The textile crisis in France

Or how to turn headwinds into a real springboard

(By Grégoire TERRIER, Marketing Director - DUTEXDOR Group) 

A deep and multifactorial crisis

The French textile sector is undergoing a major structural crisis. Consumption has been falling for several years: in five years, the clothing market has lost nearly one in five customers, with sales down 9% (less than €85 billion in 2023). In 2024, sales are stagnating (+0.1%), far below 2019 levels.Faced with relentless competition from ultra-fast fashion and second-hand platforms, the decline continues, highlighting a shift in consumer habits.

This crisis has also hit iconic brands hard: Princesse tam.tam, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Jennyfer, Kaporal, Maison Lejaby, and Camaïeu have all gone through receivership or liquidation proceedings. The decline of a formerly robust sector is clear.

DUTEXDOR: strength and agility in the face of the storm

The DUTEXDOR Group is not immune to this storm, as our distribution partners are also feeling the economic pressure. But it is precisely in these circumstances that our model proves its relevance. Here's how:

1. Optimized inventory management

Thanks to agile logistics and careful anticipation of needs, we avoid shortages, maintain the fluidity of our supplies, and optimize our costs.

2. Rethinking our sourcing partnerships

We prioritize quality and reliability. In the face of current challenges, we are diversifying our sources while maintaining excellence and traceability.

3. Invest in strong brands

The power of a brand is more than ever a differentiating factor. We continue to acquire or create strong brands, based on a controlled price-quality proposition.

4. Acceleration of digitalization

We invest in digital solutions (internal communication, training, upcoming B2B tools) to develop our resilience, enhance efficiency, and strengthen our partner relationships.

Towards strategic and sustainable renewal

This crisis is not the end; it is an opportunity. It pushes us to evolve, to innovate, to uphold the values that have guided us for 30 years. At DUTEXDOR, our response is action: we adapt, anticipate, and rebuild. We are convinced that the future depends on strong brands, controlled distribution channels, and a capacity for constant innovation.

Keep moving forward with confidence

For three decades, we have weathered the storms of the textile industry. Today, more than ever, our vision is clear: to preserve quality, promote innovation, and strengthen trust with our customers, partners, and employees. The landscape is changing, the challenges are evolving, but our determination remains intact. Together, we continue to look to the future with confidence, boldness, responsibility, and pride.