The Belgian fashion retail sector ended the summer sales with a modest decline: independent fashion retailers sold, on average, nearly 1% less than last year, according to a survey by Mode Unie and UNIZO. A strong start, but…The sales got off to a good start thanks to the sunny summer weather. Half feel the Shein effectAccording to Mode Unie, nearly half of business owners also point to competition from international online retailers. Mode Unie and UNIZO therefore welcome the European parcel tax. Optimism nevertheless prevails for the winter season: more than 71% of fashion retailers expect to sell as much or more than they did in the winter of 2025.