In the twelve months ending March 2006, women’s sportswear sales increased 7 percent, compared with the same time last year, according to leading consumer and retail information company The NPD Group. The 11 percent average retail price increase helped drive the strong dollar growth. The growing $16 billion women’s sportswear business is helping department stores see green.

Women made big investments in the jeans and jackets/blazers categories, which posted growth of 23 and 25 percent, respectively. The average retail price of women’s jeans sold in department stores, rose 16 percent from a year ago. Two of the top five best-selling women’s jean brands were priced at $150.

Top Five Selling Jean Brands:
1. 7 for all Mankind
2. Levi’s
3. Tommy Hilfiger
4. Liz Clairborne
5. Citizens of Humanity

Top Five Selling Jacket/Blazer Brands:
1. St. John
2. Eileen Fisher
3. Jones NY
4. Ellen Tracy
5. Lauren Ralph Lauren

Source: NPD Women’s Sportswear POS