According to the element of the BTE trade association Textil Schuhe Lederwaren, sales have dropped by 0.8% or 90 million euros to EUR 11.62 billion (including VAT). According to the projections, the stationary shoe retailers with losses of EUR 100 million or -1.5%are particularly affected. On the other hand, online trading was able to grow by EUR 20 million or 0.7%. For 2025, according to a survey by the trade association, a quarter of the shoe retailers expect at least 1%with a significant increase in sales. Another quarter expects stagnating sales, around 45% forecast a minus of 1% or more. A positive key figure: In 2024, fewer shops were closed than in the previous year. The BTE estimates the total number of inpatient shoe trading companies in Germany at 2,550 and the number of shops at 8,700.
At Messe Shoes Düsseldorf, BTE managing director Rolf Pangels explains the negative development: “Despite increases in wages, consumers have less and less money in their wallet due to continuously increased costs for living, health and mobility. But also the geopolitical crises and the associated general uncertainty about one’s own economic future make little desire to buy shoe. ”He demands from the upcoming government after the Bundestag election on March 23:“ Politics must reduce the stress for consumers, So that the consumer motor also starts again for the shoe trade. The tax burden of the citizens must be reduced at all levels, for example at income and electricity tax as well as in social security contributions so that they get more scope for private consumption. The same applies to the cost burden of companies. ”In addition, the framework conditions would have a negative impact on the shoe trade industry:” The flood of bureaucratic regulations literally strangles our industry and paralyzes corporate development to no longer profitable dimensions. “The BTE therefore calls for a massive reduction in bureaucracy regulations , for example in the context of labor law, data protection, fire protection, for retention obligations for documents and booking documents and the written formal requirement of documents.
Another problem is the lack of attractiveness of the city centers. Here, the BTE calls on planning policy to ensure problem -free accessibility for all means of transport, security and cleanliness, attractive structural design and an attractive mix of small and large shops.
