[Soterik]

The neckwear market is still extremely large, fashion skinny neckwear is a current big hit, but mostly on the coasts. The total market hasn't decreased at all in the last couple of years, as a matter of fact it's stabilized and grown some.

Dress shirt business for the large dept stores is growing vs the last couple of years, and is extremely strong. Brands are stronger than private label, and a lot of it is performance oriented (wrinkle free, and non iron). AUR (average unit retail) has grown as well as the customer appears to be willing ot pay for performance products.

Casual wear is increasing, but by and large it's become more refined. Used to be that it was Khakis and a polo shirt....or it was a suit. At least there are more options now. Newest trend in suits is 3 piece..... the vest is coming back! Think Steve McQueen in the Thomas Crown Affair.

Still like my ties! I've kept got ever one I've ever had....several hundred by now.

E
Cog in the wheel at Phillips Van Heusen (we own Calvin Klein...)