**Consumer Companies from Levi’s to Target Brace for Impact as Student Loan Repayments Resume**.
**New York, FashionNetwork.com** – American consumers are set to face a significant financial burden as student loan repayments resume after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has raised concerns among consumer companies, including Levi Strauss & Co., Target Corporation, and others, who fear a potential decline in consumer spending..
**Impact on Consumer Spending**.
According to a recent survey by the Federal Reserve, around 43 million Americans owe a collective $1.6 trillion in federal student loan debt. With the average monthly payment estimated to be around $400, the resumption of repayments is expected to reduce disposable income for many consumers. This could lead to a decrease in spending on non-essential items, such as apparel, footwear, and other discretionary purchases..
**Apparel and Retail Sector Impact**.
The apparel and retail sector is particularly vulnerable to the impact of reduced consumer spending. Companies like Levi Strauss & Co., Tapestry Inc. (owner of Coach and Kate Spade), and Gap Inc. have already expressed concerns about the potential impact on their sales..
Levi Strauss & Co. CEO Chip Bergh recently stated that the company is .
