China’s apparel retail sales environment is continuing to expand faster than either domestic apparel production or exports. July apparel retail sales grew 24.9 percent from year-ago levels, which followed a 25 percent expansion during the first half of the year. Furniture sales are gaining ground at an even faster pace, increasing 31.9 percent in July and 43.4 percent in January through June. Total retail sales expanded 16.4 percent in July, which was the fastest rate of growth since 2004. Among apparel products, men’s apparel sales were reported to be exceptionally strong during the January through July period.