Footwear in Spain: 7.2% drop in the semester and lessons for wholesalers

The footwear sector remains in negative territory

The latest data from the Business Turnover Index (ICN) for the textile, apparel, and footwear sector in Spain confirm a trend that footwear wholesalers had already sensed: while textiles manage to stabilize (with a 5.8% advance in June and a virtually flat semester at -0.1%), footwear continues its free fall, with an accumulated decline of 7.2% in the first half of the year. Apparel, for its part, also suffers a setback of 5.4% in the same period.

This divergence between subsectors is no coincidence. It reflects deep changes in consumption habits, pressure from fast fashion, and growing competition from cross-border online commerce. For a footwear wholesaler, these numbers are not just statistics: they are a wake-up call that forces a review of purchasing strategies, stock, and positioning.

What does this decline mean for footwear stores and wholesalers?

For a footwear retail store, the 7.2% drop in the semester means that consumers are spending less on shoes or, more worryingly, diverting that spending to other channels or categories. The recovery in textiles suggests that customers are still buying fashion but prioritizing garments over footwear. This forces a rethink of the offering: perhaps it's time to explore accessories or strengthen collections that best connect with current trends.

For the wholesaler, the scenario is more complex. If final demand falls, replenishment orders shrink and warehouses accumulate stock. The key lies in agility: working with suppliers that offer short lead times, flexible lot sizes, and reasonable return policies. Additionally, it's essential to monitor digital channels: e-commerce continues to grow, and a wholesaler without an efficient B2B platform loses opportunities to more digitalized competitors.

The decline in footwear is not a one-off accident but a symptom that the sector needs to reinvent itself: more digitalization, more flexibility, and an offering aligned with what consumers truly demand.

Context of the Spanish market: what's happening?

The Spanish footwear market has been losing competitiveness for years against Asian countries and, more recently, against platforms like Shein or Temu, which offer very aggressive prices. The ICN data reflects this pressure, but there are also internal factors: inflation has reduced purchasing power, and Spanish consumers are increasingly selective, prioritizing value for money and sustainability.

In this context, trade fairs and traditional channels remain relevant but are no longer sufficient. Wholesalers weathering the crisis best are those that have diversified into niches such as safety footwear, quality children's footwear, or vegan and eco-friendly collections. Also those that have read the 'athleisure' and post-pandemic comfort trend, which maintains steady demand for sneakers and casual footwear.

Another factor to consider is seasonality. June is usually a transition month toward sales, and the fact that textiles rose 5.8% that month suggests consumers are advancing summer purchases, but not necessarily footwear. This may indicate that footwear is losing weight in the seasonal shopping basket, something wholesalers should monitor to adjust their campaigns.

Practical strategies for wholesalers and retailers

• Diversify your offering: Don't rely only on seasonal footwear. Incorporate lines of accessories, insoles, or footwear care products that increase the average ticket.
• Strengthen your online channel: If you don't yet have a digital B2B store, now is the time. Online purchasing among professionals has grown and will continue to grow.
• Negotiate with your suppliers: Seek agreements that allow you to reduce minimum orders and shorten delivery times. Flexibility is your best ally in uncertain times.
• Analyze sales data: Use your POS information to identify which models sell and which sit in the warehouse. Adjust your purchases accordingly.
• Bet on differential value: Price is no longer everything. Quality, design, and sustainability are selling points that Spanish consumers increasingly value.

In short, the 7.2% drop in the semester is a wake-up call, but not an irreversible drama. The Spanish footwear sector has tradition, quality, and adaptability. Wholesalers that read these signals and adjust their business model will not only survive but gain market share in a more demanding market.

Conclusion: adapt or be left behind

The ICN for textiles and footwear shows a dual reality: while textiles recover, footwear remains negative. For a wholesaler, this means that offering good prices is not enough; you must offer solutions. Digitalization, flexibility, and an offering aligned with new consumer demands are key to reversing the trend. At Calzados JAM, we are aware of these challenges and work every day to offer our wholesale clients an updated catalog, flexible conditions, and personalized customer service.

If you are a footwear professional looking for a supplier that understands the Spanish market and helps you navigate these difficulties, you are in the right place. Register at CalzadosJAM and access a network of manufacturers and wholesalers with whom you can build a competitive offering adapted to the new times.

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