[ STUFFS ]
Hispanic market
holds potential
In the last 12 months a number of major apparel retailers, from Wal-Mart to Macy's West, have stepped up their focus on the huge Hispanic market.After all, Hispanics are America's fastest-growing minority group. In 1999 they spent an estimated $12 billion on apparel, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor. By 2010 they will be 40 million strong, making them the largest minority group in the country.
Hispanic households spend, on average, $1,290 per year on apparel, compared with $1,128 for non-Hispanic households. They also spend $391 per household on men's clothes, almost $70 more than non-Hispanics.
Apparel labels including Levi's and Dickies are now making concerted efforts to reach Hispanic customers, as are retailers such as J.C. Penney and Kmart. Brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, A/X Armani Exchange and Banana Republic have already gained a following among fashion-forward Hispanic
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