Fashion Forward - apparel sales demographics in youth market, United States - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

American Demographics, August 1, 2001

It may be hot outside, but inside, apparel companies are already filling their racks with the new fall lines. Retail sales of clothes and accessories will reach nearly $150 billion this year, according to estimates by Washington, D.C.-based market research firm Woods & Poole Economics Inc. Not surprisingly, young adults, those between the ages of 18 and 34, are the most concerned about their look. According to Simmons Market Research Bureau, 26 percent of this group is "very fashion conscious," meaning they follow the trends, dress in the latest fashions and want to be considered in vogue by others. Leading the parade of fashionistas: young Asian women (38 percent), young black women (36 percent) and young Asian males (33 percent). Yes, you read that right, young Asian men are more fashion conscious than either Hispanic women (32 percent) or white women (29 percent). Now, that's a fashion statement.

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