The following research report contains market research, analysis, statistics and business intelligence relating to research on Overview of Childrens Market in the USA.

ABSTRACT
Market Status:
Supported by a growing population of young children and re-interpreted marketing strategies throughout the children's industry, the children's clothing category has estimated sales of $30.6 billion in2007. This figure represents an increase of 13% in current terms since 2002.

The market segment is expected to grow 12% in current terms by 2008. Unforeseen innovations in the market and technology could shift the forecast, causing sales to increase more than expected.

Girls' clothing sales for2007 are estimated to be $10.6 billion, up 23% in current terms since 2002. While girls' clothing is showing the greatest growth, infant and toddler clothing has slightly higher sales figures. Sales of infant and toddler clothing are estimated at nearly $11 billion for2007
(Mintel Reports: Children's Clothing July2007).

U.S. Consumer Spending on Back-to-School items
Category	$ billions	% Share of total spending
Clothing and accessories	6.72	45.3
Electronics and computer equipment	3.09	20.8
Shoes	2.75	18.8
School supplies	2.24	15.1
Total	14.8	100

Source: Mintel/NRF/eMarketer July 2004

The NRF Survey, commissioned by BIGresearch on behalf of NRF, June and July 2004, among 8,453 respondents, shows that clothing and accessories far exceed any other single category of spending for back-to-school items. The average amount spent per family on back-to-school goods is estimated to rise to $440 per family, or a 7% increase over 2003.

Population Growth and Opportunities
American population projections, by age, 2000-2010
	2000		2005		2010		Change 2000-2005	Change2007-2010
	000s	%	000s	%	000s	%	%	%
		%	000s	%	000s	%	%	%
0-2 years	11,486	22	12,347	23.6	12,961	24	7.5	5
3-4 years	7,732	14.8	8,148	15.6	8,465	15.7	5.4	3.9
5-7 years	12,066	23.1	11,632	22.3	12,472	23.1	-3.6	7.2
8-12 years	20,945	40.1	20,090	38.5	20,026	37.1	-4.1	-0.3
Total	52,228	100	52,218	100	53,924	100		3.3

Source: Mintel Reports 2005

While the population growth of kids 0-12 years was negligible during the period of 2000-2005, as of2007, there are over 52 million children under the age of 12 who are in need of wardrobes in the United States. For each child, wardrobes include both basic everyday clothes, as well as clothing for special occasions. Furthermore, it should be noted that some groups of children increased in numbers during the 2000-2005 period, notably younger children - those 0 to 4 years.

What Kids Think:
Girls 6-11 are significantly more likely to say they keep up with the latest fashions (50% vs. 28%), and nearly one in five say they "look at magazines to know what's in fashion." Shopping is one very important way in which girls learn about what is in style. Just 12% of those 6 to 11 say that shopping for clothes is "boring," compared to 50% of boys. Results from Mintel/Spring 2004 Simmons Kid's Survey shows interesting attitudes towards fashion, by gender and age. Boys and girls between 6- 8 years are keener to look cool, or look what is considered cool by their piers. However, as their age develops so too does their sense of style and individuality, 40% of boys and 39% of girls try to wear different clothes than their friends between the ages of 9-11, and even specified they look at magazines to know what's in fashion, A further fact that celebrities and models are influencing a continually younger market.

The report also shows attitudes toward fashion, by race and Hispanic origin, May 2003-April 2004. 89% of Black race are happy with the way they look opposed to 76% of white and 80% of Hispanic race. 54% of the black race asked where keen to keep up with the latest fashion trends, in relation to 33% white and 35% Hispanic.

And 16% of Black race opposed to 9% of white and 14% of Hispanic look at fashion magazines to know what's in fashion. The results again prove to be very interesting and definitely highlight the black race to be more confident with both their bodies and more aware and likely to follow the latest fashions.

Opportunities:

Incidence of being overweight, 6-11 year olds, 1976-2000
Year	% Overweight*
1976-1980	6.5
1988-1994	11.3
1999-2000	15.3

Source: Mintel Reports 2007

The husky and plus-size market, especially in the United States, continues to grow in importance, with a 4% increase of overweight 6-11 year olds since 1994.

Children's clothing manufacturers and marketers should be on the look-out for opportunities to cross market with other lifestyle brands, like Williams Sonoma and/or Pottery Barn.

Also, current and future technological breakthroughs will play a significant role in the direction of fashion, especially in childrenswear. Most developments involve health monitoring and comfort awareness using "smart" clothing, which will be especially appealing to parents concerned with the wellbeing of their children. Parents are most likely to pay the additional costs of these technologically advanced products if they can be convinced of their necessity in everyday life.

Scientists are working on ways to make clothing improve the wearer's quality of life. MIT has an entire department dedicated to building "wearable sensing technologies."According to this group, personal computers of the future will not sit on a desktop, but rather will be worn and will interact with the wearer, depending on the situation. As noted in InfoMat's February 2006 TechStyles Report, current innovations in this field include the Warm X undershirt, utilizing a polyamide fiber conducted current to maintain warmth, possibly helping to ward of the common cold.

In October 2004, < a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com">National Geographic reported that British scientists have created a new fabric that guarantees to keep the wearer cool. The fabric will change shape once it feels the wetness of the wearer's perspiration, indicating that he or she is too hot. When the technology is ready to be put into the market, it will very likely succeed among parents looking to keep their children as comfortable as possible.

Other extensions of smart clothes might possibly keep kids safer in the future. Indeed, in July of 2004, knife-resistant clothing for children became available. While expensive (starting at $373 each), safer jackets and sweatshirts are on the market using the same weapon-proof fibers as police gear. If technology makes these types of items comfortable and cheaper, concerned parents would likely be receptive. (Mintel Reports Children's Clothing July2007).

More in-depth Childrens Research reports on the US and International market are available.

DISCLAIMER
Information in this report relies on sources including Government Publications, Opinions of industry experts and other public sources. Infomat can accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information or for loss or damage caused by any use thereof. All prices subject to change without notice.

Published: 2006 june
Market: Childrens
Region: usa
Industry: Apparel Accessories
Delivery: 7-12 Business Days