The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) has revealed subdued expectations for the upcoming festive season in its annual member survey. A significant 63 per cent of respondents foresee flat or declining sales compared to last year, with 25 per cent predicting sales to be as low as 75 per cent of 2023 levels.
Key factors driving this pessimism include a shift in consumer spending toward lifestyle purchases, cited by 35 per cent, and concerns over the slowing economy and inflation, named by 24 per cent of respondents. Men's wear appears hardest hit, while women’s and kids' wear are expected to fare better.
Interestingly, 75 per cent of respondents believe mid-priced brands will perform best, reflecting growing consumer maturity. Demand for Indian wear and casual wear is projected to rise, with formal wear lagging.
Despite the rise of e-commerce, 75.5 per cent still prefer offline shopping, showcasing the continued strength of physical retail. CMAI President Rajesh Masand noted that while current trends aren't surprising given recent economic conditions, optimism remains for a demand surge during the wedding season.
CMAI represents over 5,000 members, serving more than 35,000 retailers nationwide.
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Turtle Clothing, a prominent West Bengal-based menswear brand, celebrates over 30 years of growth, primarily targeting men aged 22-45 across Tier-I, II, III cities in India. The brand has established a robust retail presence with over 168 exclusive stores and more than 1,500 multi-brand outlets and 1,300 large-format stores across 400 cities.
In FY23, Turtle reported 85 per cent year-on-year increase in total operating income, reaching Rs 404.19 crore, up from Rs 217.94 crore in FY22. This rise is attributed to increased sales volume from new showroom openings and higher demand post- pandemic. Turtle offers a diverse range of affordable menswear, including shirts, trousers, T-shirts, and denim.
To enhance its production capabilities, Turtle plans to increase sourcing from Bangladesh, leveraging its geographical proximity to the country. The Bangladeshi garment industry excels in producing essential items like shirts and T-shirts, aligning with Turtle's key product lines. As the brand continues to expand, increased sourcing is expected to support future growth while maintaining competitive pricing against established foreign brands in the Indian market.
21 September 2024, Mumbai
To celebrate the brand's 20th anniversary, luxury fashion label Falguni Shane Peacock has unveiled its first physical store in New Delhi, dedicated to its ready-to-wear range, Designed by renowned interior designer Gauri Khan, the boutique blends Indian craftsmanship with European elegance, featuring an Italian marble façade, mosaic flooring, and Renaissance-inspired artwork, as reported by Vogue India.
The store creates a unique, immersive shopping experience with a signature fragrance and artistic elements that blur the line between a traditional retail space and an art gallery. The store opened with the launch of the label's debut luxury prêt-à-porter collection, known for its bold prints and striking tailoring, now reimagined for everyday wear.
Known for dressing global icons like Beyoncé and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Designers Falguni and Shane Peacock have exhibited their collections internationally. The brand is headquartered in Mumbai, with additional offices in New York, US.
20 September 2024, Mumbai
The official brand of the United States Polo Association, US Polo Assn aims to double its footwear revenue from Rs 250 crore to over Rs 500 crore in future, according to Shailesh Chaturvedi, Managing Director and CEO. The footwear category grew by over 30 per cent h last year.
With close to Rs 2,000 crore in overall revenue, the 15-year-old brand anticipates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15 per cent over the next three years, driven by category expansion, digitalisation, and an increase in retail space. Chaturvedi also targets a 12-15 per cent growth in Arvind Fashion's topline revenue.
US Polo Assn contributes 40-45 per cent of Arvind Fashion's revenue and recorded double-digit growth in both topline and EBITDA last fiscal year. The brand operates 450 exclusive brand outlets (EBOs), primarily in metro and Tier I cities, with around 25 per cent of its revenue coming from online channels, which are growing faster than the overall company average.
Currently, US Polo Assn. is focusing on its women’s category, which was relaunched last year. Additionally, the brand has partnered with His Highness Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur (Pacho) to create the US Polo Assn. x His Highness Sawai Padmanabh Singh Collection. This premium capsule line, which blends Jaipur’s royal heritage with sports fashion, is set to debut in the Autumn-Winter 2024 season.
New womenswear brand Mismatchd has launched an e-commerce store offering eco-friendly garments in eclectic styles, focusing on no-waste production and low inventory.
The debut collection includes versatile dresses and tops with bold patterns.
The brand offers 5 per cent off first orders and plans future offline expansion across India.
21 September 2024, Mumbai
India’s leading wedding wear brand, Mohey has launched its latest campaign, ‘Jab Aap Taiyaar, Hum Taiyaar,’ featuring Bollywood actress and new brand ambassador, Janhvi Kapoor. The campaign advocates for women to embrace marriage on their own terms, free from societal pressures and traditional timelines. It emphasises the importance of personal readiness, encouraging women to make life-altering decisions like marriage at a pace that aligns with their individual growth and empowerment.
This campaign signifies Mohey’s evolution from being solely a bridal wear brand to offering a full range of wedding attire. The collection now includes lehengas, sarees, Indo-western outfits, and stitched suits for both brides and bridesmaids, catering to every wedding occasion. Vedant Modi, Chief Revenue Officer, Vedant Fashions, highlightes, the campaign reflects the changing perspective of today’s women towards marriage, celebrating personal choice over societal expectations.
The campaign film dives into the emotional journey women experience when considering marriage. Set in a grand wedding environment, it features candid conversations between Kapoor and her bridesmaids, exploring their unique feelings and perspectives on marriage. The video breaks the stereotype that there is a fixed time to marry, reinforcing the belief that emotional readiness is personal and comes from within.
Entrepreneur and actor Parul Gulati also stars in the campaign, representing today’s independent, professional women, making the message relatable to a wider audience. The central theme, ‘Shaadi ka koi ek right time nahi hota. You'll feel ready, jab tum dil se ready hogi,’ redefines the modern wedding journey, blending tradition with individuality.
20 September 2024, Mumbai
Infusing a fresh and modern ambiance into one of India’s premier luxury shopping destinations, renowned Italian menswear brand, Corneliani has unveiled its revamped store at DLF Emporio in New Delhi.
Spearheaded by Salesh Grover, Business Head, Corneliani, OSL Luxury Collections, the store’s transformation reflects the brand’s dedication to merging classic Italian elegance with contemporary style, tailored specifically for the discerning tastes of Indian consumers.
A seamless blend of sophistication and comfort, the newly revamped store incorporates elements resonating with India’s passion for fashion and warmth. It offers a diverse selection of formal and semi-formal wear, catering to key cultural occasions such as weddings, festivals, and business events.
A key highlight of the brand’s expansion in India is the introduction of its exclusive Made-to-Measure (MTM) service that setsa new benchmark in personalised luxury shopping. This service enhances the customers’ experience by offering bespoke consultations that guide clients in selecting styles that reflect their individuality while maintaining Corneliani’s renowned craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Corneliani has also collaborated with Tata Cliq Luxury to create a seamless blend of digital and in-store luxury experiences by offering services like click-and-collect and online support. This allows the brand to merge online shopping with its luxury physical store in India. Customers can browse its collections online, check availability, and enjoy a smooth shopping experience. They can also use the click-and-collect service to conveniently pick up their orders in-store, explains Satish Grover, Business Head.
After the successful reopening of its New Delhi store, Corneliani plans to further expand its presence in India. Under the OSL umbrella, the brand plans to diversify its offerings and explore new markets, continuing its tradition of delivering unparalleled quality and sophistication to meet the evolving needs of its elite clientele.
French retail giant Carrefour is making a determined comeback to India's burgeoning market, announcing an ambitious plan to open 50 stores in North India within the next five years. This strategic move comes in the wake of Carrefour's recent partnership with Dubai-based Apparel Group, a major player in the apparel and fashion retail industry. The collaboration is sparking keen interest in the apparel sector, as Carrefour's entry could significantly impact the retail landscape and potentially reshape consumer choices.
Two global retail powerhouse at play
Carrefour operates over 14,000 stores across 40 countries, and has a proven track record in offering a wide range of products, including food, groceries, and non-food items. The company's previous foray into India ended in 2014, but this time, they are adopting a B2C strategy and partnering with a local player for deeper market penetration. Apparel Group on the other has over 2,300 stores representing 85 brands across multiple countries. Apparel Group brings extensive retail expertise and a strong understanding of Indian consumer preferences. This partnership provides Carrefour with valuable insights and a well-established network to facilitate its expansion plans.
While the primary focus of the Carrefour-Apparel Group partnership is on establishing Carrefour's presence in India, the potential impact on the apparel sector cannot be overlooked. Apparel Group's deep understanding of the Indian fashion market could influence product offerings and strategies within Carrefour's stores. Carrefour has announced plans to offer a mix of food and non-food items, and the 'non-food' category could see a significant influence from Apparel Group. This might translate to a wider range of apparel and lifestyle products within Carrefour stores, potentially offering a one-stop-shop experience for Indian consumers.
Carrefour plans to open its first five stores in Delhi/NCR by summer 2026, with further expansion planned across North India. The company will operate stores in three formats: supermarkets, hypermarkets, and gourmet stores, offering a mix of food and non-food items. It also plans to establish an omnichannel presence in India, with online operations complementing its physical stores. The company is also eyeing expansion into Tier II cities and beyond, tapping into the growing consumer base in these regions. India, with its 1.4 billion population and rising middle class, presents a lucrative opportunity for retailers. However, challenges like high food inflation and complex regulations persist. Carrefour's previous exit highlights these complexities.
Implications for India’s apparel sector
Carrefour's re-entry, coupled with its partnership with Apparel Group, could have several implications for the apparel sector in India
Increased competition: Carrefour's presence is likely to intensify competition in the apparel retail space, particularly in North India. Established players will need to adapt their strategies to retain market share.
Shift in consumer behavior: Carrefour's focus on offering quality products at affordable prices could influence consumer purchasing patterns. Shoppers might become more price-sensitive and seek value-driven options.
Expansion of private labels: Carrefour's plan to introduce its private labels in India could further disrupt the apparel market. Private labels often offer competitive pricing and could challenge established brands.
Omnichannel focus: Carrefour's commitment to online operations and an omnichannel approach could accelerate the adoption of e-commerce in the apparel sector. Brands will need to enhance their digital presence to stay relevant.
Indeed, Carrefour's ambitious expansion plans and partnership with Apparel Group signify a renewed confidence in India's retail potential. The apparel sector is poised for significant changes as Carrefour's presence could reshape the competitive landscape and consumer expectations. While the initial focus is on North India, the partnership's stated goal of nationwide expansion suggests a broader impact on the apparel retail industry in the long run.
As Carrefour establishes its footprint in India, the apparel sector will be closely watching the developments, ready to adapt and innovate in response to the evolving market dynamics.
21 September 2024, Mumbai
Expanding its retail presence, designer Kaveri Lalchand’s eponymous all-linen clothing label has launched its seventh store in New Delhi.
Inaugurated by Sunil Sethi, Chairman, Fashion Design Council of India, the store houses the latest collections that include tunics, dresses, kaftans, sarees co-ord, and jacket sets, etc.
The new store is part of the brand’s ongoing strategy to establish a broader retail presence across India. It currently has stores in Chennai, Kochi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
Kaveri Lalchand, Founder, says, with its deep appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship and rich textile heritage, Delhi presents the perfect platform for showcasing the distinctive handcrafted linen designs, which have already garnered a loyal following in the establish a strong retail footprint across India.
A womenswear brand, Kaveri specialises in luxury linen garments. It recently entered the Middle East retail market with dedicated e-commerce store catering to territories including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar.
20 September 2024, Mumbai
Dubai-based Landmark Group's popular fashion brand, Max Fashion has collaborated with renowned actor and style icon, Kalki Koechlin to launch the brand's latest campaign titled 'New New You.'
Aimed at promoting renewed self-confidence amongst customers through style evolution, the 'New New You' campaign boasts a refined and diverse collection, designed to celebrate reinvention, whether for festive occasions or casual gatherings. From workwear to high-glam occasion outfits, the collection sets the tone for the season’s celebrations, offering something for everyone.
Through this campaign, Max Fashion aims to inspire customers to explore different facets of their personality with the latest western and festive styles, along with a range of accessories. Known for her bold career choices and distinct personal style, Koechlin perfectly embodies the brand’s vision of inspiring confidence and self-expression, values that align with Max Fashion’s goal of connecting with aspirational, modern Indian families.
Featuring Koechlin in a variety of eclectic looks, the campaign film was shot against a scenic European backdrop. It highlights the versatility of the 'New New You' collection, from modern schiffli co-ord sets to chic shimmer ensembles, capturing the many moods of the brand’s latest offering.
The Max Fashion x Kalki Koechlin 'New New You' campaign will be available at all Max Fashion stores across India as well as online.
The Indian organized retail apparel sector is expected to grow by 8-10 per cent in revenue this fiscal year, driven by robust demand from a normal monsoon, easing inflation, and the upcoming festive and wedding seasons. A Crisil Ratings report highlights that retailers are adapting their strategies to enhance supply chain efficiency and respond to the rising preference for fast fashion.
Retailers are focused on improving efficiencies at existing stores and managing costs while limiting external debt to sustain operating margins between 7.2 per cent and 7.4 per cent. The mass market segment now constitutes 60 per cent of total sales, up from 56 per cent pre-pandemic, with fast fashion being a key revenue driver.
In addition to the rise in demand for premium clothing during festive periods, the report notes a shift in consumer spending toward travel and luxury goods in urban areas. Consequently, retailers are cautious about expansion in these regions while targeting tier 2 and 3 cities, where organised retail is on the rise. However, overall area expansion is expected to be lower this year, with a projected addition of 2.2 million square feet compared to 3.6 million last fiscal.
21 September 2024, Mumbai
Expanding its retail presence in the state, value fashion retailer Trooms has launched three new brick-and-mortar stores in Gujarat. Two of the new stores are located in Surat, in the Dindoli and Adajan neighborhoods, while the third opened in Ahmedabad’s Naranpura area.
Trooms’ store in Naranpura promotes its ‘fresh, fun, and super comfy’ kidswear collection. Catering to children from newborns to 14-year-olds, the store offers a wide range of affordable, western-style clothing and accessories featuring vibrant cartoon characters and colorful prints.
Most items in Trooms stores are priced between Rs 140 and Rs 490, making them accessible to a broad customer base. Alongside children’s wear such as graphic t-shirts, leggings, rompers, frocks, and trousers, the stores also offer a selection of loungewear for mothers.
With these new openings, Trooms now operates seven physical stores across Ahmedabad, Surat, and Gandhinagar. Featuring bright and minimalist interiors to showcase the colorful apparel, these stores are located in both malls and high street locations.
20 September 2024, Mumbai
Reliance Retail's fashion chain Azorte unveiled its festive collection, featuring fusion-style separates with vibrant prints and bohemian accents. The collection was launched at the brand’s new store at the Aashirwad High Street Mall in Surat.
Joining other retailers like Lifestyle and Xyxx Apparels at the mall, the store offers Azorte’s collection of clothing and accessories for men and women. The brand has been expanding its physical retail presence, having recently opened stores in Jamnagar, Vadodara, and Bengaluru.
The brand also launched new outlets in Hyderabad, New Delhi, and its second Bengaluru location earlier this year as part of its strategy to connect with more offline shoppers.
Launched by Reliance Retail in 2022, Azorte is a part of a broader expansion plan to open between 200 and 250 stores nationwide, aimed at increasing market penetration and revenue growth. The brand is also available online through Reliance’s e-commerce platform, Ajio.