US leather apparel sales down 4% in 2001
Retail sales of leather apparel decreased by 4% in 2001 from the record high of 2000, according to the US Leather Apparel Association (LAA), the leather industry’s national trade association. Retail sales for 2001 were $4.15 billion, down from $4.2 billion in 2000.
Leather imports were up 3% from 2000, but the slow economy and the events of September 11 largely affected market activity. Retailers were forced to lower their margins in order to move all merchandise in time for the coming season.
Despite this small decline, current market activity shows that consumers and designers remain attracted to apparel which utilise leather. Several key factors are responsible for this: First, leather is incorporated into designs all year round. Secondly, there are a variety of leather types available in a broad price range- making it accessible to consumers of all ages. Finally, modern technologies have made caring for leather easier than ever before.
Leather sales over the past 10 years are as follows (in billions):
2001: $4.15 1996: $2.2
2000: $4.2 1995: $2.3
1999: $2.5 1994: $2.9
1998: $2.2 1993: $2.8
1997: $2.4 1992: $2.9
