Clothing Retailing - UK - October 2011 - Market Research Report. High cotton prices threaten cheap fashion - September - 2010. 23 September 2010 We compared prices from outlets to online and high-street shops Several retailers have warned that the era of cheap fashion could be under threat, thanks to a sharp rise in the price of cotton.
After this summer’s severe floods in cotton-producing nations including China and Pakistan, textile mills have rushed to buy the fibre. In turn, this has pushed prices above the $1 a pound level for only the second time since the US civil war, according to analysts at the Financial Times. Retailers including Next and Primark have warned that the surge in cotton prices is likely to hit high street shoppers, as rising wholesale costs are passed on to the consumers who purchase clothes. The rise in VAT planned for January 2011 is also set to have an impact on shoppers, experts say. Ways to cut the cost of clothing Nick Cheek, deputy editor of Which?
‘However, there are ways to save money on clothing – even if you’re a true fashion fan. Which? High cotton prices threaten cheap fashion - September - 2010. Fashion: Impact of The Recession - UK - June 2010 - Market Research Report. The clothing sector has survived the recession, with the market growing 1.4% in 2009 to £41.3 billion and by an estimated 1.5% in 2010 to £41.9 billion. While growth was limited due to weakened consumer spending, sales remained in positive territory.
Mintel looks at what consumers’ attitudes to spending on clothes have been during this period and what the future holds. The clothing sector has survived the recession, with the market growing 1.4% in 2009 to £41.3 billion. Sales remained in positive territory, although growth was limited due to weakened consumer spending. Value retailers outperformed the market, with sales from these outlets growing by almost 6% in 2009 to reach £8.1 billion.
This growth has been driven by consumers’ continued value consciousness and pressure on disposable income. Far from stopping spending on clothes last year, most people did not change their shopping habits. People like a bargain: almost half of consumers mostly buy clothes on sale or special offer. The Great American Apparel Diet. The Levi's® Brand Introduces WaterLess Jeans | Levi Strauss & Co.