COVID-19 IMPACT. Sales and orders fell in factories in Italy.

In the first quarter of 2020, footwear companies have invoiced 38.4% less than in the same period of 2019. This meant the loss of 1.7 billion euros.

The data emerged from the survey on the impact of the Covid-19 carried out by Confindustria Moda -entity that brings together the fashion industries-, among the associates of ASSOCALZATURIFICI -Italian Association of the Footwear Industry-.

Decreases of 38.4% and 46.2% in invoicing and orders

More in detail, 60% of the shoe companies expressed that in the first quarter of 2020 they obtained a turnover between 20 and 50% lower than in the same period of 2019, while 20% of the interrogated accused a drop higher than the 50%. Thus, the average turnover was 38.4% lower.

Regarding orders in the same period, the decrease was calculated by 46.2% less than in 2019.

State aid is essential

For Siro Badon, president of ASSOCALZATURIFICI, “the emergency closure significantly hit the sector, which could not be converted into any production line, as textiles did. The losses in invoicing and orders have been greater than in other items of fashion. We need strong and structural measures on the part of the government in terms of credit, tax and export support. These are some of the strategic resources that our associates request from us, as one of the most important sectors of Made in Italy”.

Immediate priorities

The survey also registered the main and current concerns of the Italian shoe factories. Among them, stand out: relations with clients, lack of liquidity and the suspension of fairs.

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