Posted on 11/12/2010 5:32:04 PM PST by BenLurkin
Consumers itching for new jeans, pricey dress shirts or other cotton-heavy goods might want to pay especially close attention to this year’s holiday sales. Although the rising cost of cotton hasn’t hit shoppers yet, clothing companies have said prices will start climbing as early as January.
Bad weather in cotton-producing regions of India and China, and flooding in Pakistan, resulted in poor harvests this season, driving cotton prices up nearly 80% since the summer. So far, most clothing makers haven’t passed that cost increase along to consumers. But in recent weeks, the parent companies of a variety of brands – including retail chain Bon-Ton (BONT: 12.72, -0.50, -3.78%), Jones New York, Hanes, premium denim producer 7 For All Mankind and outdoor clothing maker North Face – have said they expect to raise their prices by up to 10% in 2011. At this point, says Randy Allen, an associate dean for The Johnson School at Cornell University, “they can’t afford not to.”
But consumers can hedge against rising prices – at least for now – by taking advantage of bumper store sales. Apparel isn’t usually a hot seller during the holiday season, at least compared with other gift categories, says Jeff Green, an independent retail consultant. So retailers are discounting their clothing inventory to make it look as attractive as toys, electronics and other popular gifts. “They’re really trying to get rid of this stuff,” he says.
Here’s a look at what to buy now — and what to wait for.
(Excerpt) Read more at smartmoney.com ...
Beat me to it. And T shirts.
Beat me to it. And T shirts.
Problem is that I'm tall and I'm cheap. Too many "tall" shirts turn into regular shirts after a washing or two, when the sleeves start creeping up my arm. And I find that the $50 shirts are no better than the $20 shirts. (Now I'm sure that some $50 shirts *are* better -- I just don't know which ones!)
Brooks brothers shirts have historically been pretty good. I’d rather pay triple for a shirt that will last me 5 times as long as a cheap shirt and save me 4 shopping trips.
BTW they have a winter and summer sale (feb and aug?) where many things are half off. That is usually the only time I shop there though it has been a few years since I lived within range of a store.
Thanks for the tip.
If only my clothing would last until another year...
No, wait...it will.
Non problem.
Oh man !
Makes me feel warm just looking at it.
There’s nothing like cotton,nothing.
There is about a dollar of fabric in a $79 Brooks Bros shirt (and in every cotton dress shirt). So should they raise the price $.15?
Sure. $0.15 will pay for the extra cotton and we can all be happy.
Do you have one in lime green?
Why is India such an important supplier of cotton?
Why, because of the US Civil War (War of Northern Aggresion)
Oh damn,not again.
It may not be a question of cost, but of availability before too long. I have a friend who is in the sock business. His manufacturer said China is buying up all the cotton, and he is having a hard time even gettin it!
Lands End and Beans have good quality and are a good value for your dollar.
You amaze me,lol. I remember seeing superfly guys in that suit.
Bookmark
Though, when clicking on the link I was hoping to read a few ticker symbols for cotton ETFs.”
I call them about that time and was told to go through store stock and find remaining American made if that is what I wanted,I did and have a good supply of US made, what a difference in quality. When I was a kid we had a break in procedure for brand new pair went swimming in them and wore until they dried, the new foreign made ones are useless.
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