31 July 2025, Mumbai

Global sporting goods giant, Decathlon has unveiled an ambitious plan to escalate its sourcing from India to $3 billion by 2030. This strategic move coincides with the company's 25th manufacturing anniversary in the country, highlighting its deep commitment to expanding its footprint and boosting India's ‘Make in India’ initiative. The goal is to significantly enhance local production capabilities for both domestic consumption and global supply chains.

India currently contributes 8 per cent of Decathlon's global sourcing, a figure the company aims to nearly double to 15 per cent by the decade's end. To drive this growth, the brand aims to focus on the footwear, fitness equipment, and technical textiles categoies.

Presently, over 70 per cent of Decathlon's products sold in India are locally manufactured, a percentage targeted to reach 90 per cent by 2030. The organization boasts an extensive manufacturing network, comprising a design center, 113 factories, 83 suppliers, and seven manufacturing offices. Decathlon is also actively investing in market-relevant categories like yoga and cricket, with all cricket equipment now designed and produced entirely within India.

This substantial growth is projected to create over 300,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities across Decathlon’s supply chain and manufacturing base. With 132 stores in 55 cities, Decathlon intends to expand its retail presence to over 90 cities by 2030. The company’s core growth strategy revolves around strengthening its product categories and closely aligning production with evolving retail demand.

Sankar Chatterjee, Decathlon India CEO, underscored the pivotal role of India's robust manufacturing ecosystem in driving the brand's growth. He praised the quality and agility of local manufacturing for enabling a diverse product portfolio tailored to Indian sports enthusiasts. Chatterjee emphasized that manufacturing excellence will be crucial for the company's omni-channel growth and long-term sustainability objectives.

Frederic Merlevede, Head-Global Production, Decathlon, affirms India's position as a ‘crucial pillar’in the company's global sourcing operations, commending the country's performance in quality, innovation, and speed. Deepak D’Souza, Head-Production (India), adds, the brand would continue to focus on innovation, intelligent production techniques, and sustainability in future.

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28 July 2025, Mumbai

In a country where over 360 million children fall under the age of 14, it's no surprise that India’s kid’s wear market is no longer playing dress-up. It has grown into a high-stakes segment within the country’s thriving fashion industry, riding on a wave of demographic advantage, rising incomes, and a generational shift in parenting.

As parents become more style-conscious and digitally connected, kid’s wear is no longer an afterthought—it’s at the center of retail strategies and fashion innovations.

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From major cities to small-town India, the demand for comfortable, stylish, and even eco-conscious children’s clothing is rewriting the rules of the game. And while the consumers may be pint-sized, the market potential is anything but.

How big is the kid’s wear opportunity?

The numbers speak for themselves. Multiple industry estimates place India’s kid’s wear and children's apparel market is growing and how. While the actual figures vary depending on methodology, one consensus is clear—India’s kid’s wear industry is on a sustained growth path for the next decade.

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Take the India Kids Apparel Market, which stood at $24.56 billion in 2024 according to TechSci Research. It's projected to touch $29.35 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.01 per cent. Another analysis from the IMARC Group pegs the broader children’s wear market at $27.20 billion in 2024, forecasted to be worth $38.70 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 3.60 per cent.

‘India Kidswear Market’ by Allied Market Research values it at $12.6 billion in 2023, projecting growth to $23.2 billion by 2034 with a CAGR of 5.8 per cent (2024-34). Apparel remains the dominant product type within this market.

Here’s how the leading market estimates stack up.

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Table: India’s kid’s wear market size and projections

“We’ve seen double-digit growth in many Tier II and Tier III cities. Parents are investing more, not just in fashion, but in perceived comfort and wellness for their children,” says Ravi Ahuja, VP of Consumer Insights at Kidstyle India.

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Online convenience vs offline trust

Despite the e-commerce boom, offline channels still dominate India's kid’s wear distribution space —accounting for nearly 60 per cent of sales in 2024. Department stores, exclusive brand outlets (EBOs), and multi-brand retail continue to serve as trust anchors for cautious Indian parents, who often prefer a tactile shopping experience for their little ones.

But that status quo is changing rapidly. Online retail, spearheaded by platforms like Amazon, FirstCry, Hopscotch, and Myntra, is growing at a CAGR of 7.8 per cent, thanks to digital penetration in smaller cities and the explosion of D2C brands. “E-commerce has given us visibility far beyond metros.

Today, a parent in Kanpur or Hubli can shop the same styles available in Mumbai or Delhi,” says Sonal Jain, Co-founder of Kidbea, a D2C brand specializing in organic babywear.

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Growth triggers

At the heart of the kid’s wear market growth is a unique amalgamation of economic, demographic, and cultural forces.

Rising disposable incomes and growing middle-class means more financial muscle for fashion-forward spending, even in segments like kid’s wear that were once purely functional. Urbanization and global exposure is another trigger as parents in urban areas are now more exposed to international trends and seek fashionable clothing for their kids that mirrors global style cues. “Earlier, kids wore what was bought. Now, they have preferences, opinions, and Instagram profiles,” quips Megha Verma, VP of Marketing at Hopscotch.

What’s more with one of the world’s largest child populations, the market has a built-in runway for demand. And cultural events drive demand. Festivals, weddings, birthdays, and school events offer recurring demand cycles for ethnic, occasion, and formal kid’s wear.

Another major catalyst is social media and brand influence. From YouTube moms to Instagram shops, parenting and fashion have become social signifiers, amplifying demand for premium and branded clothes. Meanwhile eco-conscious millennial and Gen Z parents are increasingly choosing organic cotton, toxin-free dyes, and ethically made clothes for their children.

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Not all smooth sailing

As attractive as the growth story is, the kid’s wear segment also has its fair share of challenges. Price sensitivity is an issue especially in rural and semi-urban markets where consumers remain highly price-conscious.

Also, the influx of local, global, and online-only brands has created a fragmented battlefield. Supply chain bottlenecks is another issue as ensuring timely delivery across India’s vast geography is no small feat. Fluctuations in fabric prices, especially cotton, can erode margins.

The brandscape, who is leading

From homegrown veterans to global giants and agile D2C players, India's kid’s wear market is crowded but creatively vibrant. What unites the winners is adaptability—whether in terms of channel strategy, product innovation, or customer engagement.

Table: Core strategies, strengths, and positioning of various brands

Brands are also pushing beyond traditional product categories. Apparel is being bundled with matching accessories, footwear, and even curated "gift sets." Some, like Zip Zap Zoop, endorsed by actor Shilpa Shetty, are using celebrity power to create emotional resonance with parents. “For us, omnichannel is not a trend—it’s survival. The Indian shopper still values touch-and-feel, especially for kids,” explains Amit Maheshwari, Retail Head at Mini Klub.

What’s next for kid’s wear in India?

The market is not just riding a growth wave—it’s setting the stage for a transformation. As the sector matures, new trends will redefine how Indian children dress, and how parents shop.

One of the most exciting frontiers lies in personalized shopping experiences. With advancements in AI, parents may soon enjoy AI-powered style recommendations tailored to their child’s personality, smart sizing technologies that eliminate guesswork, and even garments embroidered with the child’s name—adding a sentimental touch to everyday fashion.

Another visible shift is the rise of gender-neutral clothing, especially among urban consumers. As societal norms evolve and parents increasingly adopt progressive attitudes, more brands are designing collections that eschew traditional pinks and blues in favor of inclusive, unisex aesthetics.

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At the same time, athleisure and functional wear are becoming staples in children’s wardrobes. From breathable fabrics to stretchable designs, the focus is on comfort without compromising on style. “Comfy is the new cool, even for kids,” say many designers riding this trend.

Smarter subscription models are also entering the fray, catering especially to parents of infants and toddlers who often outgrow clothes in mere weeks. By offering curated clothing boxes on a monthly or seasonal basis, these services promise convenience, value, and sustainability.

Perhaps the most powerful engine of change will be the expansion into India’s Tier II, III cities. As disposable incomes rise and fashion awareness deepens beyond the metros, regional markets are emerging as vital growth hubs for kid’s wear brands looking to scale. “In India, kid’s wear is not just about dressing children,” observes Mumbai-based apparel analyst Sandeep Nanda. “It’s about how a generation of parents express care, aspiration, and culture—one outfit at a time.”

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28 July 2025, Mumbai

A prominent Indian fashion brand known for its contemporary western wear for women, Kazo has opened its newest exclusive brand outlet (EBO) in Gurgaon. This strategic expansion further consolidates Kazo’s growing presence in India's dynamic retail landscape.

Founded in 2007 by Deepak Aggarwal, Kazo has established itself as a go-to brand for stylish, affordable high-street fashion, offering everything from dresses and tops to accessories and fragrances. With a current network of over 75 EBOs and over 140 shop-in-shops across India, this new Gurgaon store marks another significant step in the brand's aggressive expansion strategy.

The Elan Epic store will showcase Kazo's latest collections, reflecting its commitment to blending international fashion trends with a modern Indian aesthetic. Actively pursuing an omnichannel approach, Kazo aims to set up 500 points of sale by 2024, encompassing both physical stores and a robust online presence. This expansion highlights Kazo’s dedication to providing accessible, fashion-forward choices to the contemporary Indian woman.

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31 July 2025, Mumbai

A rapidly expanding Indian fast fashion brand primarily targeting Gen Z consumers, Littlebox has successfully raised Rs 17.5 crore in a recent seed funding round. The round was co-led by Huddle Ventures and Prath Ventures, with additional participation from a group of angel investors.

According to Rimjhim Deka, Co-founder and CEO, Littlebox, the company plans to use this newly acquired capital to upgrade the startup's tech portfolio and expand their support team. As per regulatory filings, Huddle Ventures contributed approximately Rs 7.49 crore, while Prath Ventures infused Rs 7.99 crore via its Eternal Emerging Enterprises Fund I.

Founded in 2021 by the husband-wife duo Partha Kakati and Rimjhim Deka, Littlebox operates as a direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand, selling trendy clothing and outfits through its website and mobile app.

What sets Littlebox apart is its real-time retail model. The Guwahati-based brand employs a unique 15-day inventory management cycle, allowing it to frequently drop new designs without holding large inventories. A sophisticated backend tech stack enables the startup to forecast demand for new designs by analyzing website traffic, giving it a significant edge over traditional brands that operate on seasonal demands.

Littlebox maintains its own manufacturing and warehousing facilities in Delhi NCR and currently employs around 100 people. The company proudly claims to have been profitable since its inception, demonstrating a remarkable over 100 per cent growth trajectory in the past three years. Its revenue impressively increased by 104 per cent to Rs 55 crore in FY25 from Rs 27 crore in the previous fiscal year, with net profit growing by 318 per cent to Rs 2.3 crore from Rs 55 lakh in FY24.

Following this maiden funding round, Littlebox has set an ambitious target of reaching the Rs 100 crore revenue mark. The startup plans to achieve this through aggressive brand-building campaigns, continuous new design launches, and scaling up its Stock Keeping Units (SKUs).

To date, Littlebox has fulfilled approximately 1.2 million orders and attracts around 100,000 visitors to its website daily. The brand is banking on the burgeoning fast fashion market in India, which is projected to exceed $50 billion by FY31. Littlebox is poised to compete head-on with other Gen Z-focused fast fashion platforms like NewMe, Berrylush, and Snitch, as well as established legacy players such as Zara and H&M.

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28 July 2025, Mumbai

A prominent youth fashion brand, Spykar is poised for its next growth phase, focusing keenly on retail expansion into India's Tier II and III cities. This strategic push will be entirely supported by its successful franchise-led model. The brand is specifically targeting locations such as Nashik, Bhopal, Indore, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati, identifying these areas as having growing brand affinity, increasing foot traffic, and evolving fashion sensibilities among younger consumers.

Spykar's current EBO network is 100 per cent franchise-operated. This model has proven instrumental in allowing the company to scale efficiently while effectively leveraging local market expertise. The company emphasizes, franchise partnerships are a key pillar of their network and central to their expansion in emerging markets.

In FY25–26, Spykar aims to strengthen its omnichannel presence and establish a more robust retail footprint in these high-potential non-metro markets. The brand continues its investment in cutting-edge technologies like AI, predictive analytics, and digital personalization. These tools are integral to optimizing design, enhancing customer engagement, and streamlining inventory planning, all contributing to a seamless and intelligent retail experience across various formats.

As part of its broader vision, Spykar is also exploring innovative distribution formats, including quick commerce. Essential items like trunks and T-shirts are already available through platforms such as Zepto. The company states that its retail evolution is deeply rooted in comprehensive consumer insights, strategic loyalty initiatives, and a clear understanding of the preferences of Gen Z and Gen Alpha shoppers.

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28 July 2025, Mumbai

In a star-studded event, Brazilian supermodel and international style icon Alessandra Ambrosio graced the runway for renowned Indian designer Manish Malhotra at the ongoing Hyundai India Couture Week 2025.

Being organized in collaboration with Reliance Brands, under the guidance of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), Hyundai India Couture Week is being hosted at the iconic Taj Palace in Delhi, featuring exclusive collections from a lineup of celebrated designers including Rahul Mishra, JJ Valaya, Ritu Kumar, and many more. The week-long event opened with Mishra's collection, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and fashion design expertise. The collection explored profound themes of love and transformation.

JJ Valaya is set to close the event, providing a fitting crescendo to India's highest echelon of creative brilliance. Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, emphasizes, Valaya's timeless legacy is crucial to bring the 18th edition of India Couture Week to a remarkable close, celebrating the deep-rooted craftsmanship and creative ingenuity that India is known for globally.

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28 July 2025, Mumbai

On July 25, 2025, Nita Mukesh Ambani unveiled Reliance Retail's newest flagship store, Swadesh. Located at the iconic Eros Building in Churchgate, Mumbai, this launch marks a significant stride in integrating India's rich traditional craftsmanship into a modern retail experience.

Swadesh distinguishes itself by focusing on India’s handlooms heritage. The store features a diverse collection, ranging from handwoven saris and hand-carved artifacts to textiles and decor sourced from every corner of the country. Swadesh aims to bridge ancient crafts with contemporary design, focusing not just on selling products but on honoring the skilled artisans behind each piece. Every item in the store tells a story, deeply rooted in India's vibrant cultural history.

To commemorate the store’s launch, Reliance Foundation partnered with a major newspaper to release a unique fabric front jacket adorned with a Kantha-inspired design. This special jacket featured the Tree of Life, a powerful symbol of connection, rootedness, and renewal, serving as an invitation for Mumbaikars to reconnect with India's rich traditions.

Swadesh's vision aligns with the philosophy of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre: to preserve, promote, and pass on India’s artistic legacy to future generations. The historic Eros Building, with its distinctive Art Deco architecture, provides an ideal backdrop for this endeavor.

The brand is committed to bringing visibility and respect to India's often-unseen artisans. By centralizing their work in a premium shopping environment, Swadesh aims to give traditional crafts the recognition they deserve. Whether customers purchase a delicate Chikankari kurta, a bold Banarasi saree, or a piece of decor reflecting the soul of Kashmir or Kutch, they are not merely buying a product; they are actively participating in a movement to re-establish Indian craft as mainstream.

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The Indian textile industry is poised for a significant reform as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is expected to consider a proposal for a uniform 12 percent GST rate across the entire textile value chain before September 2025.

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This move aims to rectify the long-standing issue of inverted duty structure, streamline tax rates, reduce compliance burdens, and attract much-needed investments into the sector.

A senior government source, speaking to Moneycontrol, revealed that the proposal is likely to be a key part of the Group of Ministers' (GoM) rate rationalization report and has the backing of the Centre.

"Correction of textile inverted duty is pending. Cotton is at 5 percent – it's a farm produce logic, but it is not working. It is no longer delivering the intended benefit in the context of GST. Yarn is at 12 percent. The proposal is to bring everything to 12 percent," the source stated, emphasizing the urgency to address these discrepancies.

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Addressing the Inverted Duty Structure

Currently, the textile sector operates under a complex GST regime with varying rates. As per current regulations, garments priced below ₹1,000 attract a 5 percent GST, while those priced at ₹1,000 or more are taxed at 12 percent. This, along with other disparities, contributes to the inverted duty structure:

●     Cotton: 5 percent

●     Yarn: 12 percent

●     Synthetic Fibres and Chemicals: 18 percent

●     Garments below ₹1,000: 5 percent

●     Garments at or above ₹1,000: 12 percent

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This multi-tiered structure, particularly the lower rate on cotton (due to its "farm produce logic") compared to higher rates on inputs like synthetic fibres and chemicals, creates an inverted duty structure. This leads to the accumulation of input tax credit (ITC) that cannot be fully utilized against output tax liability, thus locking up working capital for businesses.

As the government source explained, "If inversion is there, investments will not come. Inverted duty refund should be stopped… working capital is used. Overall, it pushes the price up. It's a cleaner design – don't distort the rate structure." The reliance on refund claims for accumulated ITC also adds to administrative burden and delays for businesses.

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Simplifying garment taxation and boosting synthetics

The proposed uniform 12 percent rate is also expected to eliminate the existing price threshold for garments, applying a flat rate regardless of value. "Garments up to Rs 1,000, a threshold is there. Make everything at 12 percent irrespective of any threshold for simplification, it may be proposed.

As it is, it's not a levy on the farmers, it is a levy on the buyer," the source added. This would significantly simplify the current system which has a 5% rate for garments priced below ₹1,000 and 12% for those at or above ₹1,000.

Furthermore, the reform aims to address the disproportionately high tax on synthetic products, which form a significant part of mass consumption in India. Currently, chemicals are taxed at 18 percent, synthetic fibres at 18 percent, and yarn at 12 percent. "If at all we have to put the burden on the user, then there is a need to reduce the rate on polyesters and synthetics. That is what is used by the masses.

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Then they blend it with cotton. That is how the chain is. But the rate structure is reversed," the source noted. A uniform 12 percent rate across the synthetic value chain would "clean up – else there are hidden costs. Money gets stuck. Industry also is not able to compete."

However, the prospect of a uniform 12% GST rate on garments, particularly for those currently taxed at 5% (i.e., those below ₹1,000), has raised significant concerns within the industry whenever discussed in the past, with many warning of an adverse impact on consumer prices and demand. Industry bodies have previously voiced strong opposition to such a hike. "It is unfortunate that those who buy clothes costing less than Rs 1,000 will be the most affected," stated Vinod Kumar Gupta, managing director of Dollar Industries, during a similar discussion in late 2021. Rajesh Masand, Past President of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) has also previously noted that "the market is likely to see a 15-20% price increase in garments in the coming season even without the GST rate increase" due to other input cost pressures, suggesting that a further GST hike would only exacerbate this. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has also been vocal, highlighting that "Roti, Kapda & Makaan are three basic things of life... the cloth, which was accessible, has also been made expensive by the GST Council." Critics argue that increasing the GST on essential clothing, especially for the lower and middle-income groups, could dampen consumption and push a portion of the unorganized sector out of the GST net, potentially counteracting the very aim of formalization.

Industry voices and expectations

The textile industry has consistently advocated for GST rationalization. Industry bodies like the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) have long pressed for a uniform and lower GST rate, arguing that it would lead to higher compliance and increased revenue for the exchequer.

"A uniform and low tax rate of five per cent can be a big game changer for the entire textile basket of the country," stated Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, CMAI, in a past representation, advocating for a fiber-neutral GST. Similarly, K. Selvaraju, Secretary General of the Southern India Mills Association, has also expressed the need for a fiber-neutral rate, suggesting a 5% rate for most products and 12% only for garments and fabrics priced above ₹2,000 (though the current slab is ₹1,000). While the industry's ideal may be a 5% uniform rate, the proposed 12% uniform rate is seen as a significant step towards addressing existing distortions and simplifying the tax structure, albeit with the noted concerns for the mass-market garment segment.

The GST Council's decision, expected before September, will be crucial in shaping the future trajectory of India's textile industry, paving the way for a more streamlined, competitive, and investment-friendly environment, while also navigating the concerns regarding potential price increases for everyday garments.

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28 July 2025, Mumbai

India’s leading creative education institution Pearl Academy teamed up with Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) to present a collection by the visionary designer duo Falguni Shane Peacock at the Hyundai India Couture Week 2025,

Known for dressing global icons and redefining couture with futuristic flair, Peacock unveiled a collection that seamlessly blended fantasy and fashion. Inspired by the opulence of Indian maharajas and maharanis, the designs reimagined royal heritage with modern silhouettes, rich embroidery, and intricate detailing, exuding grandeur and theatrical finesse. Bollywood icon Akshay Kumar added star power, walking the runway in an ivory bandhgala, embodying princely elegance.

Over fifty Pearl Academy students from various disciplines, including fashion design, styling, and communication, worked behind the scenes with India’s leading couturiers to manage fittings, styling, sequencing, and backstage operations.

This partnership underscored a shared commitment to boundless creativity, spotlighting Pearl Academy as the only educational institution at India Couture Week 2025. Aditi Srivastava, President, Pearl Academy, says, this collaboration reflects the institute’s deep commitment to experiential learning.

Backed by a pedagogy rooted in experiential learning, Pearl Academy continues to lead with future-focused initiatives, including launching India’s first Metaverse campus and offering global immersions in major fashion capitals. For its students, this was more than an assignment; it was a front-row seat to their own future.

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26 July 2025, Mumbai

V-Mart Retail reported a significant jump in net profit in Q1, FY26 spanning April-June 2025, driven by effective cost-cutting measures and improved operational efficiency. The Kolkata-based value fashion retailer's net profit increased by 177 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 34 crore, even as a broader slowdown in consumer spending impacted sales at existing stores and overall demand in smaller Indian cities.

V-Mart's revenue rose by 13 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 885 crore during the quarter, marking its highest quarterly revenue in over two decades. This performance slightly surpassed analyst estimates from Motilal Oswal, who had projected a 12 per cent growth.

While sales at older stores grew by a modest 1 per cent from a year earlier, V-Mart explained in an exchange filing that this figure was largely influenced by the early timing of the Eid festival shopping this year.

The company's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) rose 27 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 126 crore in the June quarter, as againt Rs 99 crore in the same period a year ago.

The subdued same-store sales growth at V-Mart reflects a wider consumption slowdown impacting discretionary retail across India. Other major retailers also reported muted performances; Avenue Supermarts (DMart) reported same-store sales growth of just 3.9 per cent in Q1 FY26, while Shoppers Stop experienced a 5.9 per cent contraction in same-store sales during the same period, indicating a general softness in footfalls and demand across both organized value and premium retail segments.

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