and a shift in mix to higher priced products. Gross margin was also positively impacted by growth in our higher margin DTC business (increasing gross margin approximately 40 basis points) and improved margins due to cleaner closeout inventories (increasing margin approximately 20 basis points). These increases in gross margin were partially offset by higher product costs (decreasing gross margin approximately 50 basis points), primarily due to a shift in mix to higher cost products, as well as product labor input cost inflation. Gross margins were also negatively impacted by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate movements (decreasing gross margin approximately 50 basis points). 

Fiscal 2013 Compared to Fiscal 2012 

For fiscal 2013, our consolidated gross margin was 10 basis points higher than fiscal 2012, primarily driven by higher average selling prices (approximately 160 basis points) that were attributable to higher prices and a favorable sales mix. The positive benefit of higher net average selling prices was largely offset by higher product costs (approximately 110 basis points), primarily due to higher factory labor costs, and unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate movements (approximately 40 basis points). 

In addition, in fiscal 2013 we experienced significant shifts in the mix of revenues from higher to lower margin segments of our business. While growth in these lower gross margin segments delivered incremental revenue and profits, it had a negative effect on our consolidated gross margin. 

Total Selling and Administrative Expense 

Fiscal 2014 Compared to Fiscal 2013 

Demand creation expense increased 10% compared to the prior year, mainly driven by marketing support for events, including the World Cup, higher sports marketing expense, key product launches and initiatives, and investments to upgrade the presentation of our products in wholesale accounts. For fiscal 2014, changes in foreign currency exchange rates did not have a material impact on Demand creation expense. 

Compared to the prior year, Operating overhead expense increased 14%, primarily attributable to growth in our DTC business driven by new store openings, higher personnel costs, and e-commerce launches, as well as increased investments in our digital capabilities and corporate infrastructure. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates did not have a material impact on Operating overhead expense for fiscal 2014. 

Fiscal 2013 Compared to Fiscal 2012 

Demand creation expense increased 5% compared to the prior year, mainly driven by an increase in sports marketing expense, marketing support for key product initiatives, including the NIKE FuelBand and NFL launch, as well as an increased level of marketing spending around global sporting events such as the European Football Championships and London Summer Olympics. Excluding the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, Demand creation expense increased 8%. 

Compared to the prior year, Operating overhead expense increased 13%, primarily attributable to increased investments in our DTC operations, higher personnel costs, and corporate initiatives to support the growth of our overall