Core Insights - The footwear industry in Sichuan, particularly in Chengdu, faces significant challenges due to international trade friction and competition from Southeast Asia, which has lower labor costs and advanced technology barriers [1][3] - Chengdu's footwear sector, while historically significant and a major production hub for women's shoes, is currently struggling with a lack of self-owned brands and high-value segments, primarily focusing on OEM and low-end products [2][3] - The industry is undergoing a transformation, with a shift from traditional manufacturing to a focus on innovation, branding, and digitalization, which is essential for maintaining competitiveness [4][5] Current Industry Status - Chengdu has over 2,400 footwear enterprises, with around 2,000 located in the city, accounting for 83.3% of the province's total [1] - The footwear industry is heavily reliant on OEM production, with less than 5% of companies having their own brands, and about 70% focusing on mid to low-end women's shoes [2] - The industry is experiencing a decline in scale due to urbanization and environmental regulations, leading many companies to shift towards trade rather than manufacturing [2] External Challenges - The Chinese footwear export market is facing a downturn, with decreases in quantity, export value, and average price due to reduced overseas consumption and increased competition [3] - Trade tensions and currency issues are causing a noticeable reduction in foreign trade orders for footwear companies [3] - The majority of Chengdu's footwear enterprises are small to medium-sized, making it difficult for them to invest in necessary digital transformations, which can cost 150%-200% of their annual profits [3] Recommendations for Growth - The industry should focus on innovation to enhance brand value and promote intelligent upgrades, targeting the mid to high-end female consumer market [4][5] - Establishing collaborative platforms with local universities for research and development can help in creating new materials and processes, thus transitioning towards luxury and personalized products [4] - Implementing smart manufacturing and green transformation initiatives is crucial, with recommendations for government support in technology innovation and equipment upgrades [5][6] Strategic Initiatives - Developing a "footwear+" ecosystem that integrates various lifestyle elements can enhance consumer engagement and brand loyalty [7] - Establishing a digital collaborative platform to streamline the supply chain and reduce costs for small and medium enterprises can strengthen Chengdu's position in the industry [7] - Promoting Chengdu as a hub for fashion trends through high-profile events and collaborations with design institutions can elevate the city's status in the global footwear market [7]