The apparel market in the US was valued at $358.3 billion in 2020 and is forecast to record growth of more than 2% during the period 2021-2025. The US apparel market will be driven by increased consumer demand with a GDP growth forecast in 2021, boosted by high consumption expenditure. The footwear market will grow the fastest as Trainers will continue to outperform as consumers opt for sporty, multifunctional footwear, rather than smart, formal styles, boosting the market as branded trainers have higher average price points.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets such as Walmart and Target are improving their apparel offers and have taken steps to keep up with the casualization and athleisure trends to boost their popularity amongst consumers. These players gained a wider audience during the pandemic as increased unemployment and financial uncertainty compelled consumers to switch to value retailers and supermarkets and hypermarkets provided a convenient way of shopping for apparel as shoppers could purchase across multiple sectors and they remained open while non-essential stores were affected by temporary closures. Supermarkets and hypermarkets have stepped up their private label apparel offers, such as Free Assembly by Walmart and All in Motion by Target, to provide differentiated products to suit customers’ needs.