NEW YORK — On break from college or recently graduated, early twentysomething shoppers returned to their favorite specialty retail stores in June, walking away with not only intended purchases, but also bags full of seasonal must-haves.
A spot check with consumers in this demographic conducted by WWD found strong loyalty to specialty retailers. Their spending habits mirrored what analysts said about the month, which was a win for retailers such as American Eagle Outfitters Inc. and Bebe Stores Inc. as well as Gap Inc. Aside from good weather driving business, the specialty retailers offered the right mix of trend-right fashion and markdowns on selected apparel, shoes and accessories.
At Old Navy, “I always feel the need to pick up flip-flops, lip glosses and accessories,” in addition to the needed “summer basics,” such as a tank top, said Alexandra Wilkes of Jackson, Miss.
In June, along with her summer basics, Wilkes’ shopping bag was filled with a striped beach bag, a pair of wedge sandals and a yellow trenchcoat, totaling $140.
Ashley Weathersbee, of Worcester, Mass., frequented Gap, her favorite store, in June. “I had a $100 gift certificate there and bought three twirly, comfy, shin-length skirts, a pair of comfy drawstring white linen pants and a shirt or two,” she said.
Ashley Bleaser, from Queens, New York, said she doled out more than $250 at J.Crew in June. Purchases included a dress, flip-flops, shorts and two long-sleeved shirts. Bleaser said she shops J. Crew not only for its fashion, but for the quality of its goods. “I’ve had some items from [J.Crew] for six to seven years now,” she said.
If not for quality and longevity, shoppers were lured into the specialty stores in June for markdowns on key items.
Caroline Duke, of Kennett Square, Pa., said she saved about $100, “maybe even more,” by shopping at Banana Republic, which had sales on tops, both V-neck and sleeveless.
Haley Swedlund, of Ankeny, Iowa, said, “I have spent most of my money [in June] at Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters, visiting both stores for bedding, but came out with other [purchases].”
Related Articles
You May Also Like
Swedlund’s summer wardrobe, which she is now tailoring for “outside the college realm,” is highlighted with a few blouses and skirts, a pair of sandals as well as pairs of pants, totaling about $200.
Christine Wilson of Dallas said she was looking to spend more wisely while also being fashion-forward. Wilson said she was eyeing something summerish, but suited for air-conditioned offices and movie theaters. “I needed a cute summer outfit that didn’t involve a tank [because] I have too many tanks and little dresses,” she said. “So instead, I was in search of a long-sleeved shirt-and-skirt combo.”
At Fossil, Wilson bought an “Indian-inspired” skirt for $24 and a “lightweight, turquoise crocheted” sweater for $48.