In 2018, more than half of the revenues for the global fashion industry will come from new markets in the east than long established markets in Western Europe and North America.

Emerging markets in Asia (India, Vietnam, China etc.) will achieve revenue growth of 6.5 per cent to 7.5 per cent in 2018 with their European counterparts (Romania, Russia, Turkey etc.) slightly behind at between 5.5 per cent and 6.5 per cent. By way of contrast, mature markets in North America and Europe will grow only one per cent to three per cent.

Average revenues for the global fashion industry are expected to rise between 3.5 per cent and 4.5 per cent in the coming year. That is more than the 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent growth projected for 2017 and more than triples the growth in 2016 but still below the long-term average of 5.5 per cent. The industry’s profit margin (before taxes) is projected to hold steady at ten per cent.

New technologies, new consumers and an unpredictable macroeconomic environment continue to challenge leaders to rapidly shift their strategies and operating models.

Value creation at companies in this rapidly shifting market varies dramatically. The top 20 per cent of fashion providers earn a total 144 per cent of the industry’s value increase.