29 August 2024, Mumbai

Tata’s apparel brand Zudio has surpassed its sister brand Westside in store expansion, operating more than double the number of stores.

Data shared by AdityaKondawar, Partner and Vice President, Compcircle, on the social media platform X, shows, Zudio’s retail network increased from 80 stores in Q1, FY21 to 559 stores currently. In contrast, Westside expanded from 163 stores in Q1, FY21 to the current 228 stores.

Over the past 16 quarters, Zudio added 470 stores, averaging a new store opening every three days. Meanwhile, Westside added 148 stores during the same period. As per Trent’s report, Westside expanded by 12 new stores to a total of 232 stores during the quarter ending March’24 while Zudio grew by 86 new stores during the same period to a total of 545 stores currently.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Trent-owned Booker India, Zudio is owned by Fiora Hypermarket whose total income increased from Rs 187.3 crore in the previous year to Rs 192.3 crore in the current year.

Meanwhile, Trent’s net profit expanded by 134.1 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 391 crore in the quarter ending June 30. The retailer’s revenue rose by 56.2 per cent to Rs 4,104 crore for the April-June quarter, compared to Rs 2,628 crore in the same period last year.

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28 August 2024, Mumbai

Reaching a major milestone in its journey, fast fashion omnichannel ethnic wear label, Libas has opened its largest flagship bridal store in Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi.

Spanning 11,000 sqft across five floors, this new store underscores Libas' commitment to becoming a household name in ethnic fashion.

Designed to cater to a wide range of fashion needs, the new store offers a diverse array of products across multiple floors. The first floor features loungewear, the Extra Love collection, ready-made suits, and kids' wear.

The second floor showcases a curated selection of sarees, gowns, and lehengas, while the third floor is dedicated exclusively to bridal lehengas. The basement and ground floors offer an extensive range of kurta sets, mix-and-match options, and the exclusive Libas Art line, as well as ready-to-stitch garments.

Offering a stunning range of bridal wear, the new store is an exquisite blend of tradition and modernity, says actress VaaniKapoor, who attended the store's grand opening.

Founded in 1985, Libasis renowned for offering high-quality ethnic wear that is both stylish and affordable. Catering to women of all ages, the brand effortlessly blends contemporary fashion with traditional elegance.

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28 August 2024, Mumbai

India is preparing a strategic initiative to establish over 50 e-commerce export hubs within the next five years, aiming to significantly boost its e-commerce exports to $100 billion. This ambitious plan involves creating public-private partnerships to build these hubs, with ten slated for development in the current financial year. The government is also finalizing a regulatory framework for e-commerce exports, expected to be ready by next month.

Currently, India's e-commerce exports stand at a modest $5 billion, a stark contrast to China's $300 billion. However, the Indian e-commerce industry is poised for substantial growth. The gross merchandise value (GMV) of Indian e-commerce platforms reached $60 billion in the fiscal year 2023, a 22 per cent increase from previous year. Projections indicate that the industry could reach $300 billion by 2030. What’s more, third-party logistics providers are expected to handle about 17 billion shipments in the next seven years.

China's success can be attributed to several factors, including a robust infrastructure. A well-developed logistics network, efficient customs procedures, and extensive warehousing facilities enable seamless cross-border movement of goods. Favorable government policies, tax incentives, and dedicated export zones have fostered a conducive environment for e-commerce exports. The presence of major players like Alibaba and JD.com, along with a vast network of sellers and suppliers, facilitates large-scale exports. Just like China, countries like the US and the UK also benefit from similar advantages, allowing them to capture a significant share of the global e-commerce export market.

Government initiatives and plans

The government's plan involves setting up e-commerce export hubs in key zones across nearly every state and union territory, including the Northeastern states. These hubs will enhance efficiency, reduce logistical bottlenecks, and provide businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with the necessary infrastructure and support to access global markets effectively. The hubs will also facilitate small producers selling to aggregators who can then find markets for their products.

The government will provide land, customs clearance facilities, and necessary civil clearances at these export hubs. They will be developed in a plug-and-play mode, minimizing set-up time and allowing businesses to start operations quickly. The minimum investment required for a small e-commerce export hub is Rs crore, doubling for medium-sized hubs and increasing tenfold for large export hubs.

Key features of the plan

• Establishment of 10 hubs in the current financial year.

• Regulatory framework for e-commerce exports expected by next month.

• Focus on enhancing efficiency, reducing logistical bottlenecks, and providing necessary infrastructure.

• Proposed hubs to be set up in cities with strong connectivity.

• Government to provide land, customs clearance facilities, and necessary civil clearances.

• Hubs to be developed in a plug-and-play mode for quick operations.

While the government's initiative is a positive step, challenges remain. These include. Logistics and infrastructure issues, which involves improving last-mile connectivity, warehousing facilities, and customs procedures is crucial for efficient exports. Ensuring products meet international standards and comply with regulations is essential to build trust and gain access to global markets. And a clear and streamlined regulatory environment is needed to facilitate cross-border e-commerce transactions.

Despite these challenges, the potential for growth is immense. With a large and growing internet user base, a thriving domestic e-commerce market, and supportive government policies, India has the opportunity to become a major player in the global e-commerce export landscape.

The establishment of e-commerce export hubs, coupled with a favorable regulatory framework, can significantly boost exports, create jobs, and contribute to India's economic growth. The success of this initiative will depend on effective implementation, collaboration between the government and the private sector, and a focus on quality and compliance.

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29 August 2024, Mumbai

In a recent media interaction, Noel Tata, Chairman of Trent Ltd, expressed confidence in the company's future, stating that it has the potential to grow tenfold in size. Despite being a late entrant in the Indian retail scene, Trent has witnessed a significant transformation, with its verticals scaling profitably. Investors have responded positively, pushing Trent's market capitalization to the fourth-highest among Tata group companies.

Zudio’s lessons from Westside

Tata emphasized the challenges of building a private label brand, highlighting the time and effort required to develop a product portfolio and establish market acceptance. He attributed Zudio's success to the lessons learned and infrastructure built during Westside's development.

While Westside and Zudio continue to be key growth drivers, Trent is also focusing on expanding its grocery vertical, Star Bazaar. Tata acknowledged the competitive nature of the grocery business but believes it has the potential to surpass Westside and Zudio in size due to the sheer scale of the food market in India.

Trent is also incubating several other retail formats, including Misbu for cosmetics, Samoh and Utsa for apparels. Tata stressed the importance of experimentation and evolution before rapidly expanding any new format. The Covid-19 pandemic proved to be an inflection point for Trent. Despite experiencing its first-ever loss in 2020-21, the company utilized the downtime to secure new properties, which fueled its growth after the pandemic subsided.

He also spoke about mentoring the next generation of leaders at Trent, including Neville Tata, who is now part of the leadership at Star Bazaar's food vertical. He highlighted the company's commitment to providing career opportunities and grooming talent through initiatives like the Trent Homegrown leadership development program.

Focus on growth

When asked about inorganic growth, he stated while the company is not opposed to acquisitions, it has yet to find a suitable direct-to-customer business that meets its internal targets. He expressed a preference for organic growth and clarified that Trent is not pursuing an acquisition of Fab India.

He acknowledged the increasing competition in the value space but emphasized the vast potential of the Indian market. He called on the government to strengthen and encourage the value segment, including by maintaining low GST rates, to benefit millions of customers and support employment generation in the retail sector.

He also highlighted the inefficiency of online apparel retail due to high return rates, which contribute to environmental concerns. He emphasized the importance of following customers' lead and offering them the best options both online and in-store.

Overall, Trent Ltd, under the leadership of Noel Tata, is poised for significant growth. With a focus on value, innovation, and customer-centricity, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the vast opportunities in the Indian retail market.

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28 August 2024, Mumbai

One of India’s leading women’s fashion brands, Biba has launched a new ad campaign featuring Bollywood fashion icon KritiSanon.

Titled ‘There’s Something BIBA About Her,’ the ad campaign has been conceptualised and executed by Enormous Brands.

Featuring Sanon, the ad film beautifully captures the essence of Biba as it takes viewers on a vibrant journey through intricate designs, luxurious fabrics, and rich colors, with each piece narrating the story of India’s cultural tapestry. Sanon’s effortless style and charm bring the collection to life, showcasing the seamless blending of Biba’s designs with contemporary elegance, making it the perfect choice for festive and special occasions.

SiddharathBindra, Managing Director, Biba Fashion, says, perfectly aligning with Biba’s ethos, Sanon embodies the modern Indian woman—confident, graceful, and deeply rooted in her culture. Her journey from a talented actress to a beloved household name mirrors the brand’s evolution over the years. This partnership celebrates the spirit of every Biba woman and girl who honors tradition while confidently stepping into the future.

Sanonadds, celebrating Indian heritage, Biba empowers women through fashion. It truly understands the modern Indian woman and her evolving style, offering something stylish for every occasion and age group.

TanimaKholi, Copy Group Head, Enormous, adds, the campaign film celebrates the spirit of the modern Indian woman—independent, successful, and unafraid to embrace her Indian culture and roots.

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27 August 2024, Mumbai

Fashion retailer H&M is set to launch its limited edition collaborative collection with luxury designer AnamikaKhanna on Sep 5, 2024. Featuring a range of womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessories, this collection marks H&M's second major collaboration with an Indian designer, following its successful partnership with Sabyasachi last year.

Amit Kothari, Head- Customer Activation and Marketing, H&M India, says, the collection will help make designer fashion accessible to a larger audience. It will be launched in select stores across India and online at HM.com and Myntrafrom Sept05 onwards. Additionally, it will be launched globally on hm.com and in stores in South Africa, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia. In India, the apparel is priced from Rs2,999 onwards, with accessories starting at Rs1,499.

In line with H&M’s commitment to sustainability, five pieces from the AnamikaKhanna H&M collection feature buttons made from recycled PET, sourced through a partnership with the Bengaluru-based NGO Saamuhika Shakti, which works with the city’s waste pickers.

H&M’s expansion in India continues to show promise, with 64 stores across 29 cities. The brand sees substantial growth potential in the Indian market, and will continue to focus on this market. Recently, H&M also expanded its homeware collection, introduced to India in 2022 in Delhi, and has since been extended to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and most recently, Mumbai.

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28 August 2024, Mumbai

Tasva, the wedding and occasion wear brand from ABFRL and TarunTahiliani, has opened its flagship store in Himayatnagar, Hyderabad. Spanning 4,823 square feet, this new store is set to become a prime destination for men’s fashion, especially with the festive and wedding seasons approaching.

The grand opening was highlighted by the presence of Hyderabad’s superstar Naga Chaitanya and Tasva’s Chief Design Officer, TarunTahiliani. Chaitanya noted that Hyderabad deeply values tradition and style, and Tasva embodies the ideal fusion of these elements.

The store’s design merges earthy wood and brass with modern aesthetics, reflecting India’s history and heritage. Garments are displayed in a visually appealing ombre cascade, making the shopping experience a visual treat.

Tasva’s latest collections are also on display. The festive line includes kurta sets and kurtabundi sets with vibrant screen prints and contemporary silhouettes. The wedding collection showcases luxurious sherwanis, achkans, and the innovative angrakhasherwani, crafted with opulent fabrics and intricate embroidery.

Ashish Mukul, Brand Head of Tasva, emphasized that the Himayatnagar store represents the brand's dedication to offering Hyderabad a seamless blend of tradition and modernity.

With its presence in major cities across India, Tasva continues to build on its reputation for quality and craftsmanship, making its Himayatnagar store a key addition to its portfolio.

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28 August 2024, Mumbai

Luxury brand Shivan & Narresh unveiled their latest men’s and women’s couture collection, ‘Couture Series IV,’ with a g runway show in New Delhi. The 45-piece collection was inspired by the works of Swedish artist HilmaafKlint.

Models at the show graced the runway in richly textured garments that transformed HilmaafKlint’s abstract paintings into innovative evening wear, adorned with metallic, glass beads, and pearls. The Couture Series IV showcased fluid, sculptural designs, created through handcrafted knits of silk and lurex yarns. The collection featured a vibrant palette of magenta, yellow, and rich reds, contrasted by steely greys, glittering whites, and midnight black.

In a press release to announce the collection’s launch ShivanBhatiya, Head-Designer and NarreshKukreja, Creative Director, said, immersing in the canvases of HilmaafKlint has been a joyous journey for the brand since 2023. Providing a fantastical exploration, this initiative weaves together a spiritual experience of color, mystical motifs, abundance, and luxurious textures to create a tactile language of contemporary couture.

The collection featured bold, sculptural looks for both men and women, with cut-out fabric segments and asymmetric silhouettes. Additionally, a range of sarees added a traditional touch, blending sheer textiles with intricate, abstract embellishments.

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27 August 2024, Mumbai

Expanding its Board of Directors, Raymond Lifestyle (RLL) has appointed Rajiv Sharma as a Non-Executive Director of the company. This move comes as Raymond prepares to list its demerged entity, RLL, in early September.

Having over three decades of experience, Sharma was engaged with the Coats Group for over 14 years, including seven years as its Group CEO. He has also served on the boards of joint ventures at GE Energy and Shell, and has held management positions at Saab Systems Inc. and Honeywell.

Welcoming Sharma to the RLL board, GautamHariSinghania, Chairman, states, the company is embarking on an exciting journey as a focused, pure-play branded textile and apparel player. The Board’s diverse and extensive expertise is set to complement RLL management's passion and commitment as it pursues significant domestic opportunities, including those in the wedding, apparel, and sleepwear segments.

Currently operates over 1,500 stores across 600 cities and towns, Raymond Lifestyle has a strong presence in the B2B space through its garments business. Sharma’s appointment signals the company’s commitment to strengthen its leadership as it focuses on expanding its market presence.

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28 August 2024, Mumbai

Global fashion and lifestyle retail giant, Apparel Group is expanding its footprint in Tier IIcities like Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The grouphas opened stores in these cities for some of its most popular global brands, including Beverly Hills Polo Club, Aldo, and R&B.

This expansion is a key part of the group’s strategy to reach new customers and tap into the burgeoning retail markets outside of major metropolitan areas. By establishing a presence in these cities, Apparel Group aims to meet the evolving needs of consumers seeking access to global brands and the latest fashion trends, says AbhishekBajpa, CEO, Apparel Group.

In Dehradun, the group has launched stores for brands including Beverly Hills Polo Club and Aldo at the Mall of Dehradun. These stores cater to the diverse preferences of the local market.

Meanwhile, the stores in Swagat Holiday Mall, Gandhinagar cater to brands like Beverly Hills Polo Club and R&B. Thesestores help enhanceGandhinagar’s retail landscape, providing consumers with access to international brands previously unavailable in the region.

A leading retail conglomerate, the Apparel Group has a vast network of over 2,200 stores and more than 85 brands across multiple platforms. The group serves millions of shoppers worldwide and is supported by a multicultural workforce of over 22,000 employees. Its extensive portfolio includes some of the most recognised names in fashion, footwear, beauty, and lifestyle, such as Tommy Hilfiger, Charles & Keith, Skechers, Victoria’s Secret, Nine West, Calvin Klein, Aéropostale, etc.

The group’s significant presence spans the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Beyond the GCC, Apparel Group has expanded into markets in India, South Africa, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Egypt, solidifying its status as a global retail powerhouse.

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28 August 2024, Mumbai

A distinguished name in Italian luxury fashion, Corneliani has opened its newly renovated store at DLF Emporio, New Delhi. The redesigned space reflects the sophistication and timeless elegance for which Corneliani is renowned.

Embodying Corneliani’s modern and luxurious aesthetic, the renovated store showcases the brand’s unwavering commitment to elegance and sophistication. Salesh Grover, Business Head, OSL Luxury Collections, states, through refreshed shopping environment, the brandaims to not only attract new customers but also deliver an exceptional experience.

Along with the store’s reopening, Corneliani also introduced its highly anticipated Made-to-Measure (MTM) service. This bespoke offering includes an extensive selection: over 600 fabrics for suits, jackets, and coats, 200 shirt fabrics, 50 linings, and 40 button options. Designed to provide unparalleled customisation and craftsmanship, the MTM service exemplifies the brand’s dedication to luxury and individuality.

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27 August 2024, Mumbai

Premium suiting and shirting fabrics and fashion apparels brand, Siyaram’s has roped in Bollywood star RanbirKapoor as its new brand ambassador. Through this partnership, the brand aims to increase its popularity among the style seeking youth population.

Known for high-quality, innovation, and designs that appeal both locally and internationally, Siyaram’s is recognised for its craftsmanship and commitment to excellence. The brand makes global fashion accessible to Indian consumers. Their fabrics and garments combine tradition and modernity, resonating with millions of customers.

Ramesh Poddar, Chairman and Managing Director, Siyaram's says, Kapoor’s undeniable star power, effortless style, unwavering confidence, and a commitment to stay ahead of the times resonates perfectly with the brand’s values. The collaboration between these two will help the brand create a powerful connection with its target audience and propel it towards new horizons.

Kapoor adds, Siyaram's is an iconic brand and a family favorite. Their collection offers designs that exude sophistication. The brand has been renowned for its unwavering dedication to excellence, trust, and Indiannes over decades.

Siyaram's plans to combine its heritage with the contemporary appeal of actor to strengthen its position as a leading fashion brand in India across generations.

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