Earnshaw's

The NPD Group reports that consumers are spending more than previous years, particularly in the adult apparel markets. Overall, stateside apparel sales increased 2 percent in 2010, bettering 2009, which saw a 5 percent decline. However, the report notes that the children's sector is down in dollar sales (3.6 percent) but unit sales increased by 1 percent. Women's apparel remains the most profitable market. (Popular categories: skirts increased 13 percent; dresses 4 percent.) Overall, sales in the women's market increased 2.9 percent in 2010; men's increased just over 3 percent after a disappointing 5.6 percent decline in 2009.