News Flash

Double digit retail sales growth for wool type apparel in Sept

08 Dec '05

2 min read

Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) reported that China's retail sales on wool-type apparel in major department stores during September experienced double-digit growth across most key items with the exception of cashmere and wool knitwear, which dropped in volume terms year-on-year.

Men's suit sales have risen steadily over the past three years and, continuing this trend, sales during September was up by almost a quarter, year-on-year. These results point to a return to tailored looks in business wear, but reports indicate that this trend may not last. Some wool apparel manufacturers have started to give a casual twist to tailored suits in order to compete with the casual wear market.

Sales of women's wear also lifted by around a quarter during September. This positive growth has been assisted by the increasing sophistication of working females which has led to greater demand for more professional clothing.

Despite the disappointing year-on-year results for cashmere and wool knitwear in September, sales during the January to September period lifted moderately year-on-year, highlighting the relative strength in volumes sold over the previous four months.

Knitwear sales in department stores in China have been hurt by changing department store layout, with knitwear retailers being given less space in favour of collection brand retailers. This will have pushed down the retail sales figures for knitwear, compared with year earlier sales.

Research, development and innovation institute AWI initiates, commissions and delivers research and development (R&D) to Australian woolgrowers. It works through alliances and contracts and, where possible, commercialise R&D outcomes. The primary aim is the adoption of technology - on farm and along the global wool pipeline.

Australian Wool Innovation Limited

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