Hingham, Mass.-based Talbots Inc., Hermes
International SCA and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. are among retailers
that maintain that American consumers have come to expect
discounts, the New York Times reported.
Talbots displays sale signs in the windows of its stores even
though merchandise is new. Hermes has cut the price of silk ties
to entice consumers, the newspaper said, citing a salesman from
the company’s New York store.
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While the weak economy has depressed retailers’ prices,
consumers’ bargain expectations have added pressure and cut
profits further. Men’s, boy’s and infants’ clothing prices
declined 3.9 percent in February from a year earlier, while
women’s and girl’s clothing prices have decreased 2.5 percent, the
newspaper said, citing NPD Group Inc., a market research firm.
While prices fall, the cost of imported fabric is expected to
increase by at least 5 percent this year, the Times said, citing
unidentified analysts.
Bloomberg News
