Best value for money part 1

Footwear has increasingly become a fashion statement among women and to a certain extent for men and children. Even though the economic recession and high anti-dumping duties on cheap imports from Asia slowed footwear sales 2007/2008 significantly the tides are turning. Casual footwear, evening footwear, sports footwear and niche footwear (such as Converse) are on the rise. In Eastern EU countries formal footwear are appealing to the growing middle class, more women are working and we’re seeing rapid expansions of shopping centres. By 2010 the footwear industry is expected to grow again, being stimulated by more footwear styles in the fine and luxury footwear segments, and the continuing changes in fashion.

Did we learn from our mistakes after a “live hard – consume more” global lifestyle (by most of the developed countries)? As the mature market that we are, yes we did. Consumers increasingly look for the best value for money after the economic recession and there is growing fatigue towards the fast throwaway fashion. Crucial sustainable success factors for footwear companies will be; design quality, product quality, competitive pricing and continuous customer communication.

People are looking for meaningful experiences and consumption.