December is a month that goes beyond lights and carols for Colombia’s fashion industry. For many retailers and designers, the holiday season represents the culmination of a year’s work, a unique opportunity to connect with consumers who are not only looking for functional garments but also symbols of celebration and renewal.
In these final weeks of the year, buying sentiment intensifies. Bonuses, year-end pay, and vacation time create a perfect cocktail that drives fashion consumption at a time when Colombian families prioritize giving — and giving themselves — new clothing. This phenomenon, which combines emotional and economic motives, makes December the high point of the commercial calendar for a sector that thrives on the alignment of trends, cultural identity, and purchasing power.
It is a ritual that blends traditions, expectations, and the search for a renewed image to welcome the coming year. This time of year has become the most pivotal for Colombian fashion, not only because of the influx of shoppers who visit physical and digital stores, but also because of the wide variety of styles and products that are turned into meaningful gifts.
The reality is that, according to figures from Colombia’s fashion industry association, in December alone the industry will generate around 4 trillion pesos in sales (approximately US$1.05 billion), closing out 2025 with a 10% increase in profits compared with last year.
Holiday season fuels Colombia’s fashion industry, set to grow 10% in 2025
For the textile and fashion sector, December is a key component of its annual sales structure. An analysis by the Instituto para la Exportacion y la Moda (Inexmoda) shows that this month has historically accounted for the largest share of annual market sales, with an average exceeding 11% in recent years.
This importance is no coincidence, but rather the result of a combination of factors: Increased foot traffic at physical points of sale during the vacation season, the arrival of tourists, the emotional component of gift-giving, and the effect of year-end bonuses on household purchasing power.
During the last two weeks before Christmas — especially in the days leading up to Dec. 24 — a very high volume of transactions is concentrated, reinforcing the central role of this season for brands and retailers.
The shift between in-person and digital channels has also shaped how these sales unfold. While stores and shopping malls remain emblematic settings of the holiday shopping experience, e-commerce has gained ground rapidly in recent years, with notable growth in the number of purchase orders and average spending per transaction.
This has allowed many brands to diversify their strategies and reach consumers who, for convenience or preference, choose to shop from their mobile devices or computers. The convergence of the physical and the virtual has enriched the season, expanding opportunities for emerging designers and major fashion houses alike to find their place in an increasingly competitive and dynamic market.
The sales outlook for December 2025 speaks for itself: Colombia’s fashion sector is expected to generate around 4 trillion pesos (approximately US$1.05 billion) this month, representing growth of close to 10% compared with the same period last year.
This momentum is not limited to major cities; it is also felt at entrepreneur fairs, local markets, and cultural events that promote national talent. Fashion thus becomes a driver of economic dynamism that benefits multiple links in the production chain, from garment workshops to logistics platforms and sales channels.
A record year for the sector seeking to transcend as a cultural expression
That estimated growth, which pushes the total annual value of Colombia’s fashion market toward 36.5 trillion pesos (approximately US$9.6 billion), underscores the structural importance of the holiday season for a sector that faces demand fluctuations and intense competition throughout the rest of the year.
However, it is not all smooth sailing: Brands must balance expectations, manage inventories, and design pricing and promotional strategies that respond both to consumer desires and to economic realities. Adapting to trends, understanding the preferences of different audience segments, and maintaining a relevant presence in the digital environment are challenges that become particularly acute during this period.
The holiday season also carries a symbolic dimension in the way people dress. For many consumers, choosing a new garment is more than a functional need: It is a way to express themselves, to represent their identity, and to connect with the celebration.
The December “estreno” — wearing something new — is a tradition that goes beyond fashion and is rooted in the cultural practices surrounding Christmas and New Year’s in Colombia. This emotional dimension translates into purchasing decisions that, in turn, fuel a significant economic chain.