Feb. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Apparel makers may soon be finding strength in fewer numbers.

Nike Inc. and VF Corp. may try to buy sportswear maker Quiksilver Inc., said Bob Copeland, an apparel specialist in Atlanta with consulting firm Kurt Salmon Associates Inc. Clothing maker Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. may combine with Warnaco Inc., said Brian Tunick, a JPMorgan Chase & Co. analyst in New York.

Plunging retail sales have fueled speculation that suppliers of clothes, shoes and accessories will merge as business shrinks. The extent of the industry’s distress became more evident yesterday after VF, the largest U.S. apparel company and the owner of the Nautica brand, forecast a revenue drop this year. VF said yesterday it’s on the lookout for purchases.

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