Apparel and accessories store sales in the US increased 2.6 per cent in June 2021 compared to previous month and 47.1 per cent from a year ago, reveals analysis by the Women’s Wear Daily of the latest Census Bureau Data. Department store sales rose 9 per cent from May and 24.4 per cent from a year ago while e-commerce sales increased 1.2 per cent from May and 12 per cent compared with a year ago. Total sales in the first half of the year increased 19 per cent from the first half of 2019.

Sales of specialty stores increased only 7 per cent in the first half of the year compared to two years earlier, while sales of department stores declined 2 per cent.

E-commerce sales jumped 40 per cent during the period as brands rushed to improve their websites and offer curbside pickup and other online friendly options. Jack Kleinhenz, Chief Economist, National Retail Federation says, the sector is benefitting from the continued government support, reopening of stores and increased vaccinations.