18 September 2024, Mumbai

Leading Indian men’s fashion brand Snitch has launched its 24th store in Indore, located at Phoenix Citadel Mall. The 2,545-square-foot space enhances the city’s vibrant fashion scene, offering a modern shopping experience tailored to Indore’s youthful and fashion-forward crowd.

Siddharth Dungarwal, Founder of Snitch, emphasized that the expansion marks a key milestone in the brand's goal of delivering high-quality men’s fashion to a wider audience across India. He expressed excitement about introducing their latest collections to Indore, aligning with the city's increasing focus on fashion and style-conscious consumers.

The store will feature Snitch’s contemporary designs, ranging from modern to classic looks, reflecting the brand’s commitment to stylish yet accessible fashion.

Established in 2020 as a direct-to-customer brand, Snitch has quickly grown its retail presence. In addition to its online store, the brand now operates outlets in cities like Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Rajkot, and Hyderabad. The Indore launch marks another milestone in Snitch’s ongoing expansion across India.

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18 September 2024, Mumbai

Apparel Group India has expanded the brick-and-mortar presence of its footwear brand Crocs in Haryana by launching a new exclusive brand outlet in Faridabad. Located inside Mall of Faridabad by the Pacific Group, the outlet offers Crocs’ casual designs to shoppers in the national capital region.

The store launched with the installation of a giant croc shoe in the atrium of the shopping centre, It offers a collection of Crocs’ signature slip on shoes as well as charms to decorate them with. Featuring an open storefront, illuminated sign reading ‘Come as you are’, and a bright interior, the store is designed to engage shoppers of all ages.

Besides Crocs, the Mall of Faridabad also houses stores of other Indian and international fashion and lifestyle brands like Bata, Asics, Biba, Arrow, Being Human, Zudio, Caratlane, Uniqlo, Tasva, Mochi, New U, and Miniso among others. Located at NIT Faridabad, the mall is spread across 4 lakh sq ft.

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17 September 2024, Mumbai

Bradford License India has partnered with US-based apparel brand Fruit of the Loom as its official and exclusive licensing agency in India. Through this partnership, the licensing agency aims to expand the brand’s presence in India, and also boost its customer base. To achieve this, Bradford License India will identify and secure licensing opportunities for the brand across various product categories.

The partnership will help Fruit of the Loom launch its locally designed products in the Indian market to meet the preferences of the country’s growing fashion-conscious consumers. Licensees will develop and retail a range of Fruit of the Loom products, including casual wear, sleepwear, innerwear, and accessories.

David Springob, Vice President –Licensing, Fruit of the Loom, says, partnering with Bradford License India enables the brand to connect with a new audience, and create fresh, exciting product categories for Indian consumers.

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18 September 2024, Mumbai

Embarking on an expansive growth strategy, Raymond Lifestyle (RLL) aims to launch 900 new outlets across India over the next three years. According to Gautam Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director, the brand’s initiative coincides with its centenary celebrations, and will help it strengthen presence in the country.

The company’s expansion on such a large scale will help Raymond capture a significant 7 per cent share in the fast-growing men’s wedding wear market by 2027, emphasizes Singhania. The company has targeted a growth rate of 15 per cent CAGR in this segment over the coming years, he adds.

Expanding its store network, Raymond plans to set up 40-50 new outlets in West Bengal where it currently operates 85 stores. To be established in the next three years, these stores will help the brand cement its market presence in the state.

This expansion will also enable Raymond to better serve customers across India, particularly in the booming men's wedding wear segment besides reinforcing the brand’s position as a dominant player in the market, adds Singhania.

Raymond's aggressive retail push is part of its broader strategy to strengthen its position in India’s apparel market and further diversify its retail offerings.

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 17 September 2024, Mumbai

Driven by rising incomes, favorable demographics, and increasing demand for affordable fashion, particularly among Gen-Z consumers, the market for value fashion in India is expected to rebound.

According to a research report by financial advisory firm Centrum, over the past decade, India’s apparel retail market grew at a CAGR of 10.2 per cent, with growth fueled by rising disposable incomes and rapid urbanization. This led to a significant shift from unorganised to branded retail. Store expansions by major players grew at a CAGR of 15.7 per cent over the past five years.

Today, organised retail accounts for 40 per cent of the market, with both domestic and international brands establishing strong footholds. E-commerce has played a crucial role in this shift, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

One key trend identified in the report is the increasing focus on private-label apparel, offering both price and product differentiation. In smaller cities, however, consumers tend to prioritise quality and value-for-money over brand names. Affordable fashion has become a dominant force, with value fashion making p 56 per cent of the total apparel market.

In fiscal year 2023 (FY23), the mass market grew by 28.4 per cent. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of13.7 per cent from FY23-27. The economy segment also saw substantial growth, rising by 28.7 per cent in FY23, and projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.0 per cent over the next five years.

The mid-premium segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 21.7 per cent from FY23-27. The premium segment is projected to expand at a CAGR of 25.0 per cent over the coming years. Meanwhile, the premium+ category is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 35.9 per cent by FY27.

The report also highlights segmentation within the organised market, with western wear, ethnic wear, and athleisure showing rapid growth. Private brands are expected to capitalise on evolving fashion trends and consumer lifestyles, positioning themselves for higher growth in the near future.

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17 September 2024, Mumbai

In a significant development that could reshape the landscape of e-commerce in India, a recent antitrust investigation has reportedly revealed that US giants Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart have been violating of India's competition laws. The probe, as reported by Reuters, has concluded that both companies engaged in preferential treatment of select sellers on their respective platforms.

Alleged violations and relevant laws

The primary allegation is that Amazon and Flipkart favored certain sellers, offering them preferential listing and visibility on their websites. This practice, it is claimed, created an uneven playing field, stifling competition and harming the interests of smaller sellers who did not receive similar treatment.

The laws at the heart of this matter are primarily the Competition Act, 2002. This act aims to prevent practices that have an appreciable adverse effect on competition (AAEC) in India. It prohibits agreements or practices that cause or are likely to cause AAEC in India. Specific violations in this context could include:

• Abuse of dominant position: If Amazon and Flipkart are found to have a dominant position in the market, favoring select sellers could be seen as an abuse of that position.

• Anti-competitive agreements: Any arrangements with sellers that lead to unfair trade practices or restrict competition could also be scrutinized under the act.

Implications for e-commerce in India

The findings of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for the e-commerce sector in India.

To begin with the e-commerce industry, particularly major players are likely to face increased regulatory scrutiny. Amazon and Flipkart could face significant penalties if the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) findings are upheld. They may also be required to implement corrective measures to ensure a level playing field for all sellers. The investigation could pave the way for a fairer and more competitive marketplace, ensuring that all sellers have equal opportunity. The government may also introduce new policies or amend existing ones to ensure a level playing field in the e-commerce sector. And in the long run, a more competitive market could lead to better prices and greater choice for consumers. The CCI's intervention could lead to greater opportunities for smaller sellers, who have long complained of being sidelined by larger players.

The investigation's findings are likely to be challenged by Amazon and Flipkart. The companies have previously denied any wrongdoing. However, if the allegations are upheld, the CCI could impose hefty fines or other penalties on the companies. It could also lead to structural changes in how these platforms operate. The unfolding of this case will undoubtedly be keenly watched by stakeholders across the e-commerce industry, as its outcome could significantly impact the future of online retail in India.

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18 September 2024, Mumbai

Following the resignation of Manish Tiwary, who stepped down last month after eight-year tenure, Amazon has appointed Samir Kumar as the new head for its India operations. Armed with 25 years of experience in the company, Kuma rplayed a key role in the launch of Amazon India in 2013.

Kumar will assume his new responsibilities on Oct 1, 2024 while continuing to lead Amazon’s consumer businesses in the Middle East, South Africa, and Turkey.

Tiwary's resignation was previously attributed to his decision to pursue an opportunity outside the company.

This leadership transition comes as Amazon is rapidly expanding its presence in India, where it has announced plans to invest $26 billion by 2030. However, the company faces a challenging regulatory environment that limits it to operating as a marketplace.

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17 September 2024, Mumbai

India’s leading value fashion retailer, Citykart is gearing up for a major expansion with the launch of over 25 to 30 new stores across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, and Odisha.

Timed perfectly ahead of the festive season, this expansion marks the brand’s entry into 15 new cities. Supported by an investment of approximately Rs50 crore, this initiative is expected to generate employment for 500 to 600 people, demonstrating Citykart’s commitment to supporting local communities and strengthening India’s retail markets.

The retailer will open new stores in key cities such as Ranchi, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Muzaffarpur in Bihar, Tezpur in Assam, Phulbani in Odisha, and Jhansi, Agra, Banaras, and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh. The expansion will also see Citykart launch its first store in New Delhi, broadening its reach to the capital.

Ritesh Rathi, COO, Citykart Retail, says, launching 25 to 30 new stores across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other states is part of the company’s commitment to serve its customers better. The enthusiastic response from customers motivates the brand to expand our store network and enhance its product range. The brand focuses on catering to families in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, especially during the festive season, with a variety of affordable fashion options, he adds.

Through this expansion, Citykart aims to boost foot traffic not only for festive shopping but also for the wedding and winter seasons. Currently, the retailer operates 108 stores across nine states, with a strong presence in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

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16 September 2024, Mumbai

Entrepreneur Vivek Biyani has launched the first flagship store of his experiential commerce concept, ‘Broadway,’ in New Delhi under the venture building company Think 9.

Located in Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, the Broadway store spans 25,000 sqft and features over 115 new-age brands across categories such as fashion, lifestyle, beauty, personal care, and wellness. This store marks the debut of the Broadway concept in India, with plans to expand by opening two stores in Hyderabad next month and a store in Mumbai by early 2025.

Commenting on the launch, Biyani states, with experiential commerce at the core of its vision, Broadway aims to create an ecosystem that reflects the online experience for digital natives—empowering digital-first brands to establish a physical presence and connect with consumers on a deeper level.

Broadway's experiential commerce concept seeks to bridge the gap between digital-first brands and offline consumer experiences by integrating content, creators, and commerce into a cohesive shopping experience.

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18 September 2024, Mumbai

As a part of the second phase of its brick –and- mortar expansion in India, global homeware and lifestyle retailer Ikea India plans to limit the size of its upcoming stores to 30,000 sq ft-70,000 sq ft. The company plans to launch a new store in the Delhi-NCR besides ramping up its online presence in the country.

In the first phase of the company’s expansion in India, Ikea launched four stores in three markets of the country, notes Susanne Pulverer, CEO, Ikea India. It also plans to launch e-commerce operations in New Delhi in Q1, FY25 before opening its first brick-and-mortar store at the ‘Lykli’ centre in Gurugram in 2026.

Being a low-cost and a cost-conscious company, Ikea India strives to source new solutions to compensate for the high land prices and interest rates in India, says Pulverer It collaborates with other companies to source more locally available products to boost its gross margins.

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17 September 2024, Mumbai

Designer Nitya Bajaj has made her debut in the menswear market with the launch of her first-ever men’s festive collection, ‘Ajrakh,’ in Delhi. Known for her elegant and bold designs in womenswear, Bajaj has now expanded her creative vision to cater to modern men who appreciate tradition with a contemporary twist.

The launch event took place with a glamorous fashion show at the Claridges Hotel, where actor Rohit Bose Roy graced the runway as the showstopper. He wore an exclusive, limited-edition Indigo Ajrakh striped kurta, intricately embellished with sequins and beadwork, showcasing the detailed craftsmanship that defines the collection.

Inspired by the centuries-old hand-block printing technique from Gujarat, ‘Ajrakh,’ features a traditional yet modern array of festive wear for men. The collection includes a diverse range of kurtas, sherwanis, jackets, and other statement pieces. The use of Indigo, intricate prints, and embellished detailing highlights the fusion of heritage textiles with contemporary silhouettes, creating a collection that resonates with men who value individuality and cultural richness.

Nitya Bajaj emphasises, the collection has been reimagined for the modern man who cherishes tradition but seeks unique, updated styles that express his personal identity. Its mix of hand woven fabrics, intricate embroidery, and timeless cuts has garnered an overwhelming response from the audience, who praised its blend of tradition and modernity.

The ‘Ajrakh’ collection is available for purchase exclusively through Nitya Bajaj’s official e-commerce website, making it accessible to a wider audience keen on wearing designer festive wear.

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16 September 2024, Mumbai

India's rich textile heritage and burgeoning fashion industry have given rise to numerous apparel brands that have captured the hearts of the domestic market. But can these brands successfully foray into international markets, and what are the key factors that will determine their success?

Experts believe certain sectors and categories within the Indian apparel industry hold the most promise for international expansion. These are ethnic wear, contemporary and fusion fashion, fast fashion, sustainable and ethical fashion.

Ethnic wear

India's rich heritage of textiles and craftsmanship is a unique selling proposition. Brands specializing in ethnic wear, such as saris, lehengas, and kurtas, have the potential to capture the growing global demand for culturally distinctive clothing. For example Fabindia, a pioneer in promoting Indian handloom and handicrafts, has successfully established a presence in several international markets, including the US, UK, and UAE. Similarly, Biba the popular women’s wear brand has expanded into international markets, offering stylish and affordable ethnic wear that appeals to a wide range of consumers. Biba's focus on contemporary designs and trends has helped it gain popularity among the younger generation.

Sustainable and ethical fashion

With increasing awareness of environmental issues, there's a growing appetite for sustainable fashion. Indian brands using organic fabrics, natural dyes, and ethical production practices can resonate with eco-conscious consumers worldwide. Homegrown brands like No Nasties an organic cotton clothing brand, has garnered international recognition for its commitment to sustainability and fair trade. Similarly, and Doodlage is known for its commitment to sustainability and has the potential to capture this market segment

Contemporary and fusion wear

The blending of Indian aesthetics with contemporary designs has created a new category of fusion wear that appeals to a global audience seeking a modern take on traditional styles. Brands such as Global Desi and Anita Dongre have successfully tapped into this market, offering a fresh and innovative approach to Indian fashion.

Fast fashion

India's fast fashion brands, known for their trendy designs and affordable prices, can appeal to price-sensitive consumers in international markets. However, they need to ensure their products meet international quality standards and address concerns about labor practices.

Target markets

These Indian brands when they make splash abroad have major potential in certain markets. For example, the large Indian diaspora and the growing interest in Indian culture make the US an attractive market for Indian apparel brands. Similarly, India’s historical relationship with the UK and the presence of a significant Indian community creates a favorable environment for Indian brands to expand. The proximity to India and the shared cultural affinities make the Middle East also a promising market for Indian apparel brands, particularly in the ethnic wear segment. And the growing economies and the increasing interest in Indian fashion make Southeast Asia is a potential market for Indian brands.

Perhaps what works for Indian brands as the spread their wings is global demand for apparel is expected to continue growing, creating new opportunities for Indian brands. And the rise of e-commerce has made it easier to reach global consumers. The Indian government too is actively promoting the export of textiles and apparel through various initiatives.

Success factors

However, for these brands to grow and make a mark overseas it’s crucial to understand the target market. They need to conduct thorough market research to understand the preferences, trends, and cultural nuances of the target market. Adapting designs, sizing, and marketing strategies to suit the local market is essential. What’s more creating a compelling brand story that highlights India's rich textile heritage and cultural influences can help differentiate Indian brands in the global market. Maintaining high-quality standards and offering competitive pricing are crucial for success in the international market. Leveraging digital platforms, social media, and influencer marketing can help Indian brands reach a wider audience. Establishing strong partnerships with distributors and retailers in the target market is also crucial.

Indian apparel brands have the potential to succeed in international markets provided they focus on their strengths, identify the right target markets, and address the challenges effectively. By leveraging India's rich textile heritage, sustainable practices, and competitive pricing, they can carve a niche for themselves on the global fashion stage.

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