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Flip-Flops and Swimwear Sales Rise During COVID-19 Pandemic’s Summer Months
Sales of summer staples such as flip-flops and swimsuits have surged amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to The Guardian, searches for flip-flops have increased 53% since June, as reported by online fashion search business Lyst.
“Flip-flops in particular have seen something of a resurgence as an alternative to the classic Birkenstock”, said Selfridges accessories and shoes buying manager, Josie Gardner.
Jesse Burnett, co-founder of footwear brand Tkees, said that “with remote work more popular than ever, buying patterns no longer have to centre around office attire or what someone’s workplace might deem acceptable.”
WWD – After Diving, Swimwear Sees More Bouyant Days Ahead https://t.co/63kumusMQX pic.twitter.com/dAhAU0c7nb
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“Today, consumers are buying what they want to wear, rather than what they have to wear.”
In addition, WWD reported that swimwear “sees more buoyant days ahead.”
Swimwear sales dropped 21% for the second quarter as compared to 2019. This comes with women’s retail accounting for 80% of the drop, according to data from NPD Group Inc. However, in the following months through June, swim sales “grew substantially month to month,” WWD reported.
“People may not be traveling, but they might be enjoying pools and beaches at home. Inflatable pools and above-ground pools were up by triple digits in April and May,” said Kristen Classi-Zummo, the research group’s director of market insights for apparel.
The Guardian concluded that the flip-flop is “breaking new ground” as it is “perfect for staycations, gardening and popping to the shop,” and for many office workers, it is also “the perfect footwear for board meetings and brainstorming sessions.”
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