The right handbag, belt, necktie, or scarf can provide the visual accent that completes a new outfit -- or that makes over an old one. Yes, the $16.3 billion fashion accessories market is benefiting from the national economic downturn, as consumers satisfy their craving to shop by picking up that cool new silk handkerchief or winter hat, instead of a costlier dress or business suit. But accessories inspire impulse and add-on purchases during better times, too. The virtually unstoppable market will thus climb to $20.2 billion by 2012.

In this totally new report, seven categories are examined: bags, belts/small leather goods, gloves/mittens, handkerchiefs/pocket squares, hats, scarves/shawls, and ties/other neckwear. Sales patterns, and the business and societal trends that shape them, are analyzed in depth. Detailed demographic data from Simmons Market Research Bureau are presented, too.

Plus, our analysis of competition in this market includes case studies on: Coach, Hermes, HSN, Jones Apparel Group, and Randa Accessories. We also profile Three Marketers to Watch: New Era Cap, Vera Wang Bridal House, Ltd., and World of Good.

Report Methodology

Men’s and Women’s Fashion Accessories in the U.S.: Bags, Belts, Gloves, Hats, Scarves, Ties and Handkerchiefs is based on information gathered from primary, secondary, and syndicated sources. Primary research involves on-site study of how accessories are sold through retail stores; the report also consults with industry executives. Secondary research involves the evaluation and comparison of data from mountains of articles found in financial, marketing, and retail publications, as well as corresponding websites. Company literature, government agencies, and other sources also provided valuable secondary data.

Stats on market revenues and growth trends were derived from all publicly available data on the fashion accessories marketplace, be they quantitative or qualitative, factoring in a broad range of societal and economic trends to shape the most accurate possible view of sales progress.

Analysis of consumers’ purchase and use of accessories is based on semi-annual surveys by Simmons Market Research Bureau, Inc., one of the leading compilers of demographic data in the United States. Topical data on consumers’ purchasing habits are sourced from monthly online surveys.

The Bottom Line: What Your Company Really Gets...

With Men’s and Women’s Fashion Accessories in the U.S., you and your marketing team will gain a comprehensive overview of the ins and outs of the accessories business. Most importantly, the report anchors accessories in the broader fashion world and societal contexts, as well as in the rapidly transforming retail scene. Such valuable qualitative perspective is supported with extensive hard data presented in well-organized tables and charts.

How Your Company Will Benefit from This Report...

If your company is already an established player in fashion accessories, this report is bound to freshen and strengthen your marketing plan. If your company is newly targeting the accessories consumer, then this report is a great intro to the accessories marketplace, and thus a launching pad for a successful venture.