Abstract
Accessories remain an important part of the overall market for clothes and fashion, providing women with the opportunity to create new looks and feel stylish. Whilst sales of womenfs outerwear grew by 12% in the period 2000 to 2004, this is being outstripped by growth in the accessories sector.
Since Mintel last reported on this market, hats, gloves and scarves and even belts have recorded positive growth. However, despite the relatively modest increases in these sectors, overall market growth is being fuelled principally by high volume and value growth in the handbag market, which continues to outperform the other aspects of the market with ease.
The basic economic and demographic drivers behind the market remain conducive to delivering growth. Levels of personal disposable income, greater access to shops and online catalogues, low rates of interest and prevailing robust levels of consumer confidence all conspire to entice women into the market. In addition, changing employment patterns for women are creating not only the income for, but the demand for stylish outfits and accessories in a way that has never before been experienced. | 
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