The denim jeans industry as a whole was up earlier this year 2.3% in a time where apparel sales declined 6.3%. The $13 billion denim industry is improving in this recession as shoppers look for more bang for their buck for clothing items. Jeans have traditionally been the wear- everywhere closet staple, and continue to be popular among buyers in all price ranges. In the lower end, Levi's has seen a growth in their jeans, but their other casual pants line - Dockers - has been struggling and several of its retail stores have gone out of business.


Premium denim is still popular, too, but super premium denim has struggled along with the rest of the industry. Top brands are focusing on their designs that are closer to $200 or less. 7 For All Mankind has been moving that way and now 95% of the company's jeans sell for less than $200, compared to 70% a year ago. Premium denim is often stocked at luxury department stores, and those shops are seeing fewer and fewer shoppers in this economy. Brands are fighting back by opening more of their own storefronts... True Religion opened more than 30 locations in the past year.


The best place to buy premium denim at outstanding prices? The Warehouse Sale, of course! Please see our Event Schedule to find out when we are coming to a city near you.


USA TODAY article on the denim industry:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2009-07-29-premium-jeans-sales_N.htm

The new shift in designer jeans are 'fashion jeans,' denim that spreads beyond your basic pair of blues to a more unique look. Tie-dye, distressed, embellished and painted are what fashionistas are after right now.

The other shift is for brands to generate buzz with collaborations with other designers. These special collections are getting lots of buzz... for example Magic Johnson's wife CJ and Michael Glasser, founder of Seven for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity and Rich & Skinny brands, Lanvin and Acne Jeans, and Levi's with artist Damien Hirst and designer Junya Watanabe. A special collections from J Brand with designer Hussein Chalayan were featured in the famous New York Barneys windows mid-summer.

The most popular styles are still the most flattering, skinny jeans and boyfriend styles, but these special fashion-forward collections feature all shapes and colors and anything goes.

To view the video of J Brand and Hussein Chalayan's styles:
http://www.husseinchalayan.com/#/videos.2009.2009_jbrand/