This report covers the market developments in FY 2013, January-October 2014 and the data available as of November 2014

The clothing and footwear sales value increased moderately y/y in 2013, mostly reflecting the enlargement of retail chains. Nonetheless, after the decline recorded in 2012, the market demand for apparel and footwear recovered in 2013 and is expected to further pick up in 2014 and the coming years, alongside the expected improvement of the country’s economy.

The clothing production volume continued to decline on an annual basis in 2013, maintaining the downward tendency in the past years. Nonetheless, in January-October 2014 the situation showed some recovery. The y/y increase is mostly explained by low base comparison, yet it is notable that of the total clothing segments, five noted positive y/y performance, compared to only one in January-October 2013.

The foreign trade with clothing and footwear maintained positive annual performance in 2013, with the footwear segment recording the most dynamic growth last year both in terms of exports and imports. In H1/2014, exports of clothing increased at double-digit annual pace, while footwear exports’ growth tempered.

Key points:
• Clothing, footwear sales value increases moderately y/y in value terms in 2013
• Clothing production volume continues downward in 2013, recovers in Jan-Oct 2014
• Footwear production posts double-digit y/y growth in 2013, further rises in Jan-Oct 2014
• Major clothing, footwear companies report improving sales results in 2013, Jan-Sep 2014
• CCC to further expand, targets PLN2bn revenues this year
• 21 Concordia aquires 25% stake in Adesso