The following research report contains market research, analysis, statistics and business intelligence relating to research on The US Accessories Market.

ABSTRACT
In2007, the US Accessories Market has proven its clout, evolving into a $30.29 billion market. Research shows that the Accessory sector has emerged into a major player in the fashion industry and its growing numbers are indicative of its increasing strength. Handbags, jewelry, scarves and sunglasses are in constant demand and consumers are able to remain on top of the trends without breaking the bank. Luxury labels have also emerged as major players in the genre and high-end, previously all-apparel companies are stepping into the accessories world- fighting for a piece of the financially successful accessory pie. Multi-category brands have never been as prominent as they are today, and the struggle to establish a true lifestyle brand is never-ending.


TOTAL WOMEN'S ACCESSORIES
U.S. Retail Sales All Outlets Billions

2005 $30.29*
2004 $28.85
2003 $27.82
2002 $26.75
2001 $26.28
2000 $25.51
Source: Accessories, January 2006
* projected

TOTAL WOMEN'S ACCESSORIES U. S. Retail Sales All Outlets By Segment Segment 20042007 projected
Fashion/Bridge Jewelry	$7.98 billion	Up 4-5%
Fashion/ Sport Watches	$3.65	billion down 6%
Handbags	$5.78 billion	Up 10%
Small Leathergoods	$863.40 million	down 2%
Belts	$536.50 million	Up 22%
Hosiery (sheer & casual combined)	$4.84 billion	Sheers down 2-6% Casual up 3%
Slippers/Casual Footwear	$655.10 million	Up 3%
Scarves/Wraps	$661.40 million	Up 2%
Cold Weather	$441.20 million	Up 8%
Sunglasses	$1.80 billion	Up 10%
Hats	$937.40 million	Up 3%
Hair Accessories	$372.40 million	Down 15%
Rainwear/Umbrellas	$344.20 million	Flat- up 2%
Total $28.85 billion
Source: Accessories, January 2006

"There is no doubt about it, it's a challenging environment out there," said Battipaglia. "The category is an attractive area to be in, so the competition has grown exponentially. Therefore, it's necessary to keep being innovative with your brands. This is why we never stop. We are always looking for the next opportunity, and that is what has helped us become successful."
-Dina Battipaglia, president of the Liz Claiborne brand and contemporary accessories at Liz Claiborne Inc.

· In the year 2000, US Accessories Retail Sales were $25.51 billion. Two years later sales reached $26.75 billion. And in 2004 sales were $28.85 billion, therefore the increase to $30.29 billion in2007 represents a 5% increase. Clearly, the Accessories Market is on an upward climb.

· Accessories have a major consumer in the Luxury shopper genre. Luxury shoppers are those earning over $100,000 a year and feel that designer labels are innate aspects to their lifestyles. A more educated, aware, demanding consumer is born- but with so many choices, these consumers are looking for more than prestige and elitism. Indeed, factors like workmanship, quality, and longevity play a major role for the consumer.

· The "over 50" crowd is another market that accessories retailers and manufactures need to hone into. The over 50 crowd spends upwards of $2.7 billion annually and represents 27% of the population. Accessories are appealing due to the "one-size fits all notion" and the fact that older people are able to compete and express trends without being over-the-top.

· The tween demographic is also proving to have major purchasing power. Joel Feinman, head of sales at Fad Treasures says, "Kids are buying jewelry like crazy. Their parent's give them a certain amount of dollars, and if they can't afford jeans or clothing, they can afford a necklace." He goes on to say that it is very seasonal, which puts a lot of pressure on the vendors. Regardless, in order to have continuous growth, the accessory retailers must meet the demands of the consumer. (Kavita Daswani, "Trend Spotting," WWD, February 21, 2006)

According to a U.S. Census Bureau, the population of women in the U.S. between2007 and 2010 will increase by 6.2 million, a growth that will surely impact consumer behavior. There will be an additional 5.8 million women aged 45+ , an age demographic that has average purchasing power. The biggest change to the market will be the increase of women aged 15-34. By 2010 this age section is projected to increase by 1.7 million, therefore the accessories market will be controlled by the desires of a younger consumer.

· With the democratization of luxury comes the birth of the "aspirational" buyer. Certainly, these entry-level shoppers are a demographic that once conquered will reap major benefits. The luxury market now manifests in a duality of tiers- the true luxury shopper and the novice luxury shopper.

Mintel Reports: Women's Handbags, August2007
A study questioned 804 Women aged 18+ who bought at least one handbag in the past year; the following are the results of price points, demonstrating the influence of the aspirational luxury shopper.
Mintel Reports conducted a study in August of2007 regarding the purchasing habits of 804 females consumers 18 and over. 31% of the women surveyed had bought a handbag within the price point of $21-$50, while 22% of the women purchased a bag $51-$100. Another big group that represents the aspirational shopper is the 19% of women who purchased a bag $101-$300; clearly the aspirational luxury shopper should be a main focus for the accessories market.

Furthermore, in the watch market, the younger consumer (age 18-34) shows the strongest level of participation in the $200+ sector of the market. These purchases were most likely influenced by current fashion trends. Overall, watches in the $50 price point are most commonly purchased, according to Mintel's Luxury Goods2007 Report.

"Women are changing their bag more often than usual" -Donald J. Pliner Sales executive Ro Gallant-Brown.

"Accessories are the most insulated from economic and global issues. Even during challenging times at retail, accessories continue to flourish." - Roseanne Cumella, Senior VP Doneger Group

TRENDS
As the concept of style and fashion has grown it has become intrinsically interwoven with culture and lifestyle. Accessories are no longer the quiet "side-kick" of an outfit as they have proven as influential as clothing. Accessories can be counterproductive-destroying a perfectly fine outfit- or they can be the icing on the cake adding the extra something to a lovely ensemble. Either way they are a true necessity for any fashionable lifestyle. The handbag especially will continue to be an influential item due to the growing awareness of the power of a handbag. Women recognize one to have a transformative effect on a woman's outfit, self-image, outlook, and even her productivity
.
- Belts are experiencing a rebirth as women can show off their curves as well as make a statement with an oversized belt. Some call it risky, but this trend will most definitely have a strong future.

- Due to the newish play of proportions oversized bags still have a home. Whether it is slim jeans with an oversized top or skinny top with a bottom of volume the oversized handbag can act to balance things off. In addition- every woman appreciates the function of an oversized handbag.

- As clothing is moving into a more streamlined direction accessories are certain to act as major players in any outfit. Cocktail rings and statement pieces are a necessity to add some panache to a monochromatic, bluntly cut outfit.

- Feel the vibe of Ridgemont High- certainly not to an excessive degree-but, just the same quirky pieces are bound to find a place in the hearts of edgier fashionistas. Suspenders, fannypacks and personalized kicks are essential for the streetwise contemporary consumer. Furthermore, the rocker style is dubbed major trend from WWD.

- Headbands- any style and color- women will feel nostalgia for their formative years as the headband is reincarnated.

- Leggings and pattern stockings have not been sidelined. This accessory acts to add attitude and personality to any outfit. Retailers need to provide a plethora of options in the legging category as they are proving to be one of the MVPs in the trend category.

- Overall, high-end retail is viewed by most consumers as a "safe bet" to deliver a pleasing gift, especially in accessories. High-end gift giving is thus expected to be a popular trend in the future, impacting the accessories market.

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 January
Market: Womens
Region: usa
Industry: Accessories