On September 14, Italian luxury sneaker maker Golden Goose released key financial figures for the first half of 2026, ended June 30. Net revenues rose 15% year on year to 380.4 million euros, while revenues in Asia-Pacific (APAC) grew 17%.
The brand’s strong first-half performance was driven primarily by continued acceleration of its direct-to-consumer (DTC) model, with every region recording double-digit growth. DTC net revenues rose 22% year on year to 309.6 million euros, accounting for 81% of total revenues, compared with 77% a year earlier.
Golden Goose’s adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 9% year on year to 122.9 million euros in the first half, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 32.3%. Gross margin rose 12 percentage points year on year to 75.8%.
Golden Goose Group Chief Executive Officer Silvio Campara said, “We are pleased to deliver another set of strong results for Golden Goose, with revenues growing 15% in the first half and accelerating further in the second quarter (+19%), demonstrating sustained momentum. Driven by double-digit growth across every region , this performance reflects yet again the global appeal of our brand and the strength of our community -led model.
Among the milestones, our retail stores turned into places to gather and make products together through Arts & Crafts, a global workshop s program which celebrat es the art o f crafting objects with your own hands.”
In the second quarter, HSG (Sequoia China) completed its acquisition of a controlling stake in Golden Goose and became its majority shareholder. Temasek invested as a minority shareholder, while former majority shareholder Permira, a private equity firm, remained a strategic shareholder to provide continuity. Drawing on their extensive international experience, HSG and Temasek will support Golden Goose’s continued global expansion and innovation while preserving the brand’s distinctive identity and Made in Italy roots.
Golden Goose’s operational highlights for the reporting period were as follows:
— Continued execution of its DTC strategy, with channel revenues up 22%:
- Retail remained the main driver of growth, with both like-for-like sales and the contribution from store expansion recording double-digit growth.
- The online business performed strongly in the first half of 2026, delivering growth in the mid-teens.
- Wholesale revenues fell 6% year on year but returned to growth in the second quarter, rising 5%. The company will continue to pursue a selective wholesale partnership strategy.
— Double-digit growth across all regions:
- Americas: Revenues rose 18% year on year, supported by 22% growth in DTC.
- Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA): Revenues rose 14% year on year, with DTC remaining strong despite the impact of the conflict in the Middle East.
- Asia-Pacific (APAC): Revenues rose 17% year on year, driven primarily by 19% growth in DTC.
— Store network, new openings and experiential retail:
As of the end of June 2026, the Group had 230 directly operated stores (DOS). During the first half, Golden Goose continued to refine its retail network, open new stores and create more opportunities for its community to engage with the brand, including:
- Opening new stores in Athens, Rome (kidswear) and Istanbul (HAUS), and renovating its store in the South section of Taikoo Li Sanlitun in Beijing.
- Opening Europe’s first Younique Café in Milan’s Brera district, complete with a listening bar. The space brings co-creation together with Italian food and beverage culture, music and community, from breakfast through aperitivo.
- Launching “Frutteria Golden,” a new seasonal concept inspired by traditional Italian fruit markets. It debuted at The Corner Shop at Selfridges in London before expanding to resort destinations including Naples and Forte dei Marmi.
- Launching Arts & Crafts, a global workshop programme celebrating handmade craftsmanship. The initiative marks an evolution for Golden Goose, adding hands-on creative activities to the in-store experience and turning retail spaces into places where communities can gather and make products together.
During the first half, Golden Goose also launched its Marathon Speed sneaker globally, following an exclusive early release in China and South Korea in 2025.
In tennis and sports marketing, the brand appointed tennis players Gabriel Diallo and Dayana Yastremska as global brand ambassadors for 2026, further expanding its “Dreamers” community in racket sports.
Golden Goose also disclosed the latest progress in its 2026-2030 sustainability plan. Having achieved most of the targets in its first sustainability plan, the brand launched a new roadmap, the Forward Agenda (2026-2030), built around four strategic pillars: “We Innovate,” “We Craft,” “We Care” and “We Share.” In recent years, the Group has turned its sustainability ambitions into measurable projects and results. It received an A rating from CDP for climate change and, as of March 2026, ranked first in Sustainalytics’ ESG ratings for the footwear sector.
| Source: Official financial results
| Image Credit: Brand website
| Editor: Luxeplace
