Moreover, fast-fashion brands such as Gap Inc ( GPS ), Urban Outfitters' ( URBN ), Forever 21, H&M and Zara were able to attract U.S. buyers with their popular merchandise. Consumer confidence was low due to increased taxes, slow job growth, higher healthcare costs and gasoline price inflation. This fashion-conscious buying impacted the sales of a number of retailers such as American Eagle Outfitters ( AEO ), Aeropostale ( ARO ), Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF), and also Guess.