German Shoe Sales Decline as Consumers Cut Spending

Rising living costs and economic uncertainty contribute to reduced demand, with brick-and-mortar stores hit hardest.

The German shoe market saw a nominal revenue decline of 0.8% in 2024, amounting to €11.62 billion, with inflation-adjusted losses even higher.
Brick-and-mortar shoe retailers experienced a 1.5% drop in sales, while online sales showed slight growth.
Economic pressures, including increased costs for housing, health, and mobility, are reducing disposable income for consumers.
Industry leaders cite additional challenges, such as rising energy and labor costs, bureaucratic hurdles, and competition from platforms like Temu and Shein.
Despite a 2.4% increase in the domestic shoe industry's total revenue, prices for shoes rose by 5.5% in 2024, further straining consumer budgets.