I picked up my neighbor's copy of Barron's from the driveway the other day as it was raining hard and he was out of town. Didn't think he'd mind me brushing up on the country's economic status before passing the oracle along to him - after all, if anyone is brave enough to delve into that black hole right now, they deserve a free read, right?
Anyway, I was plenty chuffed to read right there on the preview page upfront that there is predicted something of a clothes-horse stampede for this coming all-important holiday season, an optimistic forecast for once, giving retailers in our community and beyond some cause for hope.
The article Fashion Statement, 2011 placed an emphasis on apparel and active wear, which isn't really surprising given the trend these days to worship at the temple of self (i.e. the gym, trail, track, slope) instead of hitting the mall. All that working out requires a replenishment of flexible outfitting and that's where Southern Sonoma County comes in.
For, according to Craig Johnson, president of Customer Growth Partners, a research consultant based on the east coast, as quoted in the article: "People may not be doing $50,000 kitchens and bathrooms, but they will spend a few bucks to freshen up their wardrobes." On Johnson's radar is none other than Petaluma-based rising retail and online sales star Athleta.
Popular employer of loads of locals in our community, Gap-owned Athleta cleverly combines comfortable fashion with stylish athletic wear, shoes, accessories, lots of yoga stuff. Founded back in 1997 Athleta has grown in leaps and bounds and is now a part of the mighty, national and international Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic/Piperlime family and just opened two new stores in Manhattan.
In the first nine months of the year, Fashion Statement, 2011 reports women's national apparel sales as having risen nearly 6% from the same period last year, positioning companies such as Athleta at a good, solid vantage point for continued growth in sales through the holiday rush.
Also according to Johnson, colors are back: "People are tired of the drab and dowdy," Barrons quotes him as saying. In fashion and the economy, the article presumes.
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