Oriental Net News, February 22: According to a report from the "Oriental Morning Post," Shen City has experienced a gradual rise in temperatures recently, and spring fashion is now prominently displayed in shopping malls. However, upon checking the prices of these new seasonal items, it becomes clear that clothing costs have surged significantly this year. For instance, a lightweight windbreaker or jacket from the same brand now costs more than last year’s wool or down coats.
The increase in clothing prices is largely attributed to rising cotton prices, with many retailers stating that overall production costs have gone up. This trend is evident across major department stores such as Parkson, Pacific, Meilong Town Isetan, and Hisamitsu. Shoppers can see an abundance of spring outfits on display, including suits, shirts, dresses, and knitwear, with many counters fully stocked.
At VERO MODA, OU Shili, and E-LAND, long-sleeved unisex tops are priced between 300 to 500 yuan, while windbreakers and jackets often exceed 1,000 yuan. At Pacific Department Store, a mid-to-high-end women's brand offers new spring windbreakers priced between 3,000 and 4,000 yuan, with last season’s coats also selling for around 3,300 yuan.
“A customer who used to buy a coat or down jacket last year can now only afford a windbreaker,†said a salesperson. “Last year, our windbreakers were around 1,500 yuan for short sleeves and 1,800 yuan for long sleeves—now they’ve almost doubled.†Other sales staff confirmed that most brands have raised prices by at least 20%, with some increasing by over 50%.
Mr. Xiao, a clothing wholesaler, explained that the main reason behind the price hikes is the rising cost of cotton. “Cotton prices have been climbing since last year, and since clothes are usually produced in advance, the cost is reflected in this year’s spring collections. Recently, cotton prices have risen again, so it’s likely that summer clothing will also see further increases.â€
He added that labor costs have also gone up, making it difficult for retailers to avoid raising prices. “All expenses are rising, so how else can we do it?â€
Despite the price increases, some customers are still opting for discounted winter wear. A female shopper said, “Many of the clothes on sale are last year’s autumn or spring styles. They’re still fashionable but much cheaper. It’s still early in the season, and there might be more discounts coming soon.â€
To save money, many shoppers are turning to custom-made clothing. In the South Bund textile market, despite higher fabric prices, the demand for tailored garments remains strong. “More middle-aged people used to make their own clothes, but now younger customers and even foreigners are coming in,†said one store owner. “People are no longer just asking for basic styles—they want something specific, like a picture of their favorite design.â€
Customization options vary, with a tailored shirt costing over 100 yuan, a small suit or jacket around 300 yuan, and a cashmere coat ranging from 500 to 600 yuan. The process typically takes about a week, but many find it worth the wait for a unique, well-fitted piece.
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