The UK Children's Clothes Market

In the UK the children's clothes market is defined as clothing for children under the age of 15. The primary sectors in this market are girls' and boys' clothing as well as infant clothing. Even though the market for girls' clothes is smaller by population size than the boys' market, the girls' market accounts for higher sales.

More clothing is typically purchased for the girls' market as they tend to have a much more extensive wardrobe than their male counterparts. Additionally, the market tends to be more fashion led with items such as replica watches, replica purses, replica handbags, replica louis vuitton handbags and so on, which tends to increase spending.

The boys' clothes market has been increasing in recent years, mostly due to increased spending on sportswear. In the infant and baby wear market, the higher birth rate in the UK has given way to increased spending. The UK children's clothes market tends to be product and brand led with retailer owned labels and exclusive lines dominating the market.

Children's clothes is being purchased by around three in ten consumers, even by those that do not have children. Also helping the United Kingdom's clothing market get a boost is the fact that parenting ages are becoming higher and family sizes are getting smaller.

The United Kingdom children's clothing markets have proven to be the most resilient of the clothing sectors. Some of the most successful companies in the UK include Asda, Adams, Gap, H&M, M&S, Matalan, Mothercare, Primark and Tesco. These companies continue to be successful in the children's market even during the tough recession.

Internet shopping is a new growth area with estimates that 12% of all children's clothing sales are now made through this channel. Many established retailers now operate online although discounters are noticeably absent. An estimated four million adults buy children's clothes on the internet.

An estimated ten million people are participating in the children's clothing buying experience in addition to eleven million people buying clothes as a gift. Children's clothing gift shopping is particularly important among older people such as grandparents even though incomes are typically tight for many in this group.