New Zara Manchester Store, PI launches Stride Europe, circular footwear innovations
Zara's tech focused store opens in Manchester; PI launches a new European event for tech-minded footwear brands; and major brands are accelerating their circular footwear innovations.
Zara opens UK’s largest store in Manchester with a focus on tech and experience
Zara has launched its largest UK store to date in Manchester's Trafford Centre, combining expansive physical retail with elevated digital features. The flagship includes dedicated areas for Zara’s womenswear, menswear, beauty, and athletic lines, alongside self-service returns, smart fitting rooms, and click-and-collect tech.
Why it matters: As fast fashion faces mounting pressure to innovate, Zara’s investment in experiential retail shows how big-box stores can stay relevant by blending convenience, technology, and brand immersion.
Georgia Wright
PI launches Stride Europe event
PI has announced Stride Europe, a new event spotlighting the future of footwear design, development, and manufacturing across the continent. Building on the success of its U.S. edition, the conference will explore how traditional craftsmanship is being reimagined through emerging technologies - from 3D design and AI to sustainable materials and robotics.
Why it matters: As Europe’s footwear industry balances heritage with innovation, Stride Europe aims to be the crossroads where legacy brands, tech pioneers, and independent creators come together to shape what’s next.
Michael Ratcliffe
Adidas, Converse, and Nike push forward with circular shoe innovations
Major footwear brands including Adidas, Converse, and Nike are accelerating efforts to make shoes more recyclable and circular by redesigning components, simplifying materials, and experimenting with disassembly-friendly construction. From Nike’s ISPA Universal to Adidas’ Made to Be Remade line, the focus is shifting toward end-of-life solutions that enable recovery and reuse.
Why it matters: Footwear has long lagged in circularity due to its complex design - these moves signal a serious industry pivot toward reducing waste and building products with their afterlife in mind.
Elsa Wenzel