Summary
Nobody knows what the future holds for apparel sales, but considering the conditions at the moment, they don't look very good. Look for special deals from your favorite stores as they have already started with good deals and online specials. Look for the Government checks to arrive in the Spring which should give a shot in the arm and help with overall sales. Gas prices will remain a factor as they generally get higher towards April and may.
Analysis
Speciality shops like Pac-Sun, Areopostale, Wet Seal, Body Central , American Eagle, etc., tend to have more customers than your bigger department stores, and they seem to have more merchandise at least on the East Coast. They should lead the way because of Brand awareness and affordable prices.
Skate, Surf, and Snow boarding names like Volcom, Hurley, Billabong, etc. seem to be hot items for the younger consumers as other retailers compete for other less popular brands as well as their own.
Old Navy seems to be going downhill and I believe will find it hard to comptete with all of the other and newer competition.
Overall, I think sales will be flat with the leaders mentioned above.
