Sweaters Coming Out of the Closet
New York Post - November 16 2006
After being tossed to the bottom of the apparel heap last year, sweaters are poised for a comeback this holiday season.These are not the argyle and crewneck sweaters of year's past, but rather knits with a twist that are meant to be wrapped, layered or worn as coats or dresses.
"The sweater has gotten sexed up," said Eric Beder, an analyst with Brean Murray & Co.
Consumers appear to be responding favorably to the new styles. After falling 9 percent during the first nine months of 2005, sweater sales are up 5 percent to $3.9 billion for the same period this year, according to the NPD Group.
In stark contrast to last year, when one analyst likened sweaters to the equivalent of holiday fruitcake - as in, no one wants to give or receive them - several major retailers are talking about sweaters as a "must-have" item for the season. [more]
Comments