Research Shows Apparel Sales Look Solid for 2011
Here’s a bright piece of information for Los Angeles denim makers. Sales of women’s jeans jumped 20 percent during the three-month period ending February 2011 after posting a 2.6 percent increase in 2010, according to The NPD Group Inc., a market-research firm in Port Washington, N.Y.
Even better, jegging sales skyrocketed more than 200 percent in 2010 as women took to that trendy combination of jeans fused with leggings.
quot;The big story here is the return of denim,quot; said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst with The NPD Group. He observed that women are buying more pairs of jeans at higher price points. quot;With the influx of new styles this year, women may just need a few more pairs,quot; he noted.
Overall, women’s apparel sales inched up 3 percent in 2010 and another 2.8 percent for the three-month period ending February 2011.
Other strong performers in women’s apparel included skirts, up 15 percent last year, and tights, up 30 percent. Dresses also performed well in 2010. Categories that could take off this year include intimates and outerwear.
Meanwhile, men’s apparel did slightly better than women’s apparel, growing 3.3 percent in 2010 and expanding 12 percent during the three-month period. quot;This is a very healthy growth rate and a clear sign that men are looking to rebuild their wardrobes,quot; Cohen said. quot;Based on what we are seeing in the recent market data, the categories that are going to prosper are those that are a combination of basics and replenishment as well as some impulse and fashion categories.quot;
For the three-month period, men’s tailored-clothing sales—which include suits, suit separates, jackets and sport coats—mushroomed 30 percent, dress shirts rose 9.7 percent and men’s neckwear was up 26 percent.
quot;Men are rediscovering the importance of dressing for success,quot; Cohen said. quot;Whether it’s for social or career reasons, men are displaying a desire to upgrade their wardrobes and use dressing-up as a vehicle to demonstrate the importance of both.quot; —Deborah Belgum
