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Summary
The global children's footwear market was valued at $46.74 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at an annual rate of 8.2%, reaching $102.79 billion by 2032. Despite the pandemic-related dip in sales, consumer demand is picking up, with North America dominating the market due to increased sports and athletics awareness, while the Asia-Pacific region, led by China and India, is expected to produce the highest revenues due to strong production and export activities. The Middle East is also witnessing growth, particularly in the luxury footwear segment. In France, the children's footwear market demonstrated resilience, with purchases nearing 400 million pairs in 2021.
Market Dynamics and Trends in the French Children's Footwear Sector
The French children's footwear market is witnessing a remarkable growth trajectory, having bounced back strongly in 2021 after the pandemic-induced slowdown. With an estimated market value of around 1.9 billion euros, children's footwear accounts for a significant slice of the country's overall footwear industry. Despite this, the market faces challenges that stem from broader demographic shifts and consumer preferences. One of the key drivers of demand within this market is the replacement cycle necessitated by children's rapid growth – children need to renew their shoes frequently due to wear and tear and changes in foot size, resulting in the purchase of approximately six pairs of shoes per child annually. This is higher than the average for both women and men, who buy around five and three-and-a-half pairs per year, respectively.
Consumer behavior is influenced by several factors that differ between children's and adult's footwear choices. For younger children, parents prioritize comfort, health, and the quality of design and manufacture. As children reach their teenage years, their selection is more influenced by brand image and media representation. Online sales of children's footwear remain relatively low compared to adults', with spending representing just 12% of the total online expenditure on footwear. Nevertheless, with the increasing proliferation of digital technologies and convenient e-commerce return policies, the online segment could see future growth.
From a demand perspective, the birth rate in France casts a long shadow over the children's shoe market. With the country experiencing a steady decline in birth rates – falling from approximately 12.6 births per 1,000 inhabitants a decade ago to around 10.6 births per 1,000 in recent times – the structural decrease in the number of potential young consumers is slowing market momentum. The market is also responsive to trends that evolve over time, such as increasing consumer consciousness regarding comfort, sustainability, and personalization. Manufacturers like Bellamy and Pom d'Api emphasize quality and French craftsmanship, responding both to trends and to traditional values in footwear production.
Looking at the larger picture, the footwear sector in France suffers from a trade deficit, as the country's imports of shoes exceed its exports, reflecting the competitive pressures of international markets. In conclusion, the French children's footwear market is subject to a mixed set of influences, from consumer preferences and demographic trends to industry practices and international trade dynamics. Manufacturers and retailers must remain adaptable to satisfy a discerning customer base and navigate a market sensitive to changing birth rates and evolving consumer habits.
Prominent Players Shaping the French Children's Footwear Market
The French children's footwear market boasts a diverse array of key players, each bringing their own unique contributions and forging trends within this vibrant industry. From legacy brands with deep-rooted histories to modern innovators pushing the envelope of eco-responsibility and style, these companies represent the core of France's footprint in the world of children's shoes.
- Carrefour and E.Leclerc are notable examples of superstore chains that, while not exclusively footwear-centered, offer a significant selection of children's shoes catering to a broad customer base seeking convenience and affordability. Their vast reach and diverse product lines make them vital players in the children's footwear space.
- In the realm of sneakers, giants like Nike and New Balance hold a formidable presence. These brands are revered by both young enthusiasts and parents alike, consistently delivering the perfect blend of comfort, durability, and the latest styles that keep pace with the ever-changing tastes of the youth market.
- For those seeking budget-friendly options without compromising on fashion, brands such as Kiabi Europe and GEMO (Eram Groupe) are go-to destinations. They blend accessibility with trendiness, positioning themselves as top choices for families who appreciate value purchases.
- When it comes to specialty footwear, Royer Groupe, known for owning the iconic Kickers brand, stands out. Kickers has long been synonymous with quality in children's shoes and represents a heritage brand whose classic lines continue to appeal to modern consumers. With a commitment to craftsmanship and a nostalgic pull, they are a steadfast player in the market.
- Retailers dedicated to children's footwear, like Bellamy and Pom d'Api (RAS Kids), emphasize specialized offerings that prioritize the unique needs of children's developing feet. These brands provide focused attention on comfort, fit, and design, which resonate well with discerning parents looking for the very best for their children.
Each of these companies contributes to the tapestry of the French children's footwear market, whether they are serving up everyday basics, athletic necessities, or specialty items. With a blend of tradition and innovation, coupled with attention to consumer trends and demands, these main players help ensure that French children step forward with style, comfort, and sustainability in mind.
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- Number of pages : 30 pages
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- Last update : 26/05/2023
Summary and extracts
1 Market overview
1.1 Definition and scope of the study
The children's footwear market has been growing nicely since 2017 in France, although volume sales have been steadily declining in recent years. In terms of volume, according to Le Dauphine, almost 400 million pairs were purchased in 2021 . The wear and tear of children's shoes and the annual change in size justify the dynamism of the market based on frequent shoe renewal, making children the biggest consumers of footwear.
There are 3 distinct periods in French shoe manufacturing:
- 1980s: before wage harmonization in the European Union, manufacturers turned to Italy and Spain to manage their production;
- Early 1990s: manufacturers relocated south (Maghreb) or to Eastern Europe;
- Late 1990s: the rush to Asia. China and India become the world's leading shoe producers.
The major Western brands of children's footwear, including French brands, continue to produce within the European Union, claiming "made in France" as a guarantee of quality and an effective sales and marketing argument.
Another trend in children's footwear is eco-responsibility. More and more brands are turning to sustainable, environmentally-friendly practices in the design of their footwear. This translates into the use of recycled, organic or eco-friendly materials, as well as more eco-friendly production processes, as is the case for Kickers, a historic brand of leather shoes for children, which is turning to vegetable-tanned, anti-allergenic leather.[Conseil national du cuir]
List of charts
- Market share by shoe type
- Sales trends in the children's footwear market
- Producer price index for footwear
- Consumer price index for footwear
- Household consumption of footwear
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Latest news
Nike and Adidas, declining sales: people like sportswear less - 27/03/2024
- **Nike Sponsorship Offer**: Nike has offered 100 million euros to the German soccer federation to become the main and exclusive sponsor.
- **Slump In Interest In Sports Apparel**: There has been a noticeable decline in interest in apparel among the priority desires of men and women, spurred by a reflection on clothing habits and an environment of economic restriction.
- **Reduction Of Growth Forecasts**: Analysts noted that initial forecasts for 2024-2025 were revised downward by Nike and other major brands.
- **Importance of Mergers and Acquisitions**: The importance for companies to strengthen their capital structure through mergers and acquisitions to deal with declining demand is emphasized.
- **Eco-Sustainable Orientation**: The trend toward eco-sustainable products is becoming increasingly relevant, both in terms of design and materials.
- **Resilience of Nike and Adidas**: Despite revised downward financial targets, giants such as Nike and Adidas continue to receive positive valuations, highlighting their large size as a guarantee of resilience and potential expansion.
- **Long-Term Outlook**: Analysts remain confident about the long-term outlook for Nike and Adidas, despite short-term forecasts being affected by declining sales and uncertainties about revenue recovery.
- **Beware of E-commerce and Competitive Challenges**: The growth of e-commerce and the decline of shopping malls are among the key factors affecting the performance of the apparel industry.
Kiabi's resilience in the face of the textile crisis - 24/01/2024
- Kiabi is 45 years old and belongs to the Mulliez galaxy.
- Kiabi posted sales of 2.2 billion euros last year, up 1%
- kiabi claims 23 million customers in 26 countries.
- Kiabi has 606 points of sale and 15-20% of its sales are made online.
- The brand is number 1 in France in terms of volume, and vies for first place with Intersport in terms of value every year.
- It has attracted 1 million new customers with the launch of its second-hand service in 2020.
- The debt-free Kiabi continues to expand, recently entering markets in Uruguay, New Caledonia and Egypt.
- Kiabi plans to become the world's "favorite responsible and accessible fashion brand for families
- The company has never deviated from its strategy of offering "fashion at low prices".
- Kiabi has also launched corners in hypermarkets in Belgium, Italy and France, as well as tests at Decathlon.
- Kiabi is testing clothing rental in three stores.
Kiabi imagines its store of the future | Imagining the store of tomorrow - 22/11/2023
- Kiabi has a pilot store in Petite-Forêt, near Valenciennes
- The store features a "service heart", a space in the middle of the store for customers to relax and take part in activities.
- The Kiabi brand has sales of 2.2 billion euros for 2022, up 10% on the previous year.
- Kiabi is also testing this new store concept in Madrid, Spain. Kiabi plans to roll out the new concept across its network of 579 stores in 25 countries, almost half of which are in France.
80 Carrefour hypermarkets operated under franchise or leasing agreements - 14/11/2023
- On October 20, Carrefour announced its intention to switch 37 stores (comprising 15 hypermarkets and 21 supermarkets) to lease management.
- Since 2018, 80 hypermarkets have left integrated status, representing around a third of all hypermarkets.
- Around 75% of supermarkets (784 out of 1038) are currently leased or franchised.
Carrefour to lease out 37 stores - 21/10/2023
- Carrefour plans to lease out 37 new stores in 2022, 16 hypermarkets and 21 supermarkets.
- Around 4,000 employees affected
- The company launched an outsourcing program in 2018.
- The number announced is in line with previous years: 41 stores (including 16 hyper) in 2023, 43 stores (including 16 hyper) in 2022, and 47 stores (including 10 hyper) in 2021.
- Since Alexandre Bompard took over as CEO, 305 stores, including 80 hypermarkets, have been outsourced, affecting more than 23,000 employees.
Besson Chaussures expands in Belgium - 03/10/2023
- Besson Chaussures: 181 stores in France, 340 million euros in sales and 1,100 employees
- The Auvergne-based footwear distribution group has just acquired the Belgian footwear distributor Delcambe, which operates mainly in Wallonia and generated sales of 16 million euros last year, with 60 employees.
- International development at the heart of the group's strategy
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the children's shoe market | France
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