Retail expansion has slowed down, with fewer brands opening new stores in Q3.  Most of the recent new stores have been in emerging markets, with brands looking to establish a strong presence in Southeast Asia.

For the year to date, retail expansion has remained stable.

Top European brands, including Primark, Mango, Uniqlo and Massimo Dutti have their eyes on the US market, which is still seen as having solid growth opportunities – even if the coming year could potentially be challenging.