Pre-Christmas sales

Demand for men's clothing seems to be slowing up in the lead up to Christmas according to retailers surveyed by Ragtrader.
As a result, many retailers claim that the average amount being spent by men is decreasing, with the average spend currently sitting at approximately $115.
"[Sales of] men's clothing has slowed up a lot recently, whereas women's is different - selling much more."
Despite the downturn in consumer spending, styles proving popular include polo shirts, followed closely by shorts and shirts. Brands such as Billabong, RM Williams and Ripcurl were amongst the highest selling labels in stores across Australia.
Independent womenswear stores reported the sale of apparel was on par with this time last year, with approximately 38 per cent of stores surveyed reporting stronger sales.
"Business is about the same as. Winter was good but it's started to quieten back down as it's getting closer to Christmas," says Monica Martin, spokesperson for Springwood-based womenswear retailer Dress on Macquarie.
Popular labels Marco Polo, Dusk and Yarra Trail made it into the top five selling brands, with top selling styles including dresses, skirts, shirts and assorted sportswear.

Menswear
Top 5 brands
1. Billabong
2. RM Williams
3. Ripcurl
4. Industrie
5. Quiksilver

Top 4 styles
1. Polo shirts
2. Shorts
3. Shirts
4. T-shirts

Business performance
Better - 44 per cent
Worse - 22 per cent
Same - 34 per cent

Average spend?
$115

Are men buying for themselves or others?
Themselves - 88 per cent
Others - 12 per cent

Womenswear
Top 5 brands
1. Marco Polo
2. Dusk
3. Yarra Trail
4. Toronto
5. Basic

Top 4 styles
1. Dresses
2. Skirts
3. Shorts
4. Assorted sportswear

Business performance
Better - 38 per cent
Worse - 15 per cent
Same - 47 per cent

Average spend
$260

Are women buying for themselves or others?
Themselves - 100 per cent