Indian fashion retailers speed up collections as demand for new styles rises
Fashion retailers like Arvind Fashions, Trent, Blackberrys, and Madura Fashion & Lifestyle are accelerating their collection rollouts, shifting from the traditional six-month cycle to frequent launches. This shift aligns with rising consumer demand, particularly from Gen Z, for fast-changing styles influenced by social media trends.
A recent study reveals that 11 per cent of collections now launch in 3-5 months, with 2 per cent reducing lead times to under three months compared to the previous norm of 6-9 months for 39 per cent of collections.
Retailers are streamlining supply chains to improve agility. Arvind's Vice-Chairman Kulin Lalbhai notes that moving from wholesale to direct distribution has enhanced control and speed. Trent’s MD, P Venkatesalu, says manufacturing timelines have shrunk by 20 per cent due to improved ecosystem efficiency.
Startups like Groyyo, Zyod, and Fashinza are leveraging tech to cut design-to-launch times from six months to six weeks. They optimize procurement, track production, and reduce inventory risks. Zyod co-founder Ankit Jaipuria says they create nearly 10,000 styles monthly.
With tech-driven efficiencies, Indian fashion retailers are rapidly adapting to a dynamic market, ensuring quicker, trend-focused launches.
