Footwear and Leather Retailers Show Strong Growth in January

Although the UK officially crawled out of recession in the final quarter of 2009, shoe and leather goods retailers were one of only two sectors to record strong annual sales growth in January (the other being grocers). Shoes and accessories such as leather belts have typically sold well during a downturn, as consumers look to update their style by accessorising existing outfits. Theorists have suggested that shoppers have turned away from ‘disposable’ fashion and are looking to invest in classic pieces in materials that will last.