Teen spending rises 6% as athletic apparel loses ground

· Retail & E-commerce · United States

Teen spending rose 6% in Piper Sandler's latest survey, with respondents trading athletic apparel for fashion. Footwear was down and traditional athletic brands lost share, while Target and brands including On gained ground. The findings point to a rotation in teen budgets away from the athletic look that has dominated recent years and toward fashion-led purchases. For retailers, the shift affects assortment and brand mix decisions, particularly in apparel and footwear, and it comes as sportswear giants are already seeing uneven results. The survey is closely watched as an early indicator of where younger consumers direct discretionary spending.

Why it matters：Teen spending patterns are an early signal for apparel and footwear assortment, brand momentum and which retailers capture the next fashion cycle.

Key points

  • Teen spending up 6% in the Piper Sandler survey
  • Footwear declined and traditional athletic brands lost share
  • Target and On were among the gainers

Sources (original reporting)

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