According to Swedish Trade's Style Index for March 2026, total clothing sales increased by 6.4 percent and shoe sales by 7 percent compared to the same month last year.
E-Commerce at the Forefront
Sales via e-commerce showed the most significant development during the month. E-commerce for clothing increased by 10.1 percent, and the corresponding figure for shoes was 18.3 percent. Physical retail also reported an increase, with clothing up 5 percent and shoes up 4 percent.
Regarding price segments, the premium segment saw the highest increase with 9.4 percent for clothing and shoes combined. The corresponding figures for the low and mid-segments were increases of 6.1 and 6.6 percent, respectively.
Seasonal Shift and Strengthened Purchasing Power
Sofia Larsen, CEO of Swedish Trade, states that seasonal changes regularly affect fashion retail.
After a weak start to the year, it is gratifying to see such a clear upswing for the industry. As spring finally arrived and temperatures rose, consumers' willingness to update their wardrobes also increased, says Sofia Larsen.
Swedish Trade also notes indications that customers' financial situation is changing.
We are receiving clear signals that consumers' purchasing power is now strengthening. This is directly necessary for our industry, and we now hope that these positive winds will continue until the summer, when many purchase clothes and shoes for school graduations, student celebrations and other festive occasions. There is no doubt that a thriving fashion industry is central to a thriving trading nation, says Sofia Larsen.