Post-war sales activity is increasing

KNIGHT RIDDER
The fashion industry may be shadowed by gloom and doom lately, but NPD, a group that tracks sales trends, sees a little light.
A new study shows that with the war over, consumers are ready to spend more money on apparel and footwear.
It's not a groundswell, but NPD numbers indicate that 14 percent of a consumer panel queried are planning to raise their budgets, up from 11 percent before the war. Among consumers with annual incomes of $45,000 to $75,000, 15 percent will spend more on clothing, up from 10 percent earlier this year.
The biggest shift is in the age range 18 to 34 with no children. They plan to spend 24 percent more for apparel and shoes in coming weeks, a lift from 19 percent before the war.
Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported recently the curl-up-at-home or nesting trend of recent months may be eroding after the war. People are starting to get out of the house at least to work out at gyms, garden, pursue hobbies, or dine at mid-level less expensive restaurants.