23 November 2024, Mumbai

Making a strategic move to boost the brand’s digital presence, Relaxo Footwears has appointed Vishal Pathania as Assistant General Manager and Head-Digital Marketing and Performance, Pathania comes with extensive experience in digital marketing, e-commerce, and brand performance, having held pivotal roles in leading consumer goods and technology companies.

Prior to joining Relaxo, Pathania served as Senior Manager (Lead) – Digital, Social, D2C, and Performance Marketing at Hindware Home Innovation from Feb’23 to Nov’24. In this role, he successfully led the company's digital transformation, overseeing strategy across various digital channels, optimising performance, and significantly boosting Hindware’s online engagement and visibility.

Pathania’s earlier career highlights include a notable four-year stint at Timex Group. He began there in May 2018 as Assistant Manager – Digital, D2C, and Performance Marketing and climbed the ranks to become Manager (Lead) – Digital, PR, D2C, and Performance Marketing by March 2021. His work at Timex was pivotal in refining the brand's marketing communication, where he spearheaded innovative campaigns, partnered with creative agencies, and drove success in social media, public relations, and event marketing.

Before his tenure at Timex, Pathania worked with Micromax Informatics from November 2015 to April 2018 as Assistant Manager – Social, Digital, D2C, and e-Commerce Marketing. He played a key role in formulating digital strategies and expanding the company’s e-commerce footprint. Earlier in his career, Pathania worked as an Account Manager at SoftAdroit System Solutions, where he led targeted digital efforts to enhance client growth in the online space.

Pathania’s appointment is expected to drive Relaxo’s digital transformation, especially in the e-commerce and direct-to-consumer (D2C) sectors. His experience in digital strategy, performance marketing, and consumer engagement will be instrumental in advancing Relaxo's digital marketing capabilities and connecting more effectively with its expanding customer base. Relaxo Footwears aims to leverage his expertise to innovate and enhance its digital outreach, strengthening the brand’s position in the competitive market.

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22 November 2024, Mumbai

The winter season is a crucial period for apparel retailers, particularly those specializing in winter wear. However, erratic weather patterns and fluctuating consumer demand have made inventory planning a complex challenge. This year, the unpredictability of winter weather, along with a broader economic slowdown, has further heightened the risks.

The challenge of forecasting

Historically, winter wear manufacturers have relied on weather forecasts and past sales data to predict demand. However, climate change has made weather patterns increasingly unpredictable, rendering traditional forecasting methods less reliable. For instance, last year, a delayed and mild winter led to excess inventory and significant discounting. As Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail's CEO, Vishak Kumar says, it's not strong versus weak winter, it's when it gets timed-early winter versus late winter, etc.

Retailers like Lifestyle International are taking a bold approach by maintaining high inventory levels. However, this strategy carries the risk of overstocking, especially if winter arrives late or is milder than expected. Last year, many retailers were forced to offer deep discounts to clear excess winter wear.

To mitigate these risks, retailers are adopting a cautious yet optimistic approach. While they are investing in winter wear inventory, they are also taking steps to manage potential overstock. They are diversifying their product portfolio to offer a range of products, from heavy winter wear to lighter layers that will help retailers adapt to varying weather conditions. Meanwhile, winter wear makers are also grappling with the challenges of seasonal demand. Delayed shipments, production bottlenecks, and fluctuating raw material costs can further complicate inventory planning.

To mitigate these issues flexible supply chains allow retailers to quickly adjust production and inventory levels based on real-time demand signals. Another move is collaborating with suppliers to share risk and optimize inventory levels can be beneficial. Leveraging advanced analytics and AI can help retailers make more informed decisions about inventory planning and demand forecasting.

For example, leading retailer V-Mart Retail, has firsthand experience with the challenges of winter wear inventory planning. As Lalit Agarwal, Chairman of V-Mart explains, winters have shown unpredictable demand patterns. To navigate this uncertainty, V-Mart has invested in robust inventory management systems and flexible supply chains.

Therefore, apparel retailers are walking a tightrope between optimism and caution this winter. By carefully balancing risk and reward, leveraging data-driven insights, and adapting to changing market dynamics, they can navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the winter market.

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22 November 2024, Mumbai

Premium leather brand, H&S has opened its first flagship store in Bengaluru. Situated on Richmond Road, the store marks a significant milestone in the brand's journey to expand its retail presence and elevate the shopping experience for its customers.

Spanning 1,500 sq ft, the Bengaluru store offers a carefully curated selection of high-quality leather products, including shoes, bags, belts, wallets, men’s jackets, and small leather accessories. Designed to cater to diverse customer preferences, the store promises an immersive and luxurious shopping experience.

The store provides customers with an elevated shopping experience with personalised service, shares Abdul Wahab, Managing Director, H&S.

Founded in 2009, H&S has established itself as a trusted name in the leather industry. Its roots trace back to the KH Group’s 75-year legacy of producing world-class leather goods for renowned European and American brands. This rich heritage and commitment to excellence have positioned H&S as a leader in the Indian leather goods market.

The new store launch comes as part of H&S’s broader strategy to expand its footprint across India. The brand has already made its presence felt in key cities such as Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Vijayawada, and now Bengaluru. The Bengaluru flagship store will help the brand strengthen its relationship with its growing customer base in the region.

Embodying the brand’s vision to provide customers with an unparalleled shopping experience, the Bengaluru store combines premium-quality leather products with exceptional service to create an environment that reflects the brand’s ethos of sophistication and authenticity.

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23 November 2024, Mumbai

Being Human Clothing has expanded its retail footprint with the opening of a new store at Express Avenue Mall in Chennai. Known for its unique blend of fashion and commitment to social causes, Being Human’s new outlet showcases the brand's A/W 2024 collection, featuring styles that align with its philosophy of social responsibility.

Vivek Sandhwar, Chief Operating Officer, Being Human Clothing, says, going beyond being just a shopping destination, the store offers a space for customers to connect with the brand’s Fashion with Purpose’ ethos. It features a range of exclusive designs inspired by global fashion trends, while staying true to the brand’s mission of giving back. Proceeds from Being Human Clothing continue to support healthcare and education initiatives, reinforcing the brand's dedication to making a positive impact.

This latest store opening reflects Being Human Clothing's strategy to broaden its presence in India while remaining true to its core values of style, community, and purpose.

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22 November 2024, Mumbai

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal recently stressed that e-commerce companies must adhere to Indian laws, both in letter and spirit, during a Mumbai event on November 19. His comments were in response to concerns about the impact of quick-commerce platforms on traditional kirana stores.

Goyal reiterated the government's stance on foreign direct investment (FDI) in e-commerce, emphasizing that e-commerce companies must follow regulations, especially the prohibition of FDI in multi-brand retail and inventory-based models.

This statement comes after the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) accused quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto of undermining kirana businesses by misusing FDI norms and offering unsustainable discounts to cover losses.

A recent survey by Datum Intelligence supports these claims, forecasting that $1.28 billion in sales will shift from kirana stores to quick commerce platforms in 2024. The survey also predicts that the quick commerce sector will reach $40 billion by 2030, contributing to a decline in sales for traditional retailers.

Goyal's comments reflect growing concerns about the competitive pressure posed by these platforms on small retail businesses across India.

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22 November 2024, Mumbai

Bestseller India announced on Thursday that Vineet Gautam, its CEO and country head, will step down after 15 years with the company.

Since joining in 2010, Vineet Gautam has been instrumental in establishing Bestseller brands such as Jack & Jones, Vero Moda, Only, and Selected Homme in India, transforming them into market leaders and building a strong retail network.

Anders Holch Povlsen, CEO & Owner of Bestseller, praised Gautam’s contributions, emphasizing India’s importance as a priority market.

To ensure a smooth transition, Mrithyunjay Amblimath, head of sales, will serve as interim leader. A seasoned professional, Amblimath has been instrumental in driving strategic growth and operational excellence at Bestseller India.

Currently, Bestseller operates 332 exclusive outlets and over 1,578 shop-in-shops across India, with plans to enhance retail operations and customer experiences.

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22 November 2024, Mumbai

Global apparel retailer Uniqlo has achieved a new milestone by launching its largest store in Mumbai. Located at Phoenix Palladium Mall, this is the brand’s third store in the city and offers a comprehensive selection of LifeWear—Uniqlo's signature line of high-quality, functional clothing designed for everyday use.

The new Uniqlo Phoenix Palladium store spans two floors, providing a unique shopping experience for South Mumbai residents. It features the full range of LifeWear apparel, including versatile, well-designed clothing options for men, women, children, and babies. This latest addition brings Uniqlo’s innovative clothing technologies like Pufftech and Heattech to the forefront, alongside premium fabrics such as denim, fleece, and cashmere—all crafted with the brand's commitment to simplicity, quality, and durability.

Kenji Inoue, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Uniqlo India, says, the store d demonstrates the brand’s dedication to bringing high-quality, versatile, and affordable apparel to even more customers across the city. As it continues to grow, Uniqlo remains focused on offering an exceptional shopping experience that enhances our customers' daily lives.”

Uniqlo offers great quality clothing with the Japanese attention to detail and timeless styles that fit seamlessly into any wardrobe, adds Khan.

The Phoenix Palladium location is Uniqlo’s 14th store in India, underscoring the brand’s expansion strategy to make its high-quality LifeWear apparel more accessible to Indian consumers. The store also highlights new seasonal collections for Fall/Winter 2024, catering to a wide range of fashion needs and styles.

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22 November 2024, Mumbai

Multi-national conglomerate and mall operator Lulu Group plans to launch its fifth mall across 2.5 lakh sq ft in Kottayam, Kerala.

This new ‘mini mall’ in Manipuzha will offer everything from fashion, electronics, and home essentials to groceries, fresh produce, and delicious food- all under one roof.

To be located on the MC Road, the mall will be operational in mid-December. It will be a part of the Lulu Group's mini malls expansion across Tier III markets.

Spread over two storeys, the mall will house a Lulu Hypermarket measuring 1.4 lakh sq ft. Lulu Hypermarkets retail everything from clothing and personal care goods to groceries and is one of Lulu Group's flagship retail enterprises.

The mall will also feature over 20 Indian and international brands such as Celio, Van Heusen, etc.

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22 November 2024, Mumbai

A renowned e-commerce platform, Tata Cliq has rebranded itself as Tata Cliq Fashion. With this strategic move, the company has shifted from a general online marketplace to a specialised platform focused exclusively on fashion and lifestyle. Tata Cliq Fashion will now cater to categories such as apparel, footwear, watches, accessories, beauty, gadgets, and home products.

The rebranding includes a complete visual overhaul, with a new brand manifesto, updated packaging, and a refreshed app and web experience to reflect the focus on style and self-expression.

Gopal Asthana, CEO, Tata Cliq, explains, this strategic pivot aims to drive growth and strengthen the company’s position in the fashion category. By honing in on fashion and lifestyle, the company aims to make fashion a powerful medium for self-expression.

To enhance the shopping experience, Tata Cliq Fashion has introduced several new features, with more updates planned for the coming months. These updates include the addition of virtual try-on technology and hyper-personalisation, aimed at creating a more engaging and tailored shopping experience for users.

With this transformation, Tata Cliq Fashion seeks to position itself as a go-to destination for fashion-forward consumers looking for high-quality, curated products that align with their personal style and values.

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22 November 2024, Mumbai

A subsidiary of Japan’s Fast Retailing Co, Uniqlo India aims to hit the Rs 1,000-crore sales milestone this fiscal year, maintaining its annual growth trajectory of 30 per cent. Kenji Inoue, Chief Operating Officer, says, the company aims to embark on a retail expansion besides increasing local sourcing.

India is a key market for Fast Retailing, which recently reported annual global sales of 3 trillion yen (approximately $20 billion). The company has set its sights on tripling sales to 10 trillion yen in the future, with India playing a crucial role in that strategy. It has been an annual growth of 30 per cent and believes, the Indian market has tremendous potential.

Since opening its first store in India in October 2019, Uniqlo has expanded its footprint to 13 locations. By Nov’24-end, this will increase to 15 stores, with new outlets launching in Mumbai’s Phoenix Palladium and West Delhi. Uniqlo India reported a 31 per cent rise in revenue to Rs 814.84 crore and a 25 per cent increase in profit to Rs 85.17 crore for the financial year ending March 31, 2024. The company has achieved profitability within three years of starting operations in India, reaching that milestone in FY’22.

When asked about reaching the Rs 1,000-crore target, Inoue confirmed the company’s ambitions, noting that the success of new stores like the one at Phoenix Palladium will be instrumental.

Uniqlo India also aims to enhance its local production by sourcing 18 per cent of its products locally by 2025, as against the current 15.5 per cent. Inoue emphasised the company’s dedication to ‘producing global standard goods in India’ and meeting local sourcing requirements as part of their expansion strategy.

With its growth not limited to the Northern and Western regions, the company is focusing on South India as it aims to ensure that the quality of service and product mix in each store aligns with customer expectations, Inoue explains.

In addition to its physical stores, Uniqlo is expanding its digital presence. Currently, 15 per cent of its sales come from the official online platform, Uniqlo.com, which reaches 17,000 pin codes across the country. The company intends to continue strengthening its online sales through its website and mobile app.

Uniqlo is the largest brand in the Fast Retailing Group, which is based in Tokyo and includes other brands like GU, Theory, PLST, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam, J Brand, and Helmut Lang. With India’s growing consumer base and its emphasis on quality and sustainability, Uniqlo is positioning itself as a key player in the Indian fashion market, setting ambitious goals for the future.

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22 November 2024, Mumbai

Language introduces its latest footwear collection, blending sophistication and comfort for every occasion. From intimate family gatherings to grand celebrations, the range offers versatile designs to suit every event.

The Edwin Loafer combines lightweight comfort with elegance, featuring a premium leather upper and a removable leather-lined footbed, ideal for formal and relaxed settings. For a polished look, the Lane Lace-ups offer a sleek silhouette and reliable support, crafted with precision for all-day wear. The standout Davin Monk Shoes captivate with intricate perforations and durable soles, making a bold fashion statement.

Language also presents luxurious moccasins tailored for women, ensuring style and comfort during festive celebrations. Made from the finest leather, these shoes prioritize ease without compromising flair.

Discover the collection at exclusive outlets in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Bathinda, or at over 250 multi-brand stores nationwide, including Metro Shoes and Mochi. Celebrate in style with Language, where craftsmanship meets modern elegance.

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22 November 2024, Mumbai

The Bharat Tex Roadshow held at Hotel Westin, Kolkata, on November 20, 2024, marked a pivotal moment in promoting Bharat Tex 2025. The event, attended by over 350 industry stakeholders, was graced by Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, and other dignitaries.

Singh emphasized Kolkata’s historical significance in textiles and outlined a roadmap to double India's textile market size from $175 billion to $350 billion. Highlighting Bharat Tex as a step toward an Atmanirbhar Bharat, he urged attendees to participate actively in the event scheduled for February 2025. The minister also engaged with leaders from the innerwear sector, encouraging them to upscale production for global markets and innovate sustainable blends like jute and recycled cotton.

During a meeting with leaders from the innerwear segment, including brands like Rupa and Dollar, Singh urged increased production to cater to both domestic and international markets. He also proposed developing sustainable fibres by blending jute with recycled cotton.

The upcoming Bharat Tex 2025, organized by the Ministry of Textiles and Export Promotion Councils, will be hosted at two venues - Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from February 14-17, 2025 and India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, from February 12-15, 2025. The event promises a comprehensive showcase of the textiles value chain with a focus on sustainability and innovation, including over 60 knowledge sessions and global dialogues on trends like Industry 4.0.

PabitraMargherita, Minister of State for Textiles, praised Bengal’s textile heritage and urged exhibitors to inspire smaller players. RohitKansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, outlined Bharat Tex 2025’s expansive agenda, including product launches, startup showcases, and networking with global brands and policymakers.

SudhirSekhri, Chairman AEPC, expressed gratitude for the government's support and highlighted the previous edition's success, noting 35 per cent growth in October exports. He revealed plans to expand the event, adding machinery and allied services to attract global and domestic stakeholders.

With roadshows in cities like Madrid, New York, and Melbourne, Bharat Tex 2025 is positioned as a transformative global event for India’s textile industry. A London roadshow is planned next to further amplify its reach.

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