Reliance Retail’s value fashion and lifestyle chain, Smart Bazaar, has expanded its retail presence in Andhra Pradesh by launching its first physical store in Cherukupalli. This new multi-brand store debuted with a variety of special offers for local shoppers.

Offering a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, groceries, kitchenware, and home ware, Smart Bazaar caters to family-focused shoppers with an emphasis on value retail.

In addition to expanding its brick-and-mortar presence, Smart Bazaar is broadening its brand and product selection. The retail chain recently unveiled its summer clothing collection, which includes womens wear such as ethnic kurta sets and casual western wear in bright colors and relaxed silhouettes.

Launched by Reliance Retail, Smart Bazaar specialises in large-format stores and has been expanding into locations previously occupied by Future Group’s Big Bazaar stores. Smart Bazaar now operates in Tier I, II and III cities across India.

World’s largest integrated fabric manufacturer, Raymond plans to expand its apparel and garment manufacturing capacity with an investment of Rs 200 crore.

The company’s strategic expansion will help increase its garmenting capacity by about one-third, aligning with the global ‘China Plus One; strategy adopted by many international brands. Additionally, the capacity augmentation supports the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. It also enables Raymond to become the world’s third-largest suit maker.

GautamHariSinghania, Chairman & Managing Director, Raymond, says, the company remains committed to delivering value to stakeholders, and is confident of itsability to capitalise on growth opportunities, ensuring sustained success in the future. Thecompany’s three verticals– Lifestyle, Real Estate & Engineering –are aligned with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat,” said Singhania.

Celebrating a landmark year, Raymond achieved its highest-ever annual revenue of Rs 9,286 crore and an EBITDA of Rs1,575 crore in FY’24. This resulted in an impressive growth of 17 per cent in EBITDAmargins

During the year, Raymond focused on expanding its distribution reach by opening over 200 new stores. The company also emphasised premiumisation and casualisation, leading to robust growth of 20 per cent in its Branded Apparel segment, despite a weaker retail industry. This new investment underscores Raymond’s commitment to innovation and growth, reinforcing its position as a leading player in the global apparel industry.

Indian menswear brand, Blackberrys has launched a Father’s Day campaign featuring actor RandeepHooda and his father RanbirHooda.

The campaign starts with the father-son duo shown dressed in Blackberrys attires. Further, Hooda thanks his father sculpting his life and career.

The campaign felicitates the spirit of fearlessness, determination and grit to succeed, in theson and father duo. It lauds RanbirHooda for inspiring his son to be famous and earn respect from the viewers. In the campaign, RanbirHooda also encourages his son to realise his dream and reach for the stars.

Founded in 1991 andowned by Mohan Clothing Company, Blackberrys retails through its website and retail outlets across India.

Spanning 9,000 sqft, the newly launched mall store of US-based denim and casual wear brand Levi’s at the Pacific Mall in New Delhi is the brand’s largest mall store globally. The expansive store is also the brand’s largest store in India and its fifth largest worldwide.

According to AbhinavAgarwal, Head-Business Development, Levi Strauss & Co, the store will offer the most elevated consumer experience, the widest range of merchandise, and exceptional service quality to the consumers of Delhi/NCR.

Featuring a striking, illuminated façade with 3D blue rectangles, the store offers a vast selection of denim jeans and clothing for both men and women, along with other western-style casual wear and accessories. The store also includes a dedicated segment called 'The Levi’s Tailor Shop', complete with a seating area.

The recently concluded 20th edition of Myntra’s flagship event, the End of Reason Sale (EORS) recorded over 150 million customer visits.

Celebrating a decade ofrevolutionising fashion in India, this EORS edition showcased over 3 million styles from more than 8,800 brands. Compared to the previous summer edition, catalogued brands at the event increased by 47 per cent while trend-first selections rose by 50 per cent.

Some of the top metro cities contributing to this demand included Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Cities and towns like Guwahati, Bhubaneshwar, Dehradun, Jammu, Mysore, Fatehabad, Panipat, Hisar, and Udaipur also participated enthusiastically.

Indicating a rise in premiumisation, around 55 per cent of the demand also came from non-metro regions, notes NehaWali, Head - Revenue and Growth, Myntra.

Demand for international brands increased by 1.85 times over the usual business levels. Brands like Mango, Nike, Adidas, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Levi’s and Puma were some of the most sought after brands at the event.

Some of the top selling categories at the event included Women's Indian and Casual Wear, Men's Casual Wear, Sports Footwear, Kids Wear, Personal Care, and Home Furnishings. The most sought-after items included T-shirts, shirts, kurtas&kurta sets, perfumes, dresses, makeup and skincare products, denims, running shoes, trolley bags, and headphones. On average, 167 T-shirts, 60 pairs of shoes, and 20 lipsticks were sold every minute.

D2C brands were highly popular, with demands for clothes from brands like Bewakoof, The Souled Store, Snitch, Rare Rabbit, Salty, Assembly, Kidbea, and Uptownie growing by 2x over last year. Exclusive collections from Cultsport, Globus, Rain & Rainbow, and Alcis were also big hits.

Demand for products in categories like Luggage and Travel Accessories spiked by three times over BAU, while Home Furnishings and Wearables also experienced significant growth with a variety of value offers across trend-first brands.

The 'Assisted Sale Shopping Experience' featured over 300 inspirational influencer content videos via Myntra Minis, the platform's signature short-form video content offering. Additionally, over 20 brands participated in the EORS customer gratification construct that offered various rewards ranging from hotel stays and paid vacations to iPhones and Vespa Scooters.

A recent report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the Retailers Association of India (RAI), ‘Unlocking the $2Tn Retail Opportunity in the Next Decade: An Activist Agenda,’ paints a bright picture for the Indian retail sector. Despite facing short-term headwinds, the report projects the market to reach a staggering $2 trillion by 2034, translating to a healthy Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 7 per cent.

Fashion/apparel retail a growth engine

The fashion/apparel segment is a key driver of this growth, pushed up by rising disposable incomes and a growing young population. The report estimates this segment will reach a market size of over $500 billion by 2030. The report highlights the booming fashion/apparel segment within Indian retail. This segment is expected to witness significant growth, driven by:

Increased brand consciousness: Consumers are becoming more brand-savvy, seeking quality and variety.

Shifting preferences: Athleisure and casual wear are gaining popularity, reflecting changing lifestyles.

E-commerce boom: Online fashion platforms are offering convenience and wider selection, particularly in smaller cities.

Metro vs. other cities, a tale of two markets

The report highlights a divergence in consumer behavior between metros and other cities. Metros are witnessing a surge in online shopping, with consumers seeking convenience and wider product selection. While metros boast established retail infrastructure and higher spending power, smaller cities present a vast untapped potential. Smaller cities still rely heavily on brick-and-mortar stores, but are increasingly adopting omnichannel strategies to cater to evolving preferences.

Metros are expected to continue to be major retail hubs, with a focus on premium brands, large-format stores, and omnichannel experiences (blending online and offline retail). Tier II and III cities will witness a surge in organized retail, driven by rising incomes and increasing mall penetration. Here, value fashion and smaller format stores are likely to thrive.

Understanding the changing consumer

The report emphasizes the importance of understanding the evolving Indian consumer. Key trends include:

Value consciousness: Consumers are becoming more price-sensitive, seeking value for money and exploring private label brands.

Brand affinity: Brand loyalty is shifting, with consumers open to trying new brands that offer unique experiences.

Sustainability: Environmental and social consciousness is gaining traction, with consumers increasingly opting for sustainable products.

Digital influence: Social media and online reviews heavily influence purchasing decisions.

Convenience seeking: Consumers are increasingly opting for quick and easy shopping experiences, favoring online marketplaces and proximity stores.

Key change drivers

"The Indian retail sector is at a tipping point," says Kumar Raj, Managing Director and Partner at BCG India. "Retailers who can adapt to the changing consumer landscape and leverage digital transformation will be the ones to thrive in the coming decade." The report identifies several key change drivers that will shape the future of Indian retail.

Digitalization is top of the list. Embracing technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics will be crucial for personalization, efficient supply chain management, and targeted marketing. Adopting omnichannel strategy and creating a seamless shopping experience across online and offline channels will be key to cater to diverse consumer preferences. Localization and understanding the nuances of ‘Many Indias’ requires tailoring product offerings and store formats to cater to regional preferences. Moreover a growing urban population creates a demand for modern retail formats. And as incomes rise, consumer spending power increases, fuelling demand for discretionary products.

"The future of retail is all about creating a connected experience for the customer," says RAI Chairman, Manoj Chaudhary. "We need to invest in building a robust omnichannel strategy and fostering partnerships to unlock new growth opportunities."

The BCG-RAI report presents a compelling vision for the Indian retail sector. By capitalizing on the identified growth drivers and adapting to changing consumer behavior, retailers can unlock the $2 trillion opportunity and thrive in the years to come.

Renowned for setting trends in Indian fashion with his exceptional craftsmanship, designer Narendra Kumar Ahmed has launched a new label, Tamiska. A blend of practicality and elegance for Indian women, the brand launched alongwith a stylish new store in Mumbai.

.With Tamiska, Ahmed combines 30 years of expertise to fulfill the need for ethnic wear in India while maintaining universal appeal. His brand Tamiska embraces seasonality, offering 8-10 colors in each collection. It focuses on one main color complemented by five ancillary shades.

The fabric selection of the brand includes blends of rayon, polyester, and nylon, ensuring longevity and affordability. Its color palettefeatures solid reds, speckled rusts, bold blacks, sunny yellows fading into deeper mustards, watery blues, and minty greens. These are paired with botanical and geometric patterns interspersed with brush strokes. The silhouettes boast global flair, with poised florals and fine tailoring evident in collars, cuffs, and buttons.

Held from June 11-13, 2024, at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre (IICC) in Dwarka, New Delhi, the 2nd North India Garment Fair (NIGF 2024) concluded successfully, organized by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI). The event saw participation from over 200 exhibitors and attracted more than 5450 trade visitors, reflecting strong positive sentiments for the upcoming festive season.

A platform for connections
NIGF serves as a crucial platform where manufacturers from across India meet retailers, distributors, and agents from Northern India. This year, the event's highlight was a business networking session on the second day, featuring one-on-one meetings between 65 exhibitors and 22 leading agents and distributors from various regions. These interactions enabled exhibitors to present their collections to potential partners, fostering new business relationships.

Industry leaders reflect on success
Rajesh Masand, President of CMAI, praised the event's success, highlighting the overwhelming response to NIGF 2024 as evidence of the Indian garment industry's strength and potential. He emphasized that the fair facilitated connections between manufacturers and North region buyers, demonstrating the industry's readiness for the festive season. Masand expressed confidence that the event would help stabilize business and pave the way for significant growth this year.

Santosh Katariya, Chairman of NIGF, highlighted the significance of the networking session, stating it greatly enhanced and broadened the retail industry's reach by introducing new suppliers and refreshing merchandise. He noted that NIGF 2024 attracted a substantial turnout from leading retailers and distributors from various regions, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and West Bengal.

Diverse participation
Exhibitors from cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Surat, Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, and Noida showcased their collections. Notable exhibitors included J.D. Enterprise (Ahmedabad), Lekhus Collections (New Delhi), Maa Garments (Mumbai), Manjot Trading Co (Ludhiana), Pocket Money Fashion (Indore), and many others. Leading retailers such as Aristocrat Garments (Ludhiana), Paul Garments (New Delhi), Bindals Group (New Delhi & UP), and Stanmax (New Delhi) visited the fair.

Exhibitors share positive experiences
Arun Sharma of Multi Brand Exports expressed his satisfaction with the event, stating, “The footfall has been amazing, and we have been able to connect with many new buyers. The success here has encouraged us to participate in other CMAI shows like the upcoming NGF in Mumbai and the Brands of India Show in Dubai.”

Arshdeep Singh Dua of Knit Tech India also noted improved footfalls compared to the previous year and expressed optimism about the upcoming season, highlighting buyers' interest in creative styling.

Inaugural highlights and future prospects
The fair was inaugurated by notable retailers and featured a diverse range of menswear, womenswear, and kidswear. Key dignitaries from CMAI, including Rajesh Masand, Rohit Munjal (Vice President), Santosh Katariya, Rahul Mehta (Chief Mentor), and Pankaj Jain (Hon. Secretary – North), graced the inaugural ceremony.

The success of NIGF 2024 underscores the importance of trade shows in gauging industry sentiments and identifying market trends. As the industry looks forward to a prosperous festive season, events like NIGF play a vital role in highlighting business opportunities and driving growth.

Garment Mantra Lifestyle Ltd, previously Junction Fabrics & Apparels Ltd, has unveiled a premium men’s apparel line specifically designed for the Gulf countries. This strategic move marks the company's expanded focus on men’s wear, a departure from its traditional emphasis on ladies' and kids' wear.

Prem Aggarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, expressed excitement over this milestone, noting the company's aim to expand its footprint in the overseas market by catering to the latest trends and demands. Developed in Tirupur in collaboration with overseas buyers, the apparel line is tailored to meet the tastes and preferences of Gulf consumers.

The company is optimistic about the line's success, anticipating its market entry in the upcoming quarter. This initiative is seen as a significant step in increasing Garment Mantra Lifestyle's presence in the global fashion industry.

A reputed brand under the iconic Tata Group, Westside has unveiled its 240thstore in Bengaluru. Spanning 26,858 sqft, the store features a wide array of Westside’s collections, including apparel, accessories, cosmetics, footwear, and home décor.

Embodying Westside's vision of providing an extraordinary retail experience, the store offers contemporary and trendy fashion at exceptional value. The well-organised and clutter-free displays showcase latest fashion trends, offering customers a shopping seamless experience. Known for its innovative approach, Westside refreshes its collection every three weeks on Friday.

Stylish and engaging as its Western wear, Westside’s Indian wearrange Utsa offers a versatile collection for all ethnic wear needs, while Bombay Paisley delivers contemporary, creative, free-spirited fusion wear. Vark provides coordinated ethnic outfits for modern and opulent occasions, and Zuba offers premium day-wear that is both elegant and understated.

For young, fashion-forward girls, Nuon delivers party-glam and youthful zest. L.O.V caters to those seeking smart and feminine casuals, while Gia offers stylish, comfortable options for curvy women. Wardrobe presents chic, sophisticated workwear for the 9 to 9 lifestyle.

For men,the store offers the WES range that includeseverything from work to weekend wear, along with comfortable urban lounge wear. The Nuon Menrange provides trendy streetwear for fashion-conscious millennials, while E.T.A offers relaxed urban wear with an ethnic twist, drawing inspiration from contemporary Indian styles.

Blending fashion and functionality, Westside’s kidswearcollection offers a charming range of outfits from adorable dresses and stylish tops to cozy knitwear and versatile bottoms for the little ones.

Additionally, the store also offers a footwear collection that seamlessly blends comfort with style. From casual sneakers to elegant heels, sturdy boots, or sporty sandals, Westside has the perfect pair to enhance their customers’ look and confidence.

Vertical e-commerce major Nykaa Fashion aims to triple its revenues in the next three years. The e-commerce platform achieved a GMV of over $400 million in FY24.

Currently, Nyakaa Fashion has a 20 per cent share in the women’s online premium market, as per the company’s annual report, Its orders grew by 44 per cent to 7 million in FY24 and, the company aims to achieve a CAGR of mid-to-late 20s by FY28.

With a 30 per cent online market share, Nykaa also aims to double its store count by FY27. Currently, it operates 187 stores across 68 cities.

The e-tailer also operates 44 warehouses across 16 cities. The company has achieved significant improvement in leakages reducing reverse logistic costs. It is also collaborating with brands to drive fulfilment efficiencies. Its overall marketing costs in the last fiscal remained flat at 11.5 per cent of revenues, with a slight reduction in the fashion business.

According to the annual report, Nykaa’s employee expenses in FY24 reduced to 8.8 per cent of revenues against 9.6 per cent in the previous year. For its fashion business, the company’s investment in employee and fixed costs is expected to grow by 1.4 - 1.5X.

American denim brand Levi’s has opened the world’s largest mall store in Pacific Mall in New Delhi.

Spread across 9,000 sqft, the store is the brand’s largest store in India and the fifth largest store in the world, as per a report by IndiaRetailing.

The store offers the most enriching customer experience, a wide range of products and word-class services to consumers in the Delhi-NCR neighborhood, says AbhinavAgarwal, Head-Business Development, Levi Stauss and Co.

Known for its Levi’s brand of denim jeans, clothing company Levi Strauss and Co was founded in 1853. The company houses brands like Levi’s, Dockers, Beyond Yoga, Denizen, and Signature with products available in over 110 countries and more than 45,000 retail outlets.