Saudi Fashion Commission Launches Comprehensive Manual

The "Fashion Exports Guidelines" is a comprehensive manual crafted to assist fashion industry professionals to navigate the complexities of exporting fashion products
The "Fashion Exports Guidelines" is a comprehensive manual crafted to assist fashion industry professionals to navigate the complexities of exporting fashion products
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Saudi Fashion Commission Launches Comprehensive Manual

The "Fashion Exports Guidelines" is a comprehensive manual crafted to assist fashion industry professionals to navigate the complexities of exporting fashion products
The "Fashion Exports Guidelines" is a comprehensive manual crafted to assist fashion industry professionals to navigate the complexities of exporting fashion products

The Saudi Fashion Commission has unveiled the "Fashion Exports Guidelines," which is a comprehensive manual crafted to assist fashion industry professionals to navigate the complexities of exporting fashion products globally while upholding high sustainability standards.

According to a statement issued Monday, the new manual is organized into four primary sections: clothing, footwear and accessories, jewelry, and perfumes. Each section provides tailored export procedures relevant to specific product categories. It also identifies major international markets for fashion products and explores potential future export destinations, offering valuable insights into market demands and opportunities.

Key aspects of the guide include detailed instructions on mandatory labeling standards for exported fashion products, comprehensive guidelines to ensure compliance with international safety and quality benchmarks, and practical advice on incorporating sustainability into production processes. The manual emphasizes environmentally friendly and ethical production methods, aiming to support industry professionals in maintaining high standards across all aspects of their operations.

The Fashion Exports Guidelines is intended for a broad audience within the fashion industry, including apparel manufacturers, jewelry designers, footwear producers, accessories makers, perfume creators, and other business sectors interested in expanding their export activities.
According to the commission, the manual covers essential information on labeling requirements for exported fashion items. It outlines comprehensive guidelines to ensure that products meet both quality and safety standards. Additionally, the guide provides practical advice on integrating sustainability into production processes. For those navigating different markets, it details country-specific export requirements and offers up-to-date information on regulations and legal requirements in each target market.



Birkenstock Results Beat on Resilient Demand, Forecasts Margin Recovery

A Birkenstock shoe is displayed at Birkenstock shoe store in London, Britain, October 11, 2023. (Reuters)
A Birkenstock shoe is displayed at Birkenstock shoe store in London, Britain, October 11, 2023. (Reuters)
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Birkenstock Results Beat on Resilient Demand, Forecasts Margin Recovery

A Birkenstock shoe is displayed at Birkenstock shoe store in London, Britain, October 11, 2023. (Reuters)
A Birkenstock shoe is displayed at Birkenstock shoe store in London, Britain, October 11, 2023. (Reuters)

Birkenstock beat market expectations for fourth-quarter results on robust demand for its pricey footwear and forecast a recovery in margins in fiscal 2025, sending the company's shares up 7% on Wednesday.

With fresh styles becoming a priority for consumers, Birkenstock's sandals and closed-toe clogs have drawn new customers both at its own stores and at retailers.

The company bypassed steep discounting trends evident during the holiday shopping season, which Birkenstock executives said was off to a strong start globally.

"The expansion of ranges into more closed-toe silhouette has helped boost revenue, given that they offer multi-season wear," Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said.

Germany-based Birkenstock's average selling prices across its product range were up 8% in fiscal 2024, in part due to higher sales of clogs, the company said, adding that closed-toe styles now made up about a third of its business.

The company has invested in expanding its global store presence and increasing manufacturing capacity this year to meet demand.

While it led to a 330-basis point drop in gross margins in fiscal 2024, Birkenstock forecast a recovery in margins in fiscal 2025 as it ramps up production from new facilities.

The company reported fourth-quarter revenue of 455.8 million euros ($478.27 million), compared with the average analyst estimate of 439.2 million euros, according to data compiled by LSEG.

However, Birkenstock's forecast for fiscal 2025 revenue to increase between 15% and 17% was below estimates of 17.5% growth.

"It would appear with this incredibly healthy growth, the company is choosing to adopt a conservative approach that they expect to be able to meet and beat," BMO Capital Markets analyst Simeon Siegel said.

On an adjusted basis, Birkenstock earned 0.29 euro per share, beating estimates of 0.26 euro.