Despite U.S. Woes, Sneaker Market Grows 8.5% in 2016
Led by double-digit growth in Asia/Pacific, the wholesale value of the global athletic footwear market totaled $57,971 million in 2016 compared to $53,431 million the prior year, our annual study of the sneaker market found. Continued strong growth by international brands in China was the key factor behind a 14.0% growth rate in the Asia/Pacific region to $12,815 million from $11,240 million, but strengthening retail sales in Europe produced a solid 9.1% increase in sales to $14,738 million from $13,514 million prior. In North America, an epidemic of retail bankruptcies and a slowdown in performance basketball were overcome to produce ... Log in to view full article.