Reliance Retail's apparel and accessories specialty chain, Trends, has announced the launch of its latest stores in Remuna and Soro towns of Balasore district in Odisha, India.

The Remuna store spans across 9000 sq. ft, while the Soro store occupies 5100 sqft. The newly opened stores in Remuna and Soro offer a modern and trendy shopping experience, featuring a wide range of high-quality fashion merchandise at affordable prices.

With this expansion, Trends aims to strengthen its reach and connect with consumers in India, from metros to tier 1 and 2 towns. The brand has over 600 stores spread across 250 cities in India, making it one of the largest and fastest-growing apparel and accessories specialty chains in the country.

Reliance Retail, the parent company of TRENDS, is India's largest retailer and operates over 12,000 stores across the country.

29 March 2023, Mumbai 

Wellness has crossed over from an individual’s lifestyle choice to a booming industry worldwide. The two-year-long lockdown made the world a bit more philosophical as people raised lifestyle issues like personal space, work-life balance, and most importantly holistic well-being.

Prior to the pandemic, the ball had already started rolling as growing consumer awareness, increasing disposable incomes and a desire among millennials to elevate their lifestyle to healthier living had turned the wellness bandwagon corporates worldwide were jumping on to.

One of the fastest growing sectors, the global wellness industry today stands at a whopping $4.2 trillion. In India, the land of yoga and Ayurveda, the sector has clocked in a value of Rs 490 billion.

Benefits for sportswear brands

As per Statista, at the end of 2022, the global sportswear sector was valued at around $319.4 billion and is projected to grow at a healthy compounded annual growth rate of 6.6 percent until 2028.

The reason why sportswear brands are branching out into activewear and athleisure collections is simple when observing how consumers want to spend.

Euromonitor’s 2022 lifestyle survey highlighted, 61 percent of professionals consider a healthy lifestyle one of their top two priorities and show their clothing preferences are less formal, more comfortable, and relaxed and stylish – a significant promise right there for sportswear brands pushing activewear and athleisure.

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The same report listed India, China, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, the UK, the US, Canada, Germany, and France as the top 10 countries that have seen an increase in physical activities between 2019 and 2022.

In the US, Target’s activewear brand All in Motion hit $1 billion in sales one year after launching. As per Business Wire, the 10 brands that have gained the most in 2022 from the activewear and athleisure categories are adidas AG, American Eagle Outfitters, Columbia Sportswear, H&M, Lululemon Athletica, Nike, PUMA, Gap, Under Armour and VF Corp.

In India, the biggest retail giant, Reliance Retail is expanding the presence of its high-performance and technologically advanced activewear brand ‘Performax’ through exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) at Reliance Retail’s fashion and lifestyle stores and digital platforms as well as in multi-brand outlets. It already has a presence across over 1,000 stores in 330+ cities.

Just six months back, Van Heusen of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL), a premium lifestyle brand for professionals, entered into the activewear category and launched a new sub-brand Flex.

Luxe athleisure is the fastest-growing fashion category

Modern affluent consumers want more premium fashion choices to be both comfortable and stylish which explains why luxe athleisure is the fastest-growing clothing category in fashion, driven by wellness aspirations and celebrity endorsement on social media.

The luxury wellness economy is booming. Wellness has evolved from an isolated lifestyle choice of a few to a new status symbol and an expression of personal values that spans all sectors – from luxury travel to prestige beauty and high-end fitness.

And of course, athleisure wear to express it all. Luxury fashion and athletic wear are no longer two distinct worlds but a collaboration of chic comfort. The global activewear market is expected to reach nearly $547 billion by 2024, according to Allied Market Research and luxe athleisure will grow at a CAGR of 6.6 percent.

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06 April 2023, Mumbai  

Rajasthan Khadi and Village Industries Board recently organised the Khadi Fashion Show, showcasing the innovations made in Rajasthan's traditional Khadi. The event was a manifestation of Khadi's popularity among the youth, according to Fashion Designer Himmat Singh.

What all you need to know

The fashion show featured male and female models showcasing Khadi costumes from different regions of Rajasthan. The attendees were treated to a display of the specialties of Khadi prepared in various districts of Rajasthan.

Khadi has come a long way from being a humble attire of the great freedom fighters to a symbol of fashion and ultimate luxury. The Khadi Fashion Show celebrated the resilience and resurgence of Khadi in modern times, showcasing how it has transformed into a tool of self-reliance and social change. The overwhelming participation of youth in the event highlights the growing popularity of Khadi among the younger generation.

The popularity of Khadi among the younger generation is reflected in the rising sales of Khadi products. According to a survey by Nielsen, a market research company, the Khadi market in India is expected to reach Rs 5,000 crore by 2022. The survey also revealed that the demand for Khadi products is higher among the younger generation, with 46% of the respondents aged between 18 and 35 years.

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01 April 2023, Mumbai

Cantabil has announced its plans to invest Rs 25-30 crore annually in store expansion, with a focus on tier II, III, and IV towns.

The company aims to open 80-90 stores annually to increase its presence in smaller cities, with a significant emphasis on the markets in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Eastern India. The goal is to provide trendy clothing to customers who have limited access to malls.

Cantabil has experienced significant success in tier II and III cities over the years, with around 70% of its stores located in such cities. Sales have exceeded expectations, accounting for approximately 65% of overall revenue. Cantabil plans to leverage this potential by launching additional retail outlets in various cities and states in India.

Cantabil has successfully built a profitable business in the mid-premium segment with a quick store-level break even and low overall shutdown rates. The company remains vigilant in its efforts to optimize costs and strike a balance between gross margin and EBITDA to ensure its business remains competitive and profitable.

Cantabil has recently opened 19 new stores in various states, including J&K, Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Nagaland, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana, to further expand its retail presence.

It has a strong retail presence across 19 states and 200+ cities, with 445 exclusive retail outlets throughout India,. The company's focus on tier II and III markets has helped it capitalize on the rising demand in smaller towns and cities.

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28 March 2023, Mumbai 

Italian Colony, a new brand in the men's clothing industry, has announced the launch of its online store, offering a wide range of high-quality men's clothing. With its unique blend of fashion and style, Italian Colony aims to cater to different tastes and preferences of Indian men.

The online store currently offers several categories of men's clothing, including joggers, cargo, jeans, and trousers. Italian Colony plans to expand its offerings in the near future.

Italian Colony aims to be a one-stop shop for men's clothing, providing a unique blend of fashion and style. The brand plans to expand its presence by collaborating with other e-commerce sites.

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08 April 2023, Mumbai  

Whilst Western economies are facing tough times due to a slowdown and long-drawn Russo-Ukrainian conflict, the scenario in India seems a little different as the nation’s economy became the world’s fifth largest and continues to surge ahead.

India may well be on a post-pandemic recovery as consumers are showing a marked preference for premium products that are increasing the average selling price of personal devices, electronics, and home appliances in particular.

What all you need to know

A case in point, Deloitte India conducted research in September 2022 to report Indians preferred the driving experience over price whilst purchasing a car – assessing automobiles in the range of Rs 10-25 lakhs, despite the ongoing fear of inflation.

In fact, the waiting period for premium automobiles is usually anywhere between a month to three but that wasn’t a deterrent either. The report concluded that the value-for-money Indian consumer has transformed to being experienced and perceived quality driven. What is interesting is most Indian consumers today are digitally savvy. The role of social and digital media in premiumization is resulting in creating experiences rather than products that are exclusive and convenience based.

What the industry says

As consumers look for a taste of the good life, sales of products in the premium range, which constitute goods or services that cost at least 20 percent more than the average price for the category, are growing at a rapid pace. The premium segment is turning out to be a bright spot in a challenging retail environment, with brands consciously innovating to capitalize on the trend.

It is for this reason that several companies have also changed their product portfolio mix in the last two years with a higher focus on premium products. Experts say, although premiumization started in 2021, and prices have stabilized since mid-2022, the increasing move towards buying premium products has kept pushing up the average selling price.

Entry and mid-level products contribute up to 80 per cent of total sales but the average selling price of premium products is increasing. Market research by GfK revealed in 2022, the cost of laptops, televisions, and domestic appliances had seen an increase of 9 per cent, 4 per cent and 6 per cent respectively, compared to 2021.

The item that has seen the most increase in personal devices is the smartphone – the average selling price saw a hike of 18 per cent according to Data Corporation, a research firm. The premium segment is growing and the mass segment is shrinking. This buying pattern is an aspirational one to the convenience and simplicity of feature-rich products.

Same trend in fashion and luxury

Whilst a lot of research has gone into indicating the premiumisation of personal devices, electronics, home appliances, and automobiles, the apparel and accessories sector has seen the same trend.

For example, Bata India revealed sneakers with an average selling price of Rs 2,000, premium Hush Puppies with an average selling price of Rs 4,000 and Comfit with an average selling price of Rs 2,100 were the bestsellers for the company whereas shoes priced at an average of Rs 1,000 and just below were witnessing a drop.

Luxury is most evident in the Indian consumer preferring personalized experiences as luxury offerings across all categories including fashion are seeing the growth that is attracting international luxury brands making a beeline to India.

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 31 March 2023, Mumbai

Shoppers Stop has expanded its footprint with a new store at in Pacific Tower at Channi Rama in Jammu city.

This new store adds to Shoppers Stop's already impressive portfolio of around 100 department stores in 49 cities across India. In addition to its department stores, Shoppers Stop also operates eight home concept stores, 142 speciality beauty stores for popular brands like M.A.C, Estée Lauder, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Jo Malone, and Too Faced, as well as 25 airport doors, all of which occupy a staggering 3.9 million sq. ft.

The Mumbai-based company was founded in 1991 and is owned by Indian property developer K Raheja Corp.

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 27 March 2023, Mumbai 

French menswear fashion brand Celio India has launched the #CelioDoItYourWay campaign, celebrating individuality and encouraging people to break away from conventional thinking.

The campaign's music video features Mumbai-based rapper Emiway Bantai, podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, and cricketer Umran Malik, showcasing how they achieved success by following their own paths. The music, composed by Mikey McCleary and featuring French reggae musician Naâman, adds to the campaign's key message of breaking away from the norm.

The campaign has been well received by its collaborators, who believe in the importance of doing things their own way. The campaign celebrates differentiation in the Indian menswear fashion scene and inspires young people to follow their passions and define success on their own terms.

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05 April 2023, Mumbai

“Sari is the most beautiful symbol of India, and it is wonderful to see it travel all over the world”, says Traun Tahiliani, the designer, who is known for his intricate embroideries, signature drapes. However, he also recognizes that the textile form of the sari is not practical for everyone, and he seeks to reinvent it through structured draping.

With his India Modern aesthetic, Tahiliani is at the forefront of the luxury pret business in India, and his collections continue to captivate and inspire fashion lovers both in India and around the world. Tahiliani's latest collection, 'Sheer Drama,' was recently showcased at Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI.

In an interview with Vogue, Tahiliani discussed his approach towards luxury pret, which he believes should be as beautifully made and luxurious as couture. He highlighted the importance of preserving the art of structured draping, which he sees as a crucial aspect of Indian cultural identity. The sari, in particular, is a symbol of India that Tahiliani seeks to reinvent with every collection, combining traditional draping techniques with contemporary silhouettes.

Tahiliani's luxury pret line is not just about creating off-the-rack clothing but also about making each piece unique and special. The designer sees more and more people gravitating towards Indian clothing for special occasions, and his luxury pret line seeks to cater to this demand with its exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. The collection features new drapes, such as sarongs and slit skirts, as well as a combination of draping, fluting, and corsetry.

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 30 March 2023, Mumbai 

Van Heusen Innerwear, the well-known brand from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL), has increased its retail presence in south India with the opening of a flagship women's exclusive intimates store in Bengaluru.

The store, located in the Jayanagar area, covers an area of 1,500 square feet, the new store offers Van Heusen's comprehensive collection of lingerie, active, athleisure, and lounge wear for women.

The launch is aimed at expanding Van Heusen Innerwear's market presence, and the flagship intimates store is designed to provide a premium shopping experience to contemporary women with innovative solutions catering to their ever-evolving lifestyle.

Van Heusen Innerwear already has a strong network of over 160 exclusive stores and sells through multi-brand outlets, large format retail chains, and e-commerce platforms. With the addition of the Bengaluru store, the brand's footprint in south India has been significantly strengthened.

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 25 March 2023, Mumbai 

The renowned Indian designer Rimi Nayak, has teamed up with Liva Fabrics, a part of the Birla Cellulose brand, to create an exclusive range of eco-friendly resort wear collection called ‘BOTANICS.’

The collection is inspired by the beauty of Mother Nature, featuring bold floral prints and myriad bright hues that reflect the evergreen and effervescent nature. The range includes a mix of free-flowing drapes, saris, and structured outfits that reflect the dichotomy of nature. The use of Liva's natural and sustainable fabrics adds to the eco-friendly nature of the collection. The designer has also incorporated a range of separates that can be mixed and matched to suit one’s personal style.

The partnership between Rimi Nayak India and Liva Fabrics is a result of their shared values and commitment to sustainability. The eco-friendly collection is a step towards sustainable fashion.

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