The recession has not been kind to the women’s apparel market. Some of the largest multichannel retailers that sell women’s clothing have been seriously struggling in recent years.
For instance, Boston Apparel Group, which includes the Chadwick’s, Metrostyle and Casual Living brands, laid off more than 300 workers in June. Signature Styles, which includes the Spiegel, Newport News and Shape Fx brands, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on June 6. Coldwater Creek’s direct business has been dropping steadily, from $376.4 million in 2007 to $248.6 million in 2010.
But Boston Proper — which cracked the top 100 for the first time — managed to increase its sales from $160.5 million to $168 million in 2010. Cataloger/retailer Chico’s saw a lift in direct revenue from $98 million in 2009 to $108.7 million in 2010. (At press time, Chico’s had just acquired Boston Proper.) Even Talbots, which had been reporting dwindling revenue since 2007, managed to boost direct sales from $207.7 million in 2009 to $222 million in 2010.
TOP 10: WOMEN’S APPAREL
(Direct sales in millions)
1. Limited Brands (Victoria’s Secret) $1,500.0
2. Coldwater Creek: $248.6
3. Talbots: $222.0
4. Boston Apparel Group: $174.8*
5. Boston Proper : $168.0
6. Signature Styles : $119.9*
7. Chico’s : $108.7
8. Delia’s: $98.2
9. J. Jill: $98.0*
10. Soft Surroundings: $89.3
* estimate
TOP 10: MIXED GENDER APPAREL
(Direct sales in millions)
1. Gap: $1,300.00
2. Nordstrom: $841,000
3. Neiman Marcus Group: $700.80
4. J. Crew Group: $490.60
5. Urban Outfitters: $433.80
6. Foot Locker: $432,000
7. Saks: $350.0*
8. Hanesbrands: $183.50*
9. Boden USA: $134.40*
10. Brooks Brothers: $120.00*
* estimate
TOP 5: CHILDREN’S APPAREL
(Direct sales in millions)
1. Hanna Andersson: $57.6
2. Chasing Fireflies: $31.8
3. CWD: $18.9
4. French Toast: $13.0 *
5. Tea Collection: $8.8*
* estimate