NPD Reports Online Sales of Women’s Accessories Increased 7 Percent In Otherwise Flat Market
Port Washington, New York (PRWEB) May 27, 2014 -- U.S. online sales for women’s accessories grew 7 percent, to 7.1 billion, in the 12 months ending March 2014, to $7.1 billion, according to The NPD Group, a global information company. While website purchases represented only 19 percent of the total $37.4 billion women’s accessories market, the performance of online sales was a bright spot for the industry, which remained flat during the same period.
Online unit sales also increased, rising 10 percent, while the average selling price declined 3 percent. In-store unit sales and average selling price experienced respective declines of 4 percent. A $3 differential between the average price of an online purchase ($31) and an in-store purchase ($28) also contributed to the upward trend of online sales.
Three out of the seven accessories categories experienced double-digit dollar sales gains online during the period. Bag sales, accounting for 24 percent of the total women’s accessories market, grew 17 percent Other categories that grew by double digits online were sunglasses (+48 percent) and luggage (+12 percent). Jewelry (+1 percent), and small leather goods (+5 percent) increased by single digits.
“The time is now for brands and retailers to not only upgrade their online presence, but to also enhance the in-store experience. The accessories industry needs to stay ahead of the curve, and help to lead fashion towards the burgeoning world of Web 3.0,” said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst, The NPD Group. “This can begin with simple adjustments to marketing strategies like improving online imagery to give better views of products, or carrying more flagship products in-store while using online as a means of expanding assortments.”
Janine Marshall, The NPD Group, http://www.npd.com, 516-625-2356, [email protected]
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