20 September 2024, Mumbai

While Guess Inc.'s recent earnings may have been lackluster, the company is setting its sights on India as a major growth engine. India's booming economy and rapidly expanding fashion market make it a prime target for international brands like Guess. "India is growing at a tremendous pace," says Guess CEO Carlos Alberini. "We see a massive opportunity to expand our presence there and capture a significant share of the market."

India in focus

The company plans to tailor its product offerings specifically for the Indian consumer, recognizing the unique preferences and sensibilities of the market. Alberini believes a one-size-fits-all approach wouldn't work in India. As he says, "We're working closely with local partners to understand the nuances of the Indian market," he said. "Our goal is to offer a curated selection of products that resonate with Indian consumers."

Guess also plans to leverage its newly acquired Rag & Bone brand to cater to the growing demand for premium fashion in India. The higher price point and strong margins of Rag & Bone make it an attractive proposition for the Indian market.

In addition to India, Guess is exploring expansion opportunities in other emerging markets like the Middle East. The company is confident that its diverse brand portfolio and global reach will enable it to capitalize on the growth potential of these markets.

Slow sales in Europe and North America

However, Guess faces challenges in other regions. The company is grappling with slowing sales in Europe and a tough retail environment in North America. Alberini acknowledged the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market conditions.

"We're constantly analyzing sales patterns and consumer behavior," he point outs. "We're also experimenting with different promotional tactics and marketing strategies to attract customers."

While Guess navigates these challenges, it remains optimistic about its long-term prospects. The company believes that its focus on localization, product innovation, and customer engagement will drive growth in India and other key markets.

India's denim trends

As Guess intensifies its focus on India, understanding local denim trends is crucial. Other major players like Abercrombie & Fitch and American Eagle are already witnessing success with localized denim assortments.

Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Fran Horowitz highlighted the popularity of low-rise baggy jeans in India. American Eagle president Jennifer Foyle also noted a preference for looser silhouettes among Indian women.

These insights suggest a shift away from traditional skinny jeans towards more relaxed and comfortable styles. Guess will likely incorporate these trends into its Indian product offerings.

Beyond Q3, Guess' India-centric vision

Guess' emphasis on India reflects a broader trend among international fashion brands. India's vast consumer base and growing appetite for fashion make it a strategic priority for companies seeking long-term growth.

As Guess moves beyond Q3, its success will depend on its ability to execute its India-centric vision. This includes tailoring its product offerings, understanding local trends, and building strong relationships with Indian consumers. With its focus on India, Guess is well-positioned to tap into the immense potential of this dynamic market. The company's success in India could serve as a blueprint for its expansion in other emerging markets.

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19 September 2024, Mumbai

A value fashion brand under the Landmark Group, Max Fashion recently signed its first Indian brand ambassador in 18 years, reflecting its growing focus on the Indian market. Max Fashion selected Bollywood actress Alaya F as the brand ambassador for Max Urb_N, a sub-brand launched in April 2024 to target Gen Z consumers aged 17 to 24.

Pallavi Pandey, Vice President and Head – Marketing, Landmark Group India, shares, with Max Urb_N, Max Fashion is shifting its focus toward Gen Z. The company aims to connect more directly with Gen Z by collaborating with personalities who reflect the generation’s dynamic and trend-conscious nature. The brand's strategy includes launching digital-first initiatives and engaging Gen Z consumers through authentic content and multiple touch points, with the aim of building lasting loyalty.

In terms of retail expansion, Max Fashion, which currently has 515 stores across India, plans to expand further into both large and small markets.The brand also aims to enhance its omnichannel experience for customers. It plans to deepen its presence in the existing markets besides entering new ones.

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19 September 2024, Mumbai

A garment company based in Avinashi, Tiruppur, SP Apparels aims to raiseRs100 crore through private equity to fund the expansion of its retail business. The company also plans to terminate its licensing agreement with Austrian brand ‘Head,’ effective December 2024.

S Chenduran, Joint Managing Director, SP Apparels states, the raised funds will be used to support the growth of their UK-based premium kidswear brand, Angel & Rocket. The company will focus on expanding the brand's presence in India and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region.

SP Apparels also plans to exit the licensing agreement with the leading tennis and ski equipment brand Head, which it entered into in the year 2020 for sportswear and footwear. Moving forward, this exit is expected to have a positive impact on SP Retail Ventures SP Apparels manufactures and exports knitted garments besides producing men’s wear under the brand ‘Crocodile’ in India. According to the company’s 2023-24 annual report, the retail sector faced challenges during the year due to inflation and rising interest rates, which put pressure on the industry.

For the fiscal year ending Mar 31, 2024, SP Apparels’ revenues increased to Rs 964 crore from Rs 962 crore the previous year. The company’s net profit rose to Rs 104 crore from Rs 92 crore.

The report also highlights the potential for significant growth in India’s apparel retail sector, which is projected to reach a value of $89,219 million by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 8.3 percent. This growth is driven by the increasing presence of international brands such as Hugo Boss, Diesel, and Kanz entering the Indian market, along with a rise in disposable income and consumer demand for sustainable fashion.

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20 September 2024, Mumbai

Liva has launched its latest campaign, "Feel It All," urging consumers to rediscover the significance of fabric in their clothing choices. The campaign highlights Liva’s fabric qualities softness, fluidity, comfort, and breath ability that enhance daily experiences.

"Feel It All" showcases how the right fabric can elevate everyday moments, from a fluid dress that moves with grace to a breathable top that offers lightness on sunny days. According to Manmohan Singh, CMO of Birla Cellulose, Grasim Industries Ltd, fabric frequently gets overlooked in today's fast-paced world. This campaign seeks to rekindle appreciation for how essential fabric is in providing both comfort and style.

Executed by Gozoop’s creative team, the campaign uses a robust digital strategy, including social media and interactive content, to engage audiences effectively. Nishant Chhinkwani, Creative Director at Gozoop Digital, explains that Liva’s essence of effortless comfort is mirrored in the campaign. It aligns with consumers’ desires for lightness, freedom, and a sense of connection.

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19 September 2024, Mumbai

Indian actor, producer and entrepreneur Kriti Sanon has been signed as the global brand ambassador by denim label Pepe Jeans London.

The actor will feature in the brand’s campaign promoting its newly launched autumn/winter collection ‘Very Pepe’. A symbol of individuality and bold style, the brand connects the best of London’s iconic fashion heritage with a global audience, says Sanon.

Marcella Wartenbergh, CEO, AWWG’s, Owner, Pepe Jeans, adds, the upcoming new campaign marks yet another exciting chapter for the brand following its incredible memorable experience of taking the leading actor to Silverstone with Red Bull Racing by Pepe Jeans.

Pepe Jeans London will launch its Autumn/Winter 2024 collection on online platforms and retail stores across India.

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19 September 2024, Mumbai

Expanding its retail footprint, American denim brand Levi’s has launched a new store spanning 4,000 sqft in Kerala

Located on the MG Road, Kochi this is the brand’s largest store in the state and offers a range of clothing, accessories and footwear. It features a classic Levi’s denim collection for both men and women, says Abhinav Agarwal, Head-Business Development, Levi Strauss & Co.

The San Francisco-based retailer has been operating in India through a wholly-owned subsidiary named Levi Strauss India since 1994. It currently operates 400 stores in India, as per the SaaS platform.

Currently, Levi’s is pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy in India. A year ago, the brand unveiled its largest Asia store spanning 7,521 sqft in Bengaluru. It recently also opened its biggest mall store spanning 9,000 sqft at the Pacific Mall in New Delhi.

Founded in 1853, clothing company Levi Strauss and Co is known for its Levi’s brand of denim jeans. The company owns several brands like Levi’s, Dockers, Signature, Denizen and Beyond Yoga. Currently, its products are sold in more than 110 countries through a combination of chain retailers, department stores, online sites, and a global footprint of approximately 3,200 brand-dedicated stores and shop-in-shops.

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19 September 2024, Mumbai

The Retailers Association of India (RAI) has joined forces with NMIMS School of Business Management to launch specialised Executive Programmes for mid-level retail managers and CXO-level leadership. Announced at Manning Modern Retail on September 19, 2024, this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing retail industry skills and leadership.

The Executive Programmes are crafted to enhance managerial expertise in key areas such as personal and managerial excellence, team development, dynamic leadership, and conflict resolution. These courses will be offered at NMIMS’s Mumbai campus or other selected venues, featuring interactive workshops, case studies, and practical exercises.

Participants will gain advanced skills essential for effective goal setting, delegation, team management, and adaptive leadership. The programme promises to align participants with their organisations' strategic objectives and equip them to navigate market changes and build high-performance teams. Graduates will receive a certificate from NMIMS, signifying their preparedness to excel in the competitive retail landscape.

Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of RAI, underscored the programme's significance, emphasizing that it is essential for improving the skills of managers in the rapidly changing retail sector. He expressed enthusiasm about the anticipated positive effects on RAI members and their businesses.

Chittaranjan Bhattacharjee, Director of NMIMS, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with RAI. He emphasized that the aim of the collaboration is to offer practical insights that will enhance performance and foster the professional development of participants, thereby benefiting the retail industry as a whole.

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19 September 2024, Mumbai

The 36th edition of the Garment Technology Expo (GTE) will be held from Sep 20–22 2024 at Gayatri Vihar, Palace Grounds in Bengaluru. The South India's most comprehensive garment technology expo will showcase everything related to garment making.

The show will cover all segments of the industry, right from the latest apparel technology to spare parts & consumables; from infrastructure set-up to the latest processes and systems; from raw materials to trimmings; from logistics & packaging solutions. It will offer a complete sourcing platform for apparel manufacturers with world-class products and services.

Held every alternate year, GTE Bengaluru is growing in stature with each show. Looking at the growing demand from the industry, this edition will have a special zone for Garment Accessories and Trimmings (GAT Zone). In the Garment Accessories & Trimming Zone garment manufacturers can find all kinds of trims and embellishments required for their garments.

The GTE exhibition is considered as the best launchpad for introducing innovations, technology upgrades, new materials, processes, and services for the garment and knitting industries in India. It is the best platform to introduce new technologies, services, and processes, as well as build new relationships and business alliances where buyers and sellers interact directly.

Ricky Sahni, Joint Managing Director, says, this edition of expo will attract over 200 brands and companies from across the world. The show has a perfect mix of participants representing all segments of garment technology. It will also have a special dedicated zone for fabrics and garment accessories and trimmings.

Ambrish Chopra, Director, adds, the show has been perfectly timed as the industry is back on its growth track. Apart from Bengaluru, the show will attract companies from nearby states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, and Andhra.”

Supported by many garment exporters associations and approved by the Ministry of MSME, the show will feature over 350 brands and companies across two halls. All leading technology suppliers from all over the world will display their latest technologies at the show. They will have an opportunity to see a live demonstration of the technology and find the right solution for sourcing their manufacturing needs.

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19 September 2024, Mumbai

A part of the TMRW House of Brands, Wrogn has launched a new campaign that aims to reshape the way love and relationships are perceived in India.

Titled, ‘Love is Respect,’ the campaign promotes the idea that respect is the foundation of any meaningful relationship, encouraging a cultural shift in how love is understood—emphasising that it is an active choice grounded in mutual respect.

Spearheaded by Virat Kohli and the team at Wrogn, the initiative reflects the brand’s dedication to fostering positive societal values. By championing respect as a core element of love, Wrogn is positioning itself not only as a fashion brand but as a catalyst for change in societal attitudes.

The campaign helps Wrogn strengthen its presence in India’s retail landscape. By merging impactful social messages with its fashion offerings, the brand continues to expand its influence and resonate with a wider audience.

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19 September 2024, Mumbai

Bata India has introduced a limited-edition collection titled, 'Emily in Paris.'

Launched with a campaign featuring actor Sharvari Wagh, the collection has been introduced in collaboration with Viacom 18 to create designs inspired by the popular show, including cherry red mules, metallic heels, and pastel ballerinas in powder blue and pink.

Expressing her excitement over the collaboration, Deepika Deepti, Head – Marketing, Bata India, says, the collaboration with Wagh enables the brand to allow its customers step into the shoes of Emily Cooper, quite literally.

Priced at Rs 1,999 ($23), the collection is available on Bata’s e-commerce site and select stores across India.

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19 September 2024, Mumbai

Expanding its retail presence, fashion brand Saundh has launched its largest store in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Spread across 2,000 sqft, the store at the Horizon Tower houses exclusive collections for both men and women from the brand including the newly launched ‘Worlds Within’.

Sarabjeet Saluja, Founder, says, the new store reflects the love and support received by the brand from its customers in the city, and it aims to elevate their shopping experience. The store also allows its customers to immerse themselves in refined elegance, he adds.

Saundh was launch by Saluja in 2019 as a premium womens wear brand. The brand currently has over 25 stores in 17 Indian cities besides an online store. Through its varied offerings, the label aims to celebrate the beauty of India’s textile and clothing traditions.

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19 September 2024, Mumbai

Showcasing its innovative approach to sustainable manufacturing, one of India’s largest plastic recyclers, Rudra Ecovation unveiled a new sportswear range at the Plastic Recycling Show ME&A 2024 in Dubai.

The Ludhiana, Punjab-based Company is known as a leader in recycling and upcycling. Through its participation in the Dubai-event, the company aimed to spearhead the plastic recycling industry by launching cutting-edge technology and innovative products, says Akhil Malhotra, Chairman and Managing Director.

Titled, Anaura Athleisure, the new sportswear range launched by the company is made entirely from upcycled fabric. Free from harmful chemicals, the collection features moisture-wicking technology developed using sustainer cellulose, eliminating the need for additional chemical treatments. Anaura Athleisure not only meets modern performance standards but also places sustainability at its core.

A key aspect of Rudra Ecovation’s presentation at the event was its investment in advanced machinery and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its processes. By using AI, the company can predict the quality of recycled products before production begins, lowering costs and improving efficiency. This ensures that the first product sample meets the highest standards, reducing waste and maximising productivity.

Central to Rudra’s operations is the transition from traditional recycling to upcycling, where waste materials are transformed into high-quality, innovative products. Examples include Anaura Upcycled Fabric and non-woven carpets, with many other products still in the R&D phase.

With over 26 years of experience, Rudra Ecovation operates a 100-acre manufacturing facility in Ludhiana. Its diverse product lineup includes rPET yarn, rPET flakes, non-wovens, carpets, and its flagship Anaura Upcycled Fabric. The company’s zero-waste manufacturing and commitment to innovation have gained recognition both domestically and internationally.

The PRS Dubai Conference also provided an opportunity for Rudra Ecovation to engage with key leaders in the plastic recycling industry. Malhotra’s address encapsulated the company’s ethos with the message, “Buy waste, don’t sell it,” highlighting their zero-waste philosophy. Every part of a recycled plastic bottle, from the label to the cap, is upcycled, and any residue is processed using pyrolysis technology, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

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