Despite cost inflation, Levi's saw improvement in gross profit margin in the quarter, driven by reducing promotional sales programs through wholesale and higher market share gains in denim bottoms. Here's why Starbucks, Levi Strauss (NYSE: LEVI), and Lululemon Athletica (NASDAQ: LULU) are great stocks to consider in this environment. Levi Strauss: Surging demand for denim Levi's is one of the most iconic apparel brands in the world.