Despite the challenges faced since the pandemic, the Latin American fashion industry has proven to be resilient. By 2022, sales had surpassed 2019 levels, both in dollar and unit terms. The pandemic brought retail shifts to the regional industry benefiting retail e-commerce the most: this channel’s share jumped from 5% in 2019 to 14% in 2023. However, physical stores are still appealing to consumers in the region, forcing brands to carefully think their omnichannel strategies.
As Global Fashion Agenda’s Global Fashion Summit 2024 is about to take place in Copenhagen during 21-23 May, Euromonitor International looks at the EU Right to Repair and how, more generally, the regulation shaping up in Europe is increasingly trying to limit high-volume fast fashion models and pushing for added-value services such as repairs, rental and resale to drive circularity in fashion.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, apparel and footwear e-commerce witnessed a strong boost in sales, as customers were forced to turn to online shopping owing to restrictions and store closures. Yet, since the easing of restrictions, in-store shopping has bounced back and, with it, the share of online sales dropped. This has left many luxury online players struggling under the pressure of either slowing or declining sales.
In 2024, global sales of apparel and footwear are set to experience moderate growth of approximately 2% in constant terms, and expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels by late 2025/early 2026. The impact of inflation remains persistent and will translate into cautious discretionary spending levels.
By 2030, Generation Z and Alpha will comprise 45% of the global population, significantly shaping consumer trends. This video highlights Gen Z's tech-savvy nature, preference for personalised, digital experiences, and demand for seamless omnichannel shopping. Social consciousness and sustainability also resonate with this generation.
After moderate growth in 2022, global sales of personal accessories grew more strongly in 2023; however, geopolitical issues, the cost-of-living crisis and China’s slow recovery suggest a challenging macro environment, pushing brands to navigate into uncharted waters once again in 2024.