"People bought seasonal apparel because it was hot and cheap, a good combination."

One such area could be among women who buy athletic footwear and apparel, corporate executives and industry analysts said.

Man the money she could give to charities instead of buying new apparel.

"But people don't buy electronics, home décor and apparel in zero time," the report says.

"And it's not clear whether customers will want to buy apparel from Amazon, so no major brand wants to be the test-tube subject."

She feels the same way when she buys intimate apparel.

Not only are they more motivated by discounts than other shoppers, but they tend to be choosier especially about buying apparel online.

It's a fair bet that some of it goes to buy stylish apparel and shoes made in third-world countries - by other children.

"It's so noticeable because consumers held off buying apparel for so long."

If anything, the middle class's increased emphasis on watching its pennies is encouraging retailers to buy lower-priced imported apparel.