Europe was Crocs' fastest growth market in the second quarter ended on June 30, with sales rising by 50.4 percent to $52.2 million. For the first time ever, Asia became the company's largest market, overtaking the Americas. But the feat will be short-lived and the Americas should remain the group's biggest market at least for another couple of years. European growth was driven by the U.K., France and Germany, where Crocs has a direct presence, enabling the group to work more closely with key wholesale accounts and obtain more shelf space for new styles. Crocs sees lots of growth opportunity in Europe, as many retailers continue to focus on the group's core products, shunning the rest of the portfolio. Europe has traditionally been slower at accepting new styles, and the trend is expected to continue throughout 2011, according to Crocs. The group's gross margin for the second quarter slipped slightly to 57.6 percent, from 57.8 percent in the same period last year. Its net income increased by 71.9 percent to $55.5 million (more in the Outdoor Industry Compass).

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