Esteemed Indian luxury fashion retailer, Ogaan is gearing up to host an exclusive business-to-customer (b2c) shopping fair dubbed the 'Maker's Market' on May 2.

Set to take place at Ogaan's boutique nestled in the heart of Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, this event aims to highlight emerging designers and brands, capturing the essence of both contemporary and fusion styles.

With a focus on introducing discerning shoppers to fresh, innovative labels, the showcase will boast an eclectic array of collections. Among the featured brands in the contemporary segment are 63 East, Aavidi, Artisau, Hiranya, Jodi, Kavya Singh Kundu, Linen Bloom, Nikasha, Studio Moda, and Tarina, to name a few. Meanwhile, the fusion segment will showcase the latest offerings from Bhavik Shah, Dyelogue, Evra by Nikita, Inej, Studio Nirjara, Tatwa, and Vaayu, captivating the city's fashion enthusiasts with their distinctive aesthetics.

In addition to this exciting event, Ogaan recently unveiled a captivating 'fashion meets art' installation at New Delhi store in Dhan Mill. The installation features an all-white display showcasing the exquisite designs of womenswear designer Shweta Kapur across multiple collections, seamlessly blending fashion and artistry.

Founded in 1989, Ogaan has cemented its position as a pioneer in the Indian luxury fashion scene. From a humble beginning with the inauguration of its flagship boutique in New Delhi, the brand has expanded its footprint, now boasting an e-commerce platform and six multi-brand outlets in the capital, along with stores in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

Global fashion retailer Mango has collaborated with renowned influencers Juhi Godambe, ShivShakti and Vagmita Singh to launch its summer capsule collection on Myntra.

Juhi Godambe’s collection focuses on bold workwear, ShivShakti’s statement pieces tailored for modern women and Vagmita’s collection showcases fashionable casuals.

Bringing an authentic Spanish touch to India customers’ wardrobe, the collection serves as a bridge between the rich heritage and fashion synonymous with the effervescent city of Barcelona, tailored precisely to meet the discerning tastes of Indian women, says Venu Nair, Chief of Strategic Partnerships and Omni Channel Business, Myntra.

The brand plans to promote the collection through digital channels, social media handles of the influencers and Out-of-home (OOH) advertising in cities like Bengaluru.

One of Europe’s leading fashion brand, Mango is known for its design, creativity, sustainability and technology. The rights to sell the brands’ products online in India were acquired by Myntra in 2017 from two previous operators of New Delhi-based DLF Brands and Mumbai-based Major Brands – currently known as Apparel Group – a franchisee operator of various international labels including Aldo, Bath & BodyWorks, Victoria’s Secret, Charles & Keith, Tim Hortons among others.

The global athleisure market is booming, and India is a key player in this growth story. With a projected CAGR of 5.2 per cent, the Indian athleisure market is estimated to reach Rs 24,800 crore ($3.2 billion) by 2032,as per a new report by Allied Market Research. This growth is driven by several factors, including a growing health and fitness consciousness, rising disposable incomes, and a booming young population.

Key growth drivers

Statista predicts the sports and athleisure retail market in India to grow to Rs 402 billion by 2025. Meanwhile, India's sports equipment, footwear, and apparel market, which includes athleisure, reached Rs 218 billion in 2022 fiscal, a significant growth of 122.5 per cent from 2015. So what is driving this market’s growth.

Increased focus on health and fitness: Post Covid, Indians have become increasingly aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. This has led to a rise in gym memberships, participation in sports activities, and overall fitness awareness. Athleisure wear, known for its comfort and functionality, caters perfectly to this trend.

Young fashion-conscious consumers: India has a large young population who are driving the demand for trendy and stylish clothing. Athleisure wear bridges the gap between activewear and casual wear, offering both comfort and style, making it a popular choice for this demographic.

E-commerce boom: The rise of online shopping platforms has made it easier for consumers across India to access a wider variety of athleisure brands and products. This convenience is further pushing up market growth.

Market landscape

Currently, the women’s segment holds majority share of Indian athleisure market driven by a growing focus on fitness and a wider variety of stylish options available. However, the male segment is expected to witness the fastest growth in coming years, with athleisure apparel like bomber jackets and casual trousers gaining traction.

As far as products go, sneakers are currently the most popular athleisure product category in India. However, hoodies are expected to see the highest growth rate in the future, driven by the variety of stylish options available, reveals Allied Market Research Report on Athleisure Market study.

Traditionally, offline stores have been the primary channel for athleisure purchases in India. However, online sales are rapidly growing due to factors like convenience and wider product.

Meanwhile, several Indian athleisure brands are making a name for themselves in the market. For instance, Delhi-based Alcis Sports offers high-quality, performance-oriented athleisure wear at competitive prices. Their focus on innovation and design has helped them capture a loyal customer base. Alics’ success story highlights the potential for domestic brands to thrive in the Indian athleisure market.

Opportunities and challenges

E-commerce boom: The surging popularity of e-commerce platforms, especially in Tier-II and III cities, presents a significant growth opportunity for athleisure brands to reach a wider audience.

Domestic manufacturing: India's advantage in textile procurement and manufacturing can help brands offer competitive pricing and cater to the domestic market effectively.

Counterfeit concerns: The presence of counterfeit athleisure brands, especially online, can hinder market growth and damage brand reputation.

The athleisure market in India has a lot of potential. As disposable incomes rise and health consciousness strengthens, demand for athleisure is expected to continue growing. Brands that can adapt to evolving trends cater to diverse segments, and leverage the power of e-commerce will be well-positioned to capitalize on this dynamic market.

The Retailers Association of India (RAI) orchestrated the third edition of the Hyderabad Retail Summit (HRS) on April 24, 2024, at Hotel ITC Kohenur Hyderabad. This gathering, a cornerstone in the retail sector, provided a robust platform for industry stakeholders to converge, deliberate, and propel the discourse on pertinent retail issues within the region.

Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of RAI, underscored the profound metamorphosis witnessed in Telangana's retail landscape. He attributed this paradigm shift to a fusion of traditional brick-and-mortar assurances with the convenience of online platforms, catalyzed by the region's vibrant IT industry. Rajagopalan emphasized the evolving consumer demands, characterized by a seamless integration of digital accessibility and the trust associated with physical retail experiences, setting a national benchmark for retail innovation.

The summit witnessed Jayesh Ranjan, Hon'ble Principal Secretary - Industries, Commerce, and Information Technology, Government of Telangana, lauding Hyderabad's retail ecosystem. Ranjan accentuated the city's allure, attributing it in part to the dynamic offerings provided by its retailers, catering to diverse consumer needs with a plethora of options.

Highlighting the event were insightful panel discussions on pivotal topics such as "The Modern Retail Renaissance: Innovations And Consumer-Centric Strategies" and "Revolutionising The Indian Grocery Industry: Technology, Supply Chains, And Logistics." Esteemed figures from the regional retail arena, including Avnish Kumar, Gautam Gupta, P Jayakumar, Taran Chhabra, and Vikash Hisariya, shared invaluable perspectives during these sessions.

Avnish Kumar, Head of RAI's Telangana Chapter and Managing Director of Neerus Ensembles, articulated the summit's significance as a catalyst for embracing evolving consumer behaviors. He emphasized RAI's commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation, ensuring that retail experiences are not just integrated but also deeply personalized.

Further insights were provided by industry stalwarts such as P Jayakumar, CEO of Apollo Pharmacy, who highlighted the integration of technology in modern healthcare, and Taran Chhabra, Co-Founder of Neeman’s, who underscored the transformative role of technology in promoting sustainability within the footwear industry.

Presented by Ratnadeep Retail and Powered by National Mart, HRS 2024 boasted an impressive lineup of partners, underscoring the collaborative ethos driving retail innovation. With Platinum Partners like Neeru’s Ensembles and Amazon Pay, the event showcased a convergence of industry leaders committed to shaping the future of retail.

Fueled by a surge in fitness consciousness and a preference for comfortable, multipurpose clothing, the Indian athlesiure wear market is flourishing. Factors like remote work and accessible e-commerce have reshaped consumer choices, driving the demand for athleisure. This growth is further boosted by affordable local brands, with athleisure becoming a symbol of status.

India hosts numerous internet-first brands like HRX, Aastey, Blissclub, and Zymrat. According to industry analyses, the Indian sports apparel market was valued at $673.34 million in 2022, projected to reach $1926.10 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 16.2 per cent. The COVID-19 pandemic spurred a shift towards home fitness, contributing to the rise of athleisure, which blends fashion with functionality for everyday wear.

The emergence of sneaker culture and athleisure as a mainstream movement has reshaped the industry. While global giants like Nike, Puma, and Adidas dominate, there's a rising demand for affordable brands catering to Indian consumers. Indian brands like HRX focus on community engagement, fostering brand loyalty through initiatives like fitness challenges and workshops.

Direct-to-consumer brands like Blissclub tailor offerings to Indian preferences while aligning with global trends. They address diverse needs, such as offering plus-size ranges, carving unique market positions. Marketing strategies of homegrown brands emphasise online communities and engagement activities, leveraging social media to connect with consumers authentically.

An international player, Puma harnesses influencer marketing, engaging micro and nano influencers alongside celebrities. India's youthful demographic, with 50 per cent under 25 years old, drives the athleisure market. Millennials and Gen Z prioritise health and wellness, seeking trendy activewear for self-expression.

The increasing participation of women in the workforce, at 26.9 per cent in 2023, has spurred growth in women's athleisure products. Versatile options that transition from gym to work environments are in demand. Additionally, urbanisation, with over 35 per cen of the population residing in large cities, contributes to the market's dynamism. Urban dwellers lead active lifestyles and invest in fashionable athleisure, further propelling market growth.

In essence, India's athleisure market thrives on a confluence of factors, including shifting lifestyles, evolving consumer preferences, and targeted marketing strategies by both local and international brands.

Renowned sports retailer, Decathlon has appointed Sankar Chatterjee as its new Chief Executive Officer for India. Chatterjee, who boasts over 20 years of experience in the sports industry and has been associated with Decathlon for more than 13 years, assumed the role in February 2024. Prior to his appointment, Chatterjee served as the Country Digital Leader for Decathlon Sports India.

Under his leadership, Decathlon India witnessed a significant digital transformation, with Chatterjee being instrumental in creating an integrated ecosystem encompassing e-commerce, digital marketing, technology, data management, customer experience, and logistics. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the launch of Decathlon Connect store in India.

Barbara Martin Coppola, Global CEO, Decathlon highlighted India's significance as one of the top ten global markets for the brand, experiencing growth rates double that of other markets.

On April 25, Hermès unveiled its second store in Mumbai, situated within the vibrant Jio World Plaza Mall. Inspired by Mumbai’s dynamic energy and rich cultural tapestry, the store's design invites captivates visitors into explore the it both inside and out.

Adorning the first-floor gallery is the metal façade in hues ranging from sun-kissed orange to deep blues. A spacious salon welcomes visitors with displays of silk, fashion jewelry, home décor, perfumes, and beauty products. The store displays watches and leather goods alongside jewelry collections on its bamboo veneer marquetry walls.

The store's interior is a symphony of color and craftsmanship, with stucco walls and stone floors accented by azure tones inspired by Jaipur. A carpeted path guides visitors through a gradient of cloth threads, transitioning from warm oranges to sapphire blues. Naturalistic prints from the Émile Hermès collection mingle with contemporary works, such as Belgian photographer Harry Gruyaert's Indian forest and French artist Christian Babou's lithograph.

Visitors are treated to an enchanting window installation titled ‘Faubourg in an Enchanted Forest,’ crafted by Indian art director and filmmaker Aradhana Seth. Inspired by Gond art from Madhya Pradesh and Hermès objects, the installation transports viewers into a realm of wonder and imagination.

Designed by Parisian architecture agency RDAI, Hermès Mumbai's store exudes a modern yet welcoming ambiance, weaving together elements of Indian heritage with the brand's timeless elegance.

Available at its flagship stores across India, the Beach Capsule Collection 2024 by luxury accessories brand Jimmy Choo offers selected resort style handbags and footwear in a mix of vibrant hues and neutral tone. The collection reimagines the classic basket bag with a bold logo and boxy shape in colors including royal blue, magenta, and neutral.

Other accessories available in the collection include espadrilles with pops of red, chain strap woven bags, and retro style, geometric print clutch bags.

Jimmy Choo has five flagship stores located across Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. The brand has steadily expanded its brick-and-mortar presence in the country since opening of its first India store in Mumbai in 2007.

Established in 1996, Jimmy Choo is a part of the Capri Holdings global fashion luxury group which is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker CPRI. The brand is currently led by Hannah Colman, CEO and Sandra Choi, Creative Director.

Accessorize London is set to expand its operations in the travel retail sector in India by opening two new stores in Pune and Hyderabad.

The brand currently operates stores in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi, and plans to further strengthen its footprint by into the burgeoning travel retail sector.

The new stores will offer a range of fashion accessories such as earrings, necklaces, scarves, sunglasses, and stationery.

Growing at a CAGR of 21.59 per cent from 2024-29, the Indian travel retail market is projected to reach $5.40 billion by 2029, as estimated by Mordor Intelligence. Accessorize London aims to leverage this opportunity to meet the escalating demand for quality fashion products and services in travel retail outlets. The brand’s expansion into travel retail space also aligns with the increasing tourism in India and helps strengthen the brand’s position in the market.

‘Incredible India’ has become a favored tourist destination for many international travellers. In addition, both international and domestic travellers seek gifting accessories, and souvenirs, and last-minute shopping at the airports. This opens up many opportunities for the brand to tap into the growing markets and cater to consumer demands.

Kumar Saurabh, CEO, Planet Retail Holdings, the parent company of the brand, says, the travel retail segment presents an ideal opportunity to the brand to cater to customers engaging in spontaneous and convenient shopping experiences. It aligns with its commitment to deliver top-quality accessories that ensure utmost customer satisfaction.

Marking its debut, family focused apparel retailer R&B launched its first brick-and-mortar store in Thiruvananthapuram. The large scale store offers the brand’s value-based products to shoppers with focus on trend driven and practical western wear.

The store has dedicated segments for men’s, women’s, and children’ clothing along with accessories such as handbags, hold all bags, hats, socks, and fashion accessories. It also has sections for denim, ethnic wear, personal care goods, and gift items.

R&B also opened its 20th India store to date in Maninagar, Ahmedabad at the start of April. The brand also opened a store in Kochi’s Lulu Mall March-end. It is a part of the Apparel Group India, the Indian arm of UAE-based global fashion and retail giant Apparel Group.

Apparel Group India is also responsible for retailing labels including Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works and Aldo in India.

Mumbai-based textile manufacturer Reid & Taylor Apparel reached another milestone in its expansion strategy as it inaugurated its second store at Vallabagh Lane in Ghatkopar, Mumbai.

As per Subrata Siddhanta, CEO-Apparel & Retail, Reid & Taylor, says the expansion aligns with the brand’s vision to open seven stores in Mumbai within a month. Through this aggressive approach, Reid & Taylor aims to strengthen its presence in the market.

Having forayed into the Indian market in 1988, Reid & Taylor Apparel began its India operations by setting up a cutting-edge mill in Mysore, Karnataka. Over the years, the brand has become synonymous with premium suiting and shirting options.

The Ghatkopar store follows the launch of the brand’s maiden store in Borivali.