Marking a significant milestone in its Indian retail journey, global leader in sports footwear and apparel, Reebok has launched two new stores in Chennai, Anna Nagar and Phoenix Marketcity, respectively.

Launched under the banner of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL), these stores will help the brand meet the rising demand for premium sportswear in Chennai.

Boasting a contemporary and welcoming design, both stores showcase Reebok's signature collections in the brand’s core categories of Running, Training, Walking and Lifestyle. The store offers an extensive selection of high-performance athletic footwear, stylish activewear, and essential accessories designed to elevate their fitness journeys.

ManojJuneja, CEO, Reebok India, says, the launch of these two stores symbolises the brand’s deep-rooted commitment to fostering a thriving sports and fitness culture in Chennai. The store launch also consolidates Reebok’s market position as a leading provider of sportswear and fitness solutions in India.

To cater to the diverse fashion needs of its global customers, men’s fashion brand, Indian Threads has expanded its new top-of-the-line wear range.

Besides being rich in detail and quality, the products offered by the brand are also affordable. One of the brand’s hallmark products is the white formal shirt for men, a timeless and versatile garment for formal occasions. Crafted with high-quality fabrics and meticulous attention to detail, this piece effortlessly combines style and sophistication.

In addition to formal wear, Indian Threads has also introduced a range of casual half-sleeve shirts in various colors and patterns. Besides, the company has added polo T-shirts to its product basket. Available a range of vibrant colors, these T-shirts are perfect for casual outings, weekend getaways, etc. Through this range, the company aims to redefine every day style for men in India continuously, says Vishal Porwal, a company spokesperson.

Besides trendy designs and affordable clothing, Indian Threads also offers comfortable wear that fits perfectly and is made from top-of-the-line fabric. The brand currently offers a 10 per cent discount, allowing shoppers to buy with the promo code - PREPAID 10. The company also offers Buy Now, Pay Later plans to make it even more inclusive.

Fabindia, a name synonymous with handcrafted Indian textiles and artisanal products, has carved a unique niche in the retail landscape. Founded in 1960 by John Bissell, an American with a deep appreciation for Indian craftsmanship, Fabindia has grown into a multi-crore empire with a loyal customer base.

With a valuation of over Rs 17,000 crores and over 400 stores spread across India and internationally, Fabindia is a significant player in the retail sector. Fabindia is known for its commitment to ethical sourcing, traditional Indian techniques, and sustainable practices. This unique brand identity resonates with customers seeking quality and social responsibility. What makes it stand out is that it works directly with artisans across rural India. Fabindia empowers local communities and keeps traditional crafts alive. What’s more, Fabindia prioritizes fair wages and safe working conditions for artisans, while using eco-friendly materials and packaging. This ethical approach attracts a growing segment of conscious consumers. Starting with textiles, Fabindia has expanded into a wide range of products like clothing, accessories, organic foods, and personal care products. This diversification caters to a broader customer base.

Standing out from the crowd

Unlike competitors who might focus on fast fashion or mass-produced goods, Fabindia offers a unique value proposition. It empowers rural artisans, promotes sustainable practices, and celebrates India's rich heritage, all while delivering high-quality products. Fabindia's profitability stems from several factors:

Loyal customer base: By consistently delivering quality and upholding ethical values, Fabindia has built a strong and loyal customer base.

Strong brand recognition: The brand is synonymous with authenticity and sustainability, attracting a premium customer segment willing to pay a slight price increase.

Efficient sourcing network: Fabindia's direct sourcing from artisans helps cut costs and ensures fair compensation for their work. Fabindia's success hinges on its robust sourcing network. The company directly works with over 22,000 artisans and craftspeople across 21 Indian states. This ensures quality control, fair compensation for artisans, and the preservation of traditional skills.

While Fabindia's core business revolves around traditional crafts, it leverages technology effectively. The company uses technology across various areas. In inventory management it streamlines stock management across its vast network of stores. Technology is used to build stronger customer relationships through loyalty programs and targeted marketing. Also, it offers convenient online shopping experience for customers who cannot visit physical stores.

Perhaps these are the reasons why India’s top business conglomerate, the Tata Group is now looking at Fabindia with a lot of interest, as there are talks of n impending acquisition. So why is the Tata Group interested?

Market consolidation: A potential acquisition of Fabindia would strengthen the Tata Group's position in the ethnic wear segment, complementing their existing brands like Westside and Utsa.

Shared values: Both Fabindia and the Tata Group prioritize ethical sourcing and sustainability. This shared vision makes a potential partnership attractive.

Fabindia's success story is a testament to the power of tradition, ethics, and a commitment to quality. By staying true to its core values and adapting to the changing retail landscape, Fabindia has not only empowered artisans but also carved a profitable niche in the Indian retail market. The potential acquisition by the Tatas could propel Fabindia to even greater heights, further strengthening its position as a leader in sustainable and ethical fashion.

In order to tackle environmental challenges, Metro Brands aims to expand the recycling of its old, discarded footwear (ODF) in partnership with ReCircle and other partners.

The partnershipnot only aims to reduce waste and carbon emissions but also encourage circular economy toattain self-sustainability via precise, measurable targets.

With an annual footwear production ofaround 21 billion pairs, discarding of old footwear has come out as a major environmental issue. Often ignored and inappropriately disposed of, ODF often worsens environmental degradation by adding to landfills and ocean pollution. This venture aims to enable informal waste workers to boost their earnings, enlarge their businesses, and create employment opportunities, while at the same time diverting old shoes away from landfills and oceans.

Sharing his enthusiasm over the partnership with ReCircle and other CSR partners, Aziz Fidai, Head of CSR and Sustainability, Metro Brands, highlights its importance in conveying the environmental impact emerging from the spreading out of the footwear industry.

From 5 per cent in FY2021–22, Metro Brands increased its ODF processing to around 50 per cent in FY 2023–24, with ReCircle dealing out 1,300 tons of old discarded footwear. The company plans to accomplish 75 per cent coverage relative to the new footwear pairs sold this year, with inclusive coverage targeted by FY 25–26.

Rahul Nainani, CEO and Co-Founder, ReCircle, a clean-tech leader specialising in resource recovery, emphasised the importance of this partnership in showcasing the potential of circularity and sustainability in facing local environmental challenges.

A specialty footwear retailer that opened its first store in Mumbai in 1955, Metro Brands offers a diverse range of branded products for men, unisex, women, and children, providing to casual and formal occasions. Apart from footwear, the company sells accessories like handbags, belts, and wallets. Operated under its own brands including Metro, Mochi, Da Vinchi, Walkway,and J. Fontini, as well as representing third-party brands like Crocs, Fila, Clarks, Fitflop, Puma, Skechers,and Adidas, Metro Brands presently runs 836 stores across 193 cities in India.

From the current 200, fashion accessories brand Lavie aims to increase its multi-brand store count presence to over 1,000 stores in the next few years, says AyushTainwala, CEO.

Operated by Bagzone Lifestyles, Lavie also plans to increase its EBO count by opening 50 EBOs annually, addsTainwala. The brand operates over 120 EBOs including full-fledged stores as well as kiosks alongwith its subsidiaries, Lavie Sport and LavieLuxe.

Currently experimenting with exports to the UK and the Middle East markets, the retailer also plans to expand its business in the global market within this fiscal year. It is currently experimenting with exports to the UK and the Middle Eastern markets.

Launched in 2009, Lavi’s name was derived from the French phrase ‘La Vie en Rose’, which means ‘life in pink hues’. The offline-first brand ventured into online in 2014. The brand’s sales ratio between online and offline channels, currently stands at 50: 50,and is expected to remain constant in the future, adds Tainwala.

In addition to EBOs and the online website lavieworld.com, Lavie and its sub-brands are currently available through multi-brand outlets (MBOs) such as Shopper Stop, Lifestyle, and Pantaloons, as well as on various online marketplaces including Amazon, Flipkart, TataCLiQ, Nykaa, Ajio, and Myntra.

The Indian luxury market is poised for significant growth, with a projected market size of $85-90 billion by 2030, a staggering 3.5 times its current size. This translates to a phenomenal Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), fuelled by numerous factors.

Growth drivers a perfect storm

Several factors are propelling this impressive growth. Soaring wealth is a big growth driver. India boasts of the third-highest billionaire population globally, with the number of Ultra-High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) growing 11 per cent in 2021 alone – the highest in the Asia Pacific region as per The Knight Frank Wealth Report 2022. This burgeoning class of wealthy individuals has a strong appetite for luxury goods and experiences. A Retail Dive report estimates the number of affluent households will reach a 26 million by 2025, with their income levels projected to multiply 1.7 times. Amrita Khanna, Managing Director, Sotheby's India explains, "There is a growing appreciation for Indian craftsmanship and design within the luxury segment. This presents a tremendous opportunity for homegrown brands."

India's growing middle class is another key driver. As disposable incomes rise, there's a growing desire to elevate lifestyles and invest in premium products. And India's young, tech-savvy population is a major force. E-commerce platforms are making luxury goods more accessible, particularly in Tier II, III cities. E-commerce giants like Myntra and Tata Cliq Luxury are witnessing demand boost for high-end products.

Cartier's foray into the Indian market exemplifies a successful strategy for international brands. The luxury jeweller recognized the growing demand for personalized experiences and heritage-inspired designs. They launched a collection crafted by Indian artisans, incorporating traditional motifs alongside Cartier's signature style. This strategy resonated with Indian consumers, seeking a unique blend of global luxury and local heritage.

A path with bumps

Despite the optimistic outlook, the Indian luxury landscape presents unique challenges.

• Value vs. experience: Indian consumers are increasingly value-conscious. They seek brands that offer not just a product, but an exceptional experience. Brands need to cater to this desire for personalization and exclusivity.

• Taxation & counterfeiting: High import duties inflate prices, making genuine luxury goods less accessible. Additionally, the prevalence of counterfeits erodes brand value. Streamlining regulations and tackling counterfeiting are crucial for sustained growth.

• High import duties: Steep import duties inflate the prices of luxury goods, making them less competitive compared to global markets. • Shifting consumer preferences: Catering to the evolving preferences of a diverse Indian customer base requires a deep understanding of local tastes and a willingness to adapt product offerings.

The future of India's luxury market hinges on overcoming these challenges. Streamlining import regulations, strengthening intellectual property rights, and fostering a culture of brand authenticity will be crucial. Additionally, luxury brands must tailor their offerings to resonate with the Indian consumer's desire for a unique blend of global trends and domestic heritage.

Women’s ethnic wear brand Soch’s flagship sale event the ‘Red Dot Sale’ offers double digit discounts at its stores in 68 Indian cities, and also online

The sale event offers discounts of upto 50 per cent on the brand’s evening and occasion wear ranging from kurtas and tunics to sarees and lehengas. Accompanied by a campaign spanning the social media platforms YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, the sale offers clothes priced from Rs 698 onwards.

India’s ‘largest evening-occasion wear ethnic brand for women, Soch has a total of 175 brick-and-mortar’ outlets across India and also retails from its direct to customer e-commerce store.

Multi-brand sneaker retailer Limited Edtplans to launch the collaborative collection, ‘Monsoon Patrol’ between designer Mark Ong (Mr Sabotage) and sportswear brand Asics in India.

The collection will be launched in the brand’s store in India and its country-specific website from either mid-June to early July. Featuring a futuristic construction and military style details, the collection is designed specifically to withstand wet weather conditions in tropical climates. Limited Ltd will launch two new editions of the ‘Gel-Kayono 14’ sneaker model in cream and black for its summer editon. The shoes feature a detachable shroud with hidden storage, translucent silicone coating, and the Asics logo on the side.

The sneaker collection has been launched alongside an apparel range by Graye. Offering a tech blazer, a tech nylon shirt and tech trousers, the collection has been designed to be worn as a three piece set with features to resist monsoon downpours. The collection is completed with a translucent storage crate.

One of Singapore’s premier sneaker boutique, Limited Edt has been operating in the country for over two decades. Founded by Mandeep Chopra, the business currently operates 15 stores in Singapore and recently launched its brick-and-mortar store and e-commerce site in India.

Renowned couturier Raghavendra Rathore has teamed up with Punjabi sensation Diljit Dosanjh for the Dil-luminati North America tour, showcasing Indian heritage and craftsmanship.

The tour commenced in Vancouver on April 27th, featuring Dosanjh in Rathore's signature black Jodhpur bandhgala collared kurta adorned with intricate tonal thread work. Paired with a pure silk chadra and a turle wali pagri styled by Gurpartap Singh Kang, Dosanjh epitomized elegance and tradition.

This collaboration signifies a fusion of Rathore's commitment to preserving cultural roots with Dosanjh's global appeal. Rathore praised Dosanjh's ability to merge Punjabi heritage with contemporary flair, resonating with younger audiences seeking authentic experiences.

With over 20 million followers, Dosanjh embodies a cultural ambassador, reflecting India's burgeoning luxury fashion industry, valued at $59.3 billion in 2022. As Dosanjh graces international stages in Rathore's creations, the duo underscores India's prowess in haute couture, heralding a new era of global dominance.

Their collaboration exemplifies the marriage of tradition and innovation, propelling India onto the world fashion stage with confidence and style.

Expanding its product offerings, footwear brand Language has launched a new leather footwear range for men. Lightweight in construction, these comfort shoes blend craftsmanship with ergonomic design. They have been constructed with premium materials and feature lightweight soles, a leather lining and cushioned comfort footbeds to support the customers feet.

Featuring a ‘Jameson Moccasin’ made from Nappa leather, the ‘Macklin Loafer’ range has been designed for office and formal wear while the ‘Finlay Moccasin’ range has been made in a more flamboyant style. Other models in this new line include the ‘Stefan Loafer’ and ‘Martin Loafer’.

Launched at Language’s exclusive brand outlets in Nungambakkam Chennai, Express Avenue Chennai, Sarath City Mall Hyderabad, Lulu Global Mall Bengaluru, Lulu Mall Kochi, Pavilion Mall Ludhiana, and HiLite Mall Kozhikode, etc, the collection is also available in the brand’sdirect to customer e-commerce store. The brand Language also retails from over 300 multi-brand outlets across India with retailers including Metro Shoes, Viz, Mochi, Centro, Regal Shoes, and Delco as well as online with Amazon India.

Featuring a revamped format, Landmark Group’s value fashion brand Easybuy launched its ninth store in Hyderabad. Located inSecunderabad, it is the retailer’s 12th outlet in Telangana.

Founded in 2014, Easybuy now operates over 140 stores across India. The brand’s new stores reflect its commitment to provide customers a better shopping experience, says Karan Mehta, CEO.Easybuy has reoriented its supply chain to offer something new to customers after every visit. The brand is entering new markets with this revamped format. Ranging from 8,000 sq ft-10,000 sqft, the brand’s stores offer over 1,000 styles under Rs499 for men, women, and kids, with new collections released every two weeks.

In addition to Easybuy, Landmark also introduced Lifestyle and Max to India. The retail giant currently boasts over 2,200 stores in more than 20 countries.

Beginning July 01, 2024, Flipkart’s ‘Big End of Season Sale’ (Big EOSS) will offer customers product choices from over 12,000 brands and over 2 lakh sellers, with the option of open-box delivery across categories like sports shoes, watches and jeans.

The sale event will showcase some of the most popular brands including Puma, Adidas, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Fossil, Titan, Crocs, UCB, Vero Moda, Only, W, USPA, Arrow, American Tourister, Peter England, etc. It will also offer customers the same-day delivery option on over 1 lakh products.

Customers can also avail various bank offers when making their purchases during the Big EOSS, such as 10 per cent instant discount on Credit Cards & Credit Cards EMI across RBL Bank, BOB Bank, HSBC Bank (with minimum order value of Rs 2,500). They can also avail offers with Flipkart UPI on a minimum order value of Rs.200.

In the run-up to Big EOSS, Flipkart has also launched a star-studded marketing campaign featuring Allu Arjun and Alia Bhatt, which has encouraged wishlisting of products by customers PAN India.

Arief Mohamad, Vice President and Head, Flipkart Fashion says, Flipkart’s Big EOSS offers customers the best value and the widest range of trendy styles from top brands. Over the years, the shopping extravaganza has not only delighted customers across India, but also fuelled positive growth for sellers and brands on the platform. The sale event offers the latest and best in fashion – across apparel, footwear, and accessories –through customised on-app experiences