Apparel sales plummeted and online discounts and promotions spiked as the pandemic swept the US, retailers closed their (physical) store doors, and shoppers prepared to shelter in place. In response, retailers deepened their discounts and increased their promotions in March and April 2020 compared with March 2019.
As one of the hardest-hit categories, apparel retailers have been particularly active in terms of promotions in the past two months, with more discounts, free shipping offers, and sitewide sales.