During the COVID-19 pandemic, apparel and footwear e-commerce witnessed a strong boost in sales, as customers were forced to turn to online shopping owing to restrictions and store closures. Yet, since the easing of restrictions, in-store shopping has bounced back and, with it, the share of online sales dropped. This has left many luxury online players struggling under the pressure of either slowing or declining sales.
After moderate growth in 2022, global sales of personal accessories grew more strongly in 2023; however, geopolitical issues, the cost-of-living crisis and China’s slow recovery suggest a challenging macro environment, pushing brands to navigate into uncharted waters once again in 2024.
Gen Z accounted for just over 23% of the world’s population in 2023. Understanding these consumers is not an easy task, as they are significantly different to their predecessors, have contradictory attitudes, and change preferences quickly.
From incorporating low-carbon fibres into the manufacturing process, to responsible sourcing, to labelling and marketing claims, and to giving back to production hubs, personal accessories has major challenges ahead as sustainability takes centre stage globally.
The world continues to be a challenging place in 2023. Just as we thought it was safe to re-engage after the pandemic, the global economy started to look fragile again. In this video Fflur Roberts and Marguerite LeRolland, Euromonitor’s respective Heads of Luxury Goods and Fashion, discuss what they think will be the most impactful trends in the year ahead. How is the industry adapting to new retail preferences as our new lifestyles and working habits take form? What value propositions are consumers looking for in an inflationary environment and a cost-of-living crisis where spending is being squeezed. With the growing urgency in sustainability, what new business models are we likely to see filtering through?
Global sales of personal accessories grew by a healthy 13% in 2021, indicating a rapid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic-related losses, but continued supply chain issues and decreasing consumer confidence, will make 2023 another challenging year for the personal accessories industry.
Euromonitor's latest personal accessories research shows that sales are set to see a 4% increase by the end of 2022, despite inflationary pressure and global supply chain constraints causing havoc across the markets.
With the recent announcement from Louis Vuitton on future price increases, Euromonitor explores the future of how we access luxury goods with COCOON founder Ceanne Fernandes -Wong, exploring luxury goods, the circular economy and insights on luxury handbag rental trends.