The US apparel market will cool down in Q4! Which categories can turn things around?

According to research by NPD Group, consumer concerns about their financial situation and the current economic uncertainty will cool U.S. apparel sales in the fourth quarter.

NPD predicts that under the influence of inflation, the price of goods in the United States will rise by 2% in Q4, and the total retail sales of clothing will fall by 1% due to the decrease in order volume (the decline will not be obvious due to price increases).

The study found that with the arrival of the holiday season and an increase in going out, retail sales of sweatshirts, coats and dresses increased in the fourth quarter compared to last year.

"Low price" is a factor that drives consumers' clothing purchase decisions. According to NPD research, the number of people who gave up buying clothing due to rising costs has increased by 5% since 2022. In the third quarter, 41% of consumers had to give up buying clothing and buy products in other categories.

As the cost of living continues to rise, consumers are beginning to pay attention to second-hand clothing. Since 2022, the total amount of second-hand clothing transactions in the United States has increased by 2%. Among them, in the third quarter, nearly 45% of consumers purchased clothing from resale platforms.

Maria Rugolo, an analyst at NPD apparel industry, said that because brands and retailers launched holiday promotions before Halloween, the holiday shopping season for the apparel industry will be extended. Faced with rising prices, American consumers will pay more attention to savings and will be more cautious in spending on clothing.

Editor ✎ Nicole/

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