British brand Dr Martens posts $421 mn revenue in H1

British footwear brand Dr Martens has registered revenue of £322 million (~$421 million), up 0.8 per cent constant currency (CC) in the first half (H1) of fiscal 2026 (FY26), with DTC revenue flat and wholesale revenue up 2 per cent. Overall revenue growth was impacted by a focus on improving the quality of revenue by increasing full price mix and reducing clearance. As a result, full price DTC revenue was up 6 per cent. 

Americas was the best performing region with revenue up 6 per cent; both DTC and wholesale were in positive growth. EMEA revenue declined 3 per cent with a continued subdued DTC performance against a promotional backdrop. APAC revenue grew 2 per cent with particular strength in South Korea and steady performance in Japan.

Dr Martens has reported £322 million (~$421 million) in H1 FY26 revenue, up 0.8 per cent CC, with stronger wholesale and 6 per cent growth in full-price DTC sales.
The Americas led with 6 per cent growth, while EMEA fell 3 per cent and APAC rose 2 per cent.
CEO Ije Nwokorie highlighted early progress on the consumer-first strategy and continued cost discipline despite a cautious market.

In the first half of fiscal 2026, gross margin improved 130bps to 65.3 per cent, with full price performance and continued good management of input costs more than offsetting channel mix and the headwind from higher tariff costs, the company said in a press release.

“As we set out in June, we’re pivoting from a channel-first to a consumer-first strategy. Our brand is strong, as evidenced by the 33 per cent increase in shoe volumes and the successful launch of new products such as the Zebzag Laceless boot and the 1460 Rain boot. While it’s still early days, we are happy with the advances we’re making and are seeing green shoots across each of our four levers for growth. This strategic progress, as well as the benefits from the cost action plan delivered last year and our continued focus on cost management, is delivering a meaningful improvement in our financial performance including a continued reduction in net bank debt,” Ije Nwokorie, chief executive officer, said.

The company’s consumer goal for FY26 is to increase full price sales and reduce clearance activity, and in H1 it delivered full price DTC revenue up 6 per cent, with full price DTC mix improving 5pts. In Product, it is focused on driving more purchase occasions and achieved a 33 per cent increase in shoe volumes in H1.

With Markets, the company has delivered new and expanded distribution partnerships for Latin America, Italy, UAE and the Philippines and deepened partnerships with its largest wholesale customers globally

“While the marketplace remains uncertain and consumers are cautious, and our biggest trading weeks are ahead, we are confident in our plans for the year. I am laser-focused on execution and setting the business up for growth in the coming years. I’d like to thank every member of the Dr Martens’ team, as well as our partners around the world, for their continued hard work and passionate commitment in this endeavour,” added Nwokorie.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)