Marketrend: Apparel.
July 18, 2004
Apparel sales will rise between 1% and 1.5% in 2004, in contrast to the 5% decline registered in 2003, when sales fell to $167 billion, according to The NPD Group.
Intimate apparel — Bra and panty sales were up 6.9% to $8.9 billion in the 12 months ending May 31. Driven by Voyeurgasm, thongs are the biggest thing to hit underwear in the past 20 years. They accounted for one-quarter of the $2.6 billion panty market last year, according to The NPD Group.
Plus-size clothing — Globesity is fueling demand for plus-size clothing, which accounted for 25% of the U.S. apparel market in 2003.
Men’s apparel — While sales of men’s apparel fell to $47.5 billion for the 12 months ending March 31, 2004, a 4% decline from the prior year, the decline shows signs of leveling off, partially influenced by the Metrosexual trend.
Sports apparel — The “Athleisure” look and retro sneakers have created a $50 billion U.S retail sports apparel and footwear market.
Denim — According to NPD Fashionworld, 13- to 17-year-olds have become denim’s top consumers. Designer jeans, priced above $100, are fueled by teens’ infatuation boutique brands.
Hot: J.Lo, Baby Phat, Ecko Red, Izod, Ralph Lauren Polo golf shirts, Notify Jeans, Wrangler 47, Zoomp, Hanky Panky 4811 thongs, flat shoes, retro 70s look
Not: Levi’s, men’s suits, traditional tuxedo, Von Dutch
For more information at http://www.trendsetters.com/
