Belgian fashion stores are making a profit, but less and less of it

Two out of three Belgian fashion stores are still turning a profit. But behind that seemingly reassuring figure lies a less rosy reality: profit margins are shrinking, small independent retailers are barely making any money, and a handful of major players are raking in a significant share of the profits.

Small boutiques are left with 3,000 euros

The Belgian fashion sector is more resilient than expected. An analysis by bedrijfscijfers.be of 2,376 fashion stores shows that 65% were profitable in 2025. That percentage has remained remarkably stable for four years. Together, the companies surveyed posted 97 million euros in net profit last year, after deducting losses from other stores.