Chinese shoe retailer Belle says weaker consumer sentiment will continue to dent the domestic retail market this year.

The gloomy outlook comes after its net profit for 14 months to February grew by just one per cent to 5.16 billion yuan ($827 million).

The group’s revenue increased by 10.1 per cent to 43.07 billion yuan.

“Traditional retail channels including the street shops and department stores are under continued pressure due to a dilution in foot traffic,” the company said in a statement.

Belle has acquired Japanese apparel and accessories retailer Baroque, a move that will see it expand beyond footwear business.

The company, with current network of 20,000 stores, says it may slow down the pace of store openings this year in the wake of soft consumer demand.