Number of Hollister retail stores worldwide 2000-2023
Hollister and the U.S. apparel market
Despite the current global economic downturn, the global apparel industry continues to grow at a healthy rate and this, coupled with the absence of switching costs for consumers and great product differentiation, means that rivalry within the industry is no more than moderate. The apparel industry is of great importance to the economy in terms of trade, employment, investment and revenue all over the world. This particular industry has short product life cycles, vast product differentiation and is characterized by great pace of demand change coupled with rather long and inflexible supply processes.
Hollister Co., is an American lifestyle brand which is owned by Abercrombie & Fitch. The concept was originally designed to attract consumers between the ages of fourteen to eighteen, at a lower price point than the parent brand. In the financial year 2023, Hollister made net sales of over two billion U.S. dollars. During 2022, retail sales at clothing and accessories stores in the United States totaled approximately 312 billion U.S. dollars; up from 294 billion U.S. dollars the previous year. Apparel retailing has always been a tough, highly competitive business, and many chains rise dramatically and then fail as price pressure from major discounters like Wal-Mart, Target and Kohl's keep profit margins thin at stores that sell moderately priced apparel.
The U.S. apparel industry is constantly changing, with fashion trends generating new demand on a regular basis. Younger demographics continue to buy, trying to keep up with fashion trends. Apparel retailers aim to drive innovation to stay connected and provide relevant products.