Interviews
Apparel & footwear industry serves as true economic bellwether - AAFA
14 Aug '09
2 min read
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) published its Annual 2008 Trends, a statistical and narrative analysis of the U.S. apparel and footwear industry. The Annual 2008 Trends is prepared each year by AAFA industry analysts and includes a comprehensive analysis of business and trade information, including U.S. consumption, production, imports, employment, wholesale, and retail prices.
“Whenever hard working American families are squeezed financially, clothing and shoes are consistently the first things to be crossed off shopping lists,” said AAFA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “Our industry took a serious hit this year. In 2007, the average American consumer purchased 67 articles of clothing and eight pairs of shoes. In 2008, those numbers dropped to 64 and seven respectively.”
“Our research shows more needs to be done to stimulate retail sales and restore consumer confidence,” Burke said. “Just by quickly passing the Affordable Footwear Act alone, Congress has the unique opportunity to immediately lower shoe prices by eliminating the regressive and hidden import tax on most children's and low-cost shoes. This would be the perfect way to jumpstart the busy 'Back to School' shopping season.”
“Current indicators for 2009 show an even heavier stress on the U.S. apparel and footwear industry,” Burke stated. “Industry employment numbers are reportedly down and sales continue to slide. We need action now that reverses these downturns and gets U.S. consumers back in malls and stores. Acting now will help ensure a viable, competitive, and bright future for the U.S. apparel and footwear industry.”
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market.
“Whenever hard working American families are squeezed financially, clothing and shoes are consistently the first things to be crossed off shopping lists,” said AAFA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “Our industry took a serious hit this year. In 2007, the average American consumer purchased 67 articles of clothing and eight pairs of shoes. In 2008, those numbers dropped to 64 and seven respectively.”
“Our research shows more needs to be done to stimulate retail sales and restore consumer confidence,” Burke said. “Just by quickly passing the Affordable Footwear Act alone, Congress has the unique opportunity to immediately lower shoe prices by eliminating the regressive and hidden import tax on most children's and low-cost shoes. This would be the perfect way to jumpstart the busy 'Back to School' shopping season.”
“Current indicators for 2009 show an even heavier stress on the U.S. apparel and footwear industry,” Burke stated. “Industry employment numbers are reportedly down and sales continue to slide. We need action now that reverses these downturns and gets U.S. consumers back in malls and stores. Acting now will help ensure a viable, competitive, and bright future for the U.S. apparel and footwear industry.”
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market.
American Apparel & Footwear Association
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