UK Apparel Market Size and Trend Analysis by Category, Retail Channel, Supply Chain, Consumer Attitudes, Brands and Forecast to 2026

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UK Apparel Market Overview

The apparel market size in the UK was estimated to be EUR56.7billion in 2022. High inflation, high energy prices and increasing interest rates among other macroeconomic factors have led to a cost-of-living crisis in the UK, which is dramatically changing the way consumers shop for non-essential sectors like apparel. With many shoppers experiencing pay cuts, apparel spend will become a low priority, resulting in a decline of the UK apparel market in 2023. Though UK consumers have become accustomed to the convenience, accessibility, and time-saving aspects of shopping online, the cost-of-living crisis is leading to more considered purchases and many still prefer to see and try on items in person before buying, meaning the offline channel is still important. Also-, returns fees at retailers such as Zara and boohoo.com also are deterring consumers from ordering online.

The UK apparel market research report offers a detailed analysis of the apparel market in UK with impact of major events. It also includes analysis of COVID-19 impact on customer shopping behavior, key apparel retailers, sector analysis, trends, and retailer reactions.

UK Apparel Market Outlook, 2022-2026 (EUR Billion)

UK Apparel Market Outlook, 2022-2026 (EUR Billion)

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UK Apparel Market Dynamics

The cost-of-living crisis has squeezed UK consumers’ discretionary incomes, with many shoppers now making more considered purchases. The UK shoppers continue shopping at the same brands, but have reduced how often they purchase, compelling apparel players to showcase why their products represent good value for money, whether they are affordable value products or higher quality premium ranges.

The pandemic accelerated the shift towards online shopping, and the channel will continue outperforming total apparel within the forecast period, despite a step back in 2022 as trends normalized.

A recent flurry of M&A activity is set to continue from key UK players such as Next, Frasers Group and M&S which will boost appeal among weak brands in the UK apparel market. For instance, Next’s acquisition of Joules in December 2022 should rejuvenate the lifestyle brand through Next’s operational specialty and its Total Platform, and Frasers Group stocking Misguided in House of Fraser stores will help broaden the fast fashion player’s reach.

UK Apparel Market Segmentation by Category

The key categories of the UK apparel market are clothing, footwear, and accessories. The clothing category dominated the UK apparel market in 2022. The clothing category is further segmented into womenswear, menswear, and childrenswear.

UK Apparel Market Analysis, by Category, 2022 (%)

UK Apparel Market Analysis, by Category, 2022 (%)

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UK Apparel Market Segmentation by Channels

The key channels of the UK apparel market are clothing, footwear and accessories specialists, hypermarkets, supermarkets and hard discounters, department stores, online specialists, other offline channels, and other online retail. The clothing, footwear, and accessories specialists’ channel dominated the UK apparel market in 2022.

UK Apparel Market Analysis, by Channels, 2022 (%)

UK Apparel Market Analysis, by Channels, 2022 (%)

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UK Apparel Market – Competitive Landscape

The key companies in the UK apparel market are Primark, Next, Marks & Spencer, Nike, George, Adidas, Zara, F&F, Matalan, and H&M. Nike’s dominance in the sportswear market will continue to benefit it as sportswear continues to outperform in the forecast period, and as its shoppers are very brand loyal, they will be less resistant to price increases to secure the top styles.

Zara’s ability to react swiftly to trends and create compelling ranges at affordable price points has allowed it to grow its market share in the past few years, and it will continue to be the top fashion destination for many shoppers.

UK Apparel Market Report Overview

Market Size (2022)

EUR56.7 billion
Historical Period 2016-2022
Forecast Period 2023-2026
Key Categories Clothing, Footwear, and Accessories
Key Channels Clothing, Footwear and Accessories Specialists, Hypermarkets, Supermarkets and Hard Discounters, Department Stores, Online Specialists, Other Offline Channels, and Other Online Retail
Key Companies Primark, Next, Marks & Spencer, Nike, George, Adidas, Zara, F&F, Matalan, and H&M

Key Segments Covered in this Report

UK Apparel Market Category Outlook (Value, EUR Billion, 2016-2026)

  • Clothing
  • Footwear
  • Accessories

UK Apparel Market Channels Outlook (Value, EUR Billion, 2016-2026)

  • Clothing, Footwear and Accessories Specialists
  • Hypermarkets, Supermarkets and Hard Discounters
  • Department Stores
  • Online Specialists
  • Other Offline Channels
  • Other Online Retail

Reasons to Buy

  • Gain a comprehensive view of the UK Apparel market and forecasts to 2026
  • Explore new opportunities that will allow you to align your product offerings and strategies to meet demand following the impact of COVID-19 on the UK apparel market
  • Investigate current and forecast trends in apparel to identify the opportunities offering the most potential
  • Understand who the main competitors are in the UK apparel market and their price positioning

Primark
Next
Marks & Spencer
Nike
George
Adidas
Zara
F&F
Matalan
H&M

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Drivers & Inhibitors

Economic Background

UK Apparel Market Forecasts to 2026

Consumers

Brands

Supply Chain, Logistics & Operation

Market Sizes, Forecasts & Brand Shares

Methodology & Contacts

Frequently asked questions

UK Apparel Market Size and Trend Analysis by Category, Retail Channel, Supply Chain, Consumer Attitudes, Brands and Forecast to 2026 thematic reports
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