Eurostat said that there was a fall in spending on items such as clothes and computers in the 17-nation euro bloc.

BBC: Eurozone retail sales fall for second consecutive month

Clothes prices in the euro area should eventually fall steeply, boosting real household incomes and spending.

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But in the crazy world of apparel seasons, the 4th traditionally marks the start of sales on summer clothes and the beginning of the reset to show fall styles.

FORBES: Wednesday 4th of July: Will it Help or Hurt Retailers?

Spending on clothes in Germany, for example, is expected to fall 4% this year.

ECONOMIST: Hennes & Mauritz

But when it comes to making sure that their clothes are made in factories that are safe for workers, the couple fall short.

NPR: Shoppers Face Hurdles In Finding Ethical Clothing

The company said the reception has been warm to the 10 mini-shops that it rolled out last fall, including those for Levi's brand and Penney's new JCP line of casual clothes.

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