Maternity Wear Retailing in Australia Industry Market Research Report Now Available from IBISWorld
Melbourne, Australia (PRWEB) November 21, 2013 -- The Maternity Wear Retailing industry has performed exceptionally well over the past five years, despite turbulent economic conditions. IBISWorld industry analyst Lauren Magner states, “Although general clothing retailers have suffered from weak consumer sentiment and subdued discretionary spending, the industry has benefited from strong demand for maternity wear from fashion-conscious consumers.” While in the past, women have been content with making alterations to their existing clothes or purchasing oversized clothing during their pregnancy, this has gradually changed as magazines and celebrity endorsements have encouraged consumers to purchase entirely new wardrobes of maternity wear. In response to strong demand, there has been a significant influx in the number of retailers in the industry with new product lines being introduced frequently. As a result, industry revenue is expected to grow by an annualised 6.2% over the five years through 2013-14, to total $178.4 million.
Low discretionary income growth and weak consumer sentiment over the past five years have prompted many couples to postpone having a baby until the economy improves. This has resulted in slower growth in the number of births per year. Despite this, industry revenue has shown no signs of slowing down, with 4.9% growth forecasted for 2013-14. The reason for this is that those women who are choosing to have children are spending greater amounts on maternity clothing. According to Magner, “the increase in the number of females in the labour force has led to strong demand for fashionable and professional maternity clothing that is appropriate for the work environment.” A large proportion of industry retailers are online-only operators, and these players have benefited significantly from the rising popularity of online shopping. As it can often be difficult to visit multiple bricks-and-mortar stores during the last months of pregnancy, many women may prefer to purchase maternity wear online from the comfort and convenience of their home. Over the next five years, industry enterprise growth is expected to continue to increase, although at a slower pace than the past five years. As more females pursue career goals and opportunities and stay in the workforce for longer during pregnancy, demand for work-appropriate maternity wear is expected to increase.
Market share concentration for the Maternity Wear Retailing industry is low. The industry is highly fragmented, with no player expected to control a significant portion of the market individually. Market share concentration has been declining over the past five years as more enterprises have entered the market and fragmented revenue. This trend is expected to continue over the next five years. For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Maternity Wear Retailing report in Australia industry page.
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IBISWorld Industry Report Key Topics
Companies in this industry primarily retail maternity apparel, which is clothing designed to fit the frame of a pregnant woman. The industry includes the online presence of bricks-and-mortar retailers and also online-only stores. Excluded from the industry are department stores and other clothing retailers that are not primarily engaged in retailing maternity wear.
Industry Performance
Executive Summary
Key External Drivers
Current Performance
Industry Outlook
Industry Life Cycle
Products & Markets
Supply Chain
Products & Services
Major Markets
International Trade
Business Locations
Competitive Landscape
Market Share Concentration
Key Success Factors
Cost Structure Benchmarks
Basis of Competition
Barriers to Entry
Industry Globalisation
Major Companies
Operating Conditions
Capital Intensity
Technology & Systems
Revenue Volatility
Regulation & Policy
Industry Assistance
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Annual Change
Key Ratios
About IBISWorld Inc.
Recognised as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every Australian industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Melbourne, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organisations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com.au or call (03) 9655 3886.
Gavin Smith, IBISWorld, +61 396553838, [email protected]
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