Although the global online childrenswear market experienced a pandemic boost, its penetration still lags behind menswear and womenswear, but GlobalData expects online sales to reach $62.5bn by 2028 driven by brand investments into advanced technologies.

The global childrenswear market is witnessing a shift towards online channels, but the sector’s digital transformation still trails behind its counterparts in menswear and womenswear, according to a GlobalData report titled: “Global Childrenswear Market to 2028.”

What is hindering the growth of the online childrenswear market?

While the COVID-19 pandemic provided a significant boost to the online childrenswear market, its overall penetration remains relatively low.

In 2023, the online segment grew by 2.9%, but its penetration stepped back by 0.2 percentage points to 24.6%, as consumers returned to in-store shopping, particularly those who preferred to see items in person before making a purchase.

The report cites several key factors contributing to the slower online adoption in the childrenswear market. Firstly, major value players like Primark and Pepco have a limited online presence, and supermarkets like Tesco and Walmart continue to dominate the offline space. Additionally, the importance of accurate sizing for children’s clothing, as they quickly outgrow their garments, presents a challenge for online shopping.

Brands are expected to invest more in advanced technologies to offer a seamless shopping experience, catering to the evolving needs of consumers.

The report also highlights that online specialists will continue to outperform multichannel players in the long term, thanks to their superior digital capabilities.

The GlobalData report also found that Asia Pacific is expected to become the fastest-growing region within the childrenswear market out to 2028 accounting for 29.4% of growth, while the Americas and Europe face headwinds that could impact their market shares.

By Just Style