Consumers Are Buying Less Apparel – but Paying More
May 17, 2026
Apparel retailing in mid-May 2026 is being shaped by cautious
Markets | Consumer OUTLOOK
Heading into February, European markets including Italy and Spain show the strongest growth potential. Analysts have mixed views on how the UK will fare, while the outlook for the US is ‘tempered optimism’ that 2024’s spending will be sustained.
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Markets
Apparel retailing in mid-May 2026 is being shaped by cautious
Brands are continuing to show margin pressure as costs increase.
Softening confidence and higher costs are driving more cautious, value-focused
U.S. demand remains relatively resilient, is facing headwinds, while EU
Disciplined inventory control, a capital-light platform and margin-first retailing are
Brands wrapped up 2025 with stronger-than-expected earnings. However there are
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