Consumer spending data moves apparel stocks, but VF Corp’s long-term slide remains

U.S. clothing and accessories retail sales rose 0.57% month-over-month in March, signaling resilient consumer spending and lifting apparel stocks. VF Corp (VFC) shares jumped 4.6% intraday, closing up 4.4% at $19.64. The move reflected improved market sentiment, partly tied to strong retail activity and peer AEO’s new campaign with actress Sydney Sweeney, which echoed a previous 77% run-up in its stock. Yet despite the day’s gain, VF Corp remains deep in negative territory over the long term. Investors who bought $1,000 in the stock five years ago now hold just $232.83.