Upcoming Trade Shows in France for Shoes

The shoes industry in France might find itself in a tight spot in the upcoming years as experts anticipate a sharp decline in sales over the next few years. French footwear sales, which reached €396 million in 2023, are expected to plummet to approximately €175 million by 2028. This is alarming annual decline of nearly 13%. This trend reflects the broader struggles within the French market, which has seen consistent downturns with annual decreases of over 10% since 2013. In 2023, France ranked 10th in the European footwear market, trailing behind Austria, Spain, Germany, and Portugal, which have been seeing stronger performance. One of the driving forces behind the current downturn is the transformation within the footwear manufacturing industry. Despite France's reputation for producing luxury leather footwear (JM Weston, Chanel, and Etablissements Richard Pontvert are high-end brands that have a global impact), the shoes industry is struggling to maintain its momentum. The ‘Made in France’ label continues to be a hallmark of quality and craftsmanship, with the luxury segment accounting for 60% of French footwear exports. However, over the next five years, the revenue from French footwear manufacturing is expected to decline at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of 6.9%, signaling a tougher competitive landscape. Online shopping is rapidly transforming the footwear industry in France, as well as across Europe. Consumers increasingly turn to online platforms for their purchases due to variety, convenience, and often better pricing, which has prompted traditional shoe manufacturers to adapt their strategies. Many are focusing on enhancing their online presence, utilizing digital marketing tools, and incorporating features like customization and virtual fitting technologies to meet the evolving demands of digital shoppers. This shift has put additional pressure on brick-and-mortar stores, but also opened opportunities for manufacturers to reach a global audience.