Retail Sales
Apparel sales were strong for the first eight months of 1999, with increases of 3.6% in dollar sales and 3.3% in unit sales over the same period last year. While both dollar and unit sales of men’s apparel increased, unit sales growth (5.8%) outpaced dollar sales growth (3.7%), indicating a 2% decrease in average price. Growth in women’s apparel, the largest segment, lagged behind the men’s market, with increases of 3.5% in dollar sales and 2.1% in unit sales. The children’s market posted increases of 3.4% and 3.1% in dollar and unit sales, respectively.
Dollar sales of home fabrics for the period increased 4.2% over the same period last year. Unit sales grew at a slower pace (3.0%), indicating some upward pressure in prices. Increases in dollar sales ranged from 1.3% in the sheet market to 6.3% in the towel market. Other bedding, the largest segment in terms of dollar sales, includes quilts, comforters, bedspreads, blankets, and mattress covers; dollar sales were up 2.3%. The towel and sheet markets had unit sales increases of 7.6% and 4.2%, respectively, while unit sales of other bedding decreased 3.8%.
|
