SOURCE: COMPANY REPORTS
2013 RETROSPECTIVE
Economic Indicators for 2013 Show Signs of Recovery and Continued Struggle
The U.S. economy is recovering, but how quickly and by how much depends on which indicators you follow. Apparel manufacturing and textile employment continued their downward drift, but retail and commercial real estate showed solid signs of strength. Retail sales were steady among higher-end retailers and discounters, but some specialty stores saw their monthly sales fluctuate wildly throughout the year.
On the trade front, China held on to its spot as the U.S.’s top trading partner, but Vietnam, India and Bangladesh showed the most robust growth.
The editors of California Apparel News look at the top indicators for the past year to distill the industry’s recovery by the numbers.
Real Estate: Retail Space Scarce in Prime LA Shopping Streets
Retail Sales: Major Retailers and Off-Pricers
Retail Sales: Specialty Retail
Import/Export: China Still at the Center of U.S. Apparel and Textile Imports
