---