Brandweek published the Top 10 Product Categories for Teens based on 2008 ad spend with teen publications.

1. Apparel: $40.1M

2. Fragrances (female): $14.6M

3. Entertainment Software: $14M

4. Sporting Footwear: $10M

5. Department Store: $8.6M

6. Apparel Store: $8.6M

7. Shoes: $8.2M

8. Lipstick: $6.4M

9. Antiperspirant/Deodorant: $5M

10. Mascara $5M

Breaking through to reach teens with your apparel brand takes intelligence, direction, opinion, and a plan. Amazing that the second largest ad spend category in 2008 is almost three times lower than apparel.  With teens wearing a multitude of brands – companies need to look well beyond their competitive set to ride above the noise and be heard.  As action sports apparel companies continue to reach beyond beach wear, the ad spends from competitors get heavier, the research deeper, and the experience…well….more.

It’s time to place every brand that a teen wears and review their media consumption and the ads they view on the table – not just what they see in your industry.

For more insights…visit www.forsenorse.com