Footwear | Trends

Italian footwear sector shows signs of recovery despite global headwinds

The Italian footwear industry demonstrated increased resilience in the third quarter of 2025, according to the latest data from the Confindustria Moda Research Centre for the Italian footwear manufacturers' association (Assocalzaturifici). While revenues for the first nine months fell 4.1 percent year-over-year (YoY), the third quarter saw...

Retail

UK retailer Footasylum enters Middle East market with Apparel Group

In a move that signals an evolution of its global growth strategy, leading UK-based footwear and sportswear retailer Footasylum has announced a strategic partnership with Apparel Group, the Dubai-headquartered retail conglomerate. The agreement is designed to accelerate Footasylum’s presence across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), marking the...

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People|CEO Profile

Jessica Alsing: Bringing Toms into the present day as its first woman CEO

Earlier this year, Californian-born footwear brand Toms, long-recognised for its signature Alpargatas shoe and social-impact ethos, entered a new phase of reinvention. To oversee that transition, the company appointed industry veteran Jessica Alsing as its new chief executive officer, marking the latest step in its ongoing repositioning. Known...

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Business|CEO Interview

Toms' next chapter: CEO Jessica Alsing discusses brand resurgence and global market expansion

Earlier this year, Toms found its new chief executive in Jessica Alsing, the first woman to helm the global footwear brand. Her appointment marked the beginning of a new phase defined by growth, innovation and a renewed take on philanthropic giving, the latter a core pillar in the brand’s legacy. Upon her appointment, Alsing underlined a focus...

Retail

Prada partners with Indian corporations for Kolhapuri chappal project

Luxury fashion house Prada has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Indian government corporations, LIDCOM and LIDKAR, to launch the “PRADA Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals” project. The agreement was finalized yesterday at the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai. The collaboration will create a limited-edition...

People

Baffin appoints new vice president of marketing

Canadian cold-weather footwear and apparel specialist Baffin has named Jessica Liut as vice president of marketing to reinforce its leadership team as it looks to focus on brand growth, market expansion, and enhanced integration across commercial teams. Liut, who joined Baffin in 2020, most recently served as director of marketing, and is...

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Business

Alohas's triple offensive: Enhanced customer experience, greater diversification, and a larger international footprint

Spanish brand Alohas continues its journey to becoming a global brand, accelerating its efforts to coincide with the start of the Christmas 2025 season. Alejandro Porras' company has made new advances across the three strategic pillars that support its growth strategy: customer experience, product, and international footprint. Founded in 2015 as...

Fashion

Kiprun makes a play for the US running market

Kiprun, the running and trail brand from global multi-specialist sports brand Decathlon, is entering the US market with new shoes and distribution channels next year. The running brand, which launched in 2008 and is present in 70 countries, has become one of Europe’s emerging performance running brands, trusted by Olympians, World Champions, and...

People

Toms names new chief commercial officer

American footwear brand Toms has named former Crocs and HeyDude executive Katie Wagner as its new chief commercial officer to strengthen its global growth strategy. Wagner has been brought on to oversee the brand's global sales channels, including wholesale sales and operations, e-commerce, and marketplaces. In addition, she will partner closely...

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Business

RG Barry Brands to acquire slipper licenses for Clarks and Timberland

Footwear and accessories firm RG Barry Brands (RGB) is set to acquire the assets of Green Market Services Co. Inc. (GMS), including the licensed slipper divisions for Clarks, Timberland, and their existing private label businesses. For RGB, the takeover of the licenses aids in wider efforts to position the company to meet high-growth lifestyle...

Retail|In Pictures

Clarks unveils modernised store concept in return to Tottenham Court Road

Clarks has made its return to London’s Tottenham Court Road with a new store concept. Dubbed ‘Clarks Canvas’, the modernised retail setup intends to offer customers a contemporary environment complete with an updated logo and a fresh interior. The store itself, spanning two floors, houses dedicated shopping areas for women’s, men’s and kid’s, as...

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Business

Helen Kirkum to close studio at the end of 2025

British footwear and accessories designer Helen Kirkum, who became known for her pioneering approach to sustainable footwear by creating bespoke shoes from old trainers, has announced she is closing her studio at the end of the year. In a social media post, Kirkum said: “After eight years, Helen Kirkum Studio is coming to a close at the end of...