The apparel and footwear market in the Philippines is registering strong value growth, supported by consumer and business confidence. Increased appetite for these products is stimulated by increasing disposable income of buyers, especially among young professionals in urban areas. There are a growing number of department stores and apparel and footwear specialists in the local market. Sportswear, although among the smallest categories, continues to have strong double-digit growth.

Foreign brands are entering the local market. The presence and opening of shopping malls nationwide make it easier for multinationals to find suitable locations for their brands. The Filipinos’ stronger western fashion awareness, both in style and different brands, cultivated by their exposure to the internet, is another positive factor.

There is an assortment of brands, appealing to a wide range of consumer segments across gender and income groups. A wide network of outlets, strategically located in shopping malls and retail districts nationwide, enables brands to cater to a large base. Apparel and footwear continue to be dominated by smaller players whose brands comprise more than half of value sales.

Sportswear will continue to have the fastest growth in the medium term and will be driven by sports-inspired apparel and footwear.