The US market for textiles and apparel is unique in its com-bination of size, diversity and sophistication. Demand for textiles and clothing grew strongly from 1992 to 2001, spurred by economic prosperity, falling real prices, favourable trends in demographics and consumer lifestyles. Owing to the discretionary element in expenditure, the market is very sensitive to cyclic variations - associated with economic, seasonal, fashion and climatic fluctuations. The weaker economy following the bursting of the technology bubble in 2000 together with business scandals and the uncertain international political situation after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 hit consumer confidence, depressing demand. (Kilduff, 2001)
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