08 November 2024, Mumbai

India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on sellers linked to Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart, targeting alleged violations of foreign investment laws. The searches, conducted across 19 locations in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, are part of an ED probe into whether the e-commerce giants indirectly influenced pricing to favor select sellers, against India's marketplace regulations.

The ED’s investigation follows an August antitrust body report, which reportedly found both platforms exerted extensive control over select sellers’ inventory, effectively bypassing rules that prevent foreign firms from holding product stock directly.

This comes after India's commerce minister criticized Amazon's business practices, suggesting they leaned towards predatory pricing. Both Amazon and Flipkart have consistently maintained their compliance with Indian regulations, though neither company nor the ED offered comments on the current investigation.

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08 November 2024, Mumbai

From Rs 200.34 crore in the corresponding quarter last year, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL) widened its consolidated net loss to Rs214.70 crore in Q2, FY25 spanning July-Sep’24 as per recent regulatory filing.

The company’s revenue from operations grew to Rs 3,643.86 crore during the quarter, compared to Rs3,226.44 crore in the corresponding period last year. ABFRL attributed this loss to higher depreciation and amortisation expenses related to brand and retail assets, following the inclusion of TCNS Clothing. Additionally, elevated borrowings resulted in higher interest costs, impacting the company's overall financial performance.

Total expenses for the quarter stood at Rs 3,993.56 crore. Despite challenges in the consumer market, the company highlighted steady growth driven by product innovation, enhanced customer experiences, and brand rejuvenation. Emerging consumer segments led growth, while established brands continued to show positive momentum, focusing on profitability improvements.

ABFRL’s subsidiary, Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands (ABLBL), maintained solid margins, whereas ABFRL itself exhibited a marked recovery in margins across its varied business segments.

Revenue from ABFRL’s ‘Madura Fashion & Lifestyle’ segment rose to Rs 1,861.75crore in the September quarter while Pantaloons generated a revenue of Rs 4,082.16 crore. The ethnic and other business segments of the company generated revenues of Rs 755.42 crore.

Recently, ABFRL announced the demerger of its Madura business into a standalone, publicly listed entity named ABLBL. This entity will manage the company's lifestyle brands, including Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, Peter England, and Simon Carter, along with youth-centric western wear brands like American Eagle and Forever 21. ABLBL will also oversee the sportswear brand Reebok, under a long-term licensing agreement for the Indian market.

Following the demerger, ABFRL will retain its focus on the retail sector through its Pantaloons and Style Up stores, in addition to managing its ethnic brand portfolio, which includes designer labels such as Sabyasachi, Shantanu & Nikhil, House of Masaba, and Tarun Tahiliani. The portfolio will also feature premium ethnic wear brands like Jaypore, Tasva, and TCNS.

As of September 30, 2024, ABFRL’s network comprised 4,538 stores spread across approximately 37,952 multi-brand outlets, with 9,047 points of sale in department stores throughout India.

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07 November 2024, Mumbai

Designer wear retailer Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop plans to raise Rs 250 crore in its pre-IPO funding round. The retailer plans to launch an IPO in the next 15 months and will use these funds to retire debts and expand its retail network.

The mandate to raise these funds has been granted to IIFL and Axis Global. The funds will be used to expand the retailer’s network in Mumbai and Delhi besides repaying existing debts to make Purple Style Labs debt free on a consolidated basis, says Abhishek Agarwal Founder, Purple Style Labs.

Pernia's Pop-Up Shop sells products of more than a dozen bridal and occasion wear labels such as Tarun Tahiliani, Falguni Shane Peacock and Amit Aggarwal. In 2023-24, the retailer’s revenues increased by 37 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 508 crore.

In India, the wedding and occasion wear market has been traditionally serviced by local shops delivering made-to-order clothes, but over the past decade, brands such as Manyavar, Mohanlal, Tasva and Ethnix by Raymond have brought consistency in the celebration wear segment in terms of delivery and execution, albeit at lower price points than designer labels.

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08 November 2024, Mumbai

Designer Reemly Mohanty from Bhubaneswar, renowned for her innovative handloom creations, will spotlight Odisha’s weaving traditions at the India Fashion Week in London on November 16.

As the sole representative from Odisha, Mohanty will present ‘Nila- An Azure Charm,’ a collection inspired by the cultural symbolism of blue, which represents divinity and the infinite in Indian mythology.

Focused on sustainability, this year’s event aligns with Mohanty’s mission of blending Odisha’s heritage with modern fashion. Her collection features traditional weaves, detailed with Ikat and Zardosi elements, and incorporates motifs such as Pattachitra and tribal art across lehengas, suits, and sarees.

Reemly Mohanty expressed that presenting Odisha’s artistry internationally fulfills a long-held aspiration, highlighting her dedication to sustainable and heritage fashion. She aims to bring attention to the region's traditional craftsmanship through her unique, eco-conscious designs.

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08 November 2024, Mumbai

Strengthening its presence in India, Japanese apparel giant Uniqlo plans to open two new stores in the country. The first of these will be the brand’s largest store at Phoenix Palladium Mall in Mumbai, followed by another store at Pacific Mall Tagore Garden in New Delhi. Both these stores will showcase Uniqlo’s comprehensive Life Wear range, known for its high-quality, functional clothing designed for men, women, and children.

Kenji Inoue, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Uniqlo India, says, the brand’s Mumbai store will be its third store in the city while the Delhi store will be its ninth outlet in the Metro. Both these stores will help make the brand’s Life Wear range accessible to more customers.

The Phoenix Palladium store in Mumbai will span two floors, covering 18,380 sqft and featuring Uniqlo’s distinctive red logo, easily visible from the mall entrance. The store will also boast a 49-ft by 15-foot LED screen on its facade to highlight brand stories and product features.

As part of its ‘made for all’ philosophy, Uniqlo is aksi introducing the ‘Mumbai’s LifeWear’ campaign, spotlighting six prominent Mumbai figures who reflect the brand’s commitment to quality, simplicity, and longevity. This campaign features actress Lillete Dubey, illustrator Aashti Miller, comedian Rohan Joshi, journalist Aayush Ailawadi, entrepreneur Harshad Chavan, and nutritionist Pooja Makhija, with their stories shared on Uniqlo’s social media channels.

The New Delhi store will cover 12,930 sqft across two floors, also marked by Uniqlo’s iconic red logo. To celebrate its opening, the brand will display a special tree installation adorned with red Uniqlo cubes in the atrium, providing a photo opportunity and encouraging app downloads.

Both these stores will feature the full range of Uniqlo’s Life Wear collection, inspired by Japanese principles of quality and durability. The lineup will include the Fall/Winter 2024 collection, showcasing innovative Puff tech and Heat tech garments alongside premium fabrics such as denim, fleece, and cashmere, offering customers practical and stylish wardrobe essentials.

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07 November 2024, Mumbai

Men's wear clothing brand, Overlays has unveiled its highly anticipated winter collection. Embodying the raw essence of fire and strength, the new collection is designed for those who seek both warmth and resilience during the winter season. It is inspired by the elements of fire, and transcends traditional fashion to become a statement of power and inner strength.

Titled, ‘Ember: Steel Winter '24,’the collection features over 35 unique jackets that seamlessly blend streetwear aesthetics with the finest Indian craftsmanship. Some of its highlights include distinctive paisley prints, a mix of hand and machine embroidery, intricate zardozi and ari work, and varied washing techniques, catering to fashion-forward individuals who embrace adventure and bold style choices.

The collection was unveiled at a runway fashion show that served as the first major event celebrating the creator economy. Showcasing 13 models, the fashion show was set against an international-level art direction that delivered a visually captivating experience. It was further enhanced by immersive sound engineering and offered an engaging atmosphere that perfectly complemented the artistry of the collection.

Shlok Srivastava, Founder and CEO, Overlays Clothing, states, the collection helps the brand ignite a movement that highlights the significant role of the creator economy in shaping high fashion. The Ember Steel collection caters to the modern consumer, balancing functionality with innovative design. Whether facing the elements or making a bold style statement, these jackets are designed to offer both performance and sophistication.

Looking forward, Overlays plans to incorporate seasonal updates aligned with current fashion trends and expand the collection with complementary accessories. The brand is committed to exploring sustainable materials and practices to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Overlays also aims to host community-focused events and pop-up experiences in major cities, giving fans a chance to engage with the collection up close. These events will celebrate creativity and innovation, providing a platform for aspiring designers and influencers to showcase their talents.

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08 November 2024, Mumbai

A prominent lifestyle and apparel collective, FS Life has opened a store for its brand FableStreet at Phoenix Market City in Pune. Renowned for its premium western wear, FableStreetis committed to offering Indian women expertly tailored, contemporary fashion that emphasises fit and comfort.

This new store allows customers in Pune to experience FableStreet’s curated collection, enhancing their shopping experience with the brand’s refined approach to fashion.

Launched in 2016, FableStreet was the first brand under the FS Life umbrella, created to meet the increasing demand for stylish and high-quality western wear specifically tailored for Indian women’s unique body types and preferences. Over the years, FS Life has grown to include March, a fine silver jewelry brand providing accessible, high-quality pieces, and Pink Fort, a modern Indian wear label that blends traditional clothing with contemporary aesthetics.

The Phoenix Market City store marks a significant step in FS Life’s mission to fulfill the apparel and lifestyle needs of modern Indian women through brands that prioritize thoughtful and relevant design. With this expansion, shoppers in Pune can now experience firsthand FableStreet’s commitment to quality and style that celebrates and supports their dynamic lifestyles.

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07 November 2024, Mumbai

Q2, FY25 revenues of the Tata Group-owned retailer Trent are likely to grow by 51 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 4,365 crore. The company’s net profit during the quarter is likely to rise by 53.2 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 444 crore from Rs 290 crore from the corresponding quarter last year.

The company’s topline is expected to rise as a result of retail expansion in Zudio and healthy store productivity levels, note experts. Its gross margins are expected to improve by around 150 basis points Y-o-Y. However, they will remain stable on a Q-o-Q, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities.

However, according to another analyst, Phillip Capital, the company’s gross margins are likely to contract by 3 basis points Y-o-Y as a result of increasing expenses, such as employee costs and rent. It is expected to record a healthy revenue growth on account of store expansion of its retail formats Westside and Zudio.

Both these brands will add 2-25 new stores during the Q2, FY25, as per Motilal Oswal. On the other hand, Nuvama Institutional Equities predicts, Trent will add 15 new stores during the quarter.

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07 November 2024, Mumbai

One of India’s iconic fashion brands, Ritu Kumar aims to offer customers an immersive and modern shopping experience through its newly opened store at The Dhan Mill Compound in New Delhi.

Celebrating the brand’s hallmark tradition of blending India’s rich craft heritage with contemporary fashion, the store embodies a thoughtfully designed space that enhances the visual appeal of each of its displayed pieces through a unique color palette and lighting arrangement.

Embodying Kumar’s unique fusion of traditional artistry and modern elegance, the store blends timeless sophistication with contemporary sensibilities to cater to the new generation of fashion aficionados. It features the brand’s three distinct ranges: the classic ‘Ritu Kumar’ collection, the global and trend-forward ‘Label by Ritu Kumar,’ and ‘Ri,’ the exquisite bridal couture range. Each of these collections offers fashion choices to suit various tastes and occasions.

With over 50 stores across India and a growing global footprint, the brand Ritu Kumar continues to expand, supported by a team of over 800 employees known for their dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. The brand’s new store at The Dhan Mill Compound underscores its commitment to deliver a refined, customer-focused retail experience.

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08 November 2024, Mumbai

Page Industries, the exclusive licensee for Jockey and Speedo in India, recorded a solid 30 per cent increase in Q2 profit, fueled by rising demand for premium athleisure products. For the quarter ending September 30, the company’s profit reached Rs 1.95 billion, up from Rs 1.5 billion a year prior. Revenue climbed 11 per cent to Rs 12.46 billion, with the EBITDA margin improving to 22.6 per cent from 20.5 per cent.

While inflation and subdued discretionary spending have impacted Indian retailers, Page Industries capitalized on urban demand for high-end products. Analysts highlighted a shift in consumer behavior, with Indians increasingly investing in fitness, boosting the athleisure segment. Stable input costs and operational efficiencies further bolstered the company’s earnings.

As the festive season unfolds, Managing Director VS Ganesh expects heightened consumer interest. The company announced an interim dividend of Rs 250 per share for FY 2025. Following the results, Page Industries shares rose by up to 2 per cent to Rs 45,063. Meanwhile, competitors Shoppers Stop and Trent faced mixed performances, with Shoppers Stop reporting losses and Trent posting its slowest growth in 14 quarters.

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07 November 2024, Mumbai

The Q2, FY25 net loss of RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group-owned, Spencer’s Retail widened to Rs 87 crore ($10.3 million) as against Rs 70 crore in the year-ago quarter.

The company’s revenue for the quarter, spanning July-Sep’24, declined to Rs 518 crore, as against Rs 574 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. The e-commerce company also gained traction and grew by 21 per cent Y-o-Y during the quarter.

During the quarter, the company also opened one store to take store count including Natures Basket to 131 stores across 27 cities in India.

Shashwat Goenka, Chairman, Spencer’s Retail, says, the company remains focused on driving business growth in its key operating regions, emphasising improvement in key operating metrics such as margins, sales productivity, and costs, and advancing its share of the e-commerce mix. A multi-format retailer, Spencer’s Retail offers products across categories such as FMCG, fashion, general merchandise, personal care, home essentials, etc.

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07 November 2024, Mumbai

Diwali 2024 has just got over a week ago, leaving behind a trail of insights into India's vibrant retail landscape. This year's festive season was a mixed bag for the fashion and apparel sector, while some segments saw impressive growth, others faced headwinds, highlighting the diverse and dynamic nature of this market.

In fact, Nomura reported this year’s spending was less than last years which highlights a "cyclical growth slowdown" in the Indian economy, impacting overall festive consumption. Rising inflation may have influenced consumer spending, particularly in discretionary categories like fashion and apparel. Despite the festive season, consumer sentiment appears to be somewhat subdued, particularly in metros, which could impact future retail growth. CBRE's report too indicates that slower retail sales are hindering the expansion plans of established brands in India.

Trends that emerged

• E-commerce continued its dominance: Online platforms raked in nearly Rs 1 lakh crore (about $11.9 billion), growing over 23 per cent year-on-year. This was driven by increasing demand from non-metro consumers and an increase in luxury purchases.

• Premiumization on the rise: Consumers showed a clear preference for higher-priced items, with strong growth seen in premium smartphones, appliances, and fashion accessories.

• Mixed performance for luxury brands: While some luxury retailers reported double-digit growth, others experienced slower sales, indicating a potential softening in this segment.

• Value fashion thrived: Domestic value fashion retailers continued to grow, particularly in high streets across major cities.

• Overall festive consumption growth slowed: Nomura reported a 15 per cent growth in festive spending, half the rate seen in 2023, citing weak demand in metros and industrial areas.

Brick &mortar vs e-commerce

E-commerce emerged as the clear winner this Diwali raking in nearly Rs 1 lakh crore (approximately $11.9 billion), a 23 per cent jump from the previous year. Flipkart and Amazon reported record-breaking sales, with aggressive discounts, convenient shopping experiences, and a wider selection of goods. While brick-and-mortar stores still hold significant importance, particularly for touch-and-feel categories like apparel, the convenience and reach of e-commerce are undeniable. As Pushpa Bector, DLF Retail puts it, "Generally, it (sales) was not as vibrant as we thought it would be. We might have expected growth at par with levels seen in 2022-2023 but the base of growth has come down."

Overall retail vs fashion/apparel retail

While overall retail sales saw healthy growth, the fashion and apparel sector experienced a more muted performance. Nomura's report indicates that festive consumption growth halved this year to 15 per cent, with weak demand in metros and industrial areas. This could be attributed to several factors, including a shift in consumer spending towards other categories like electronics and home appliances, and a general economic slowdown impacting discretionary spending. In fact, smartphones dominated online sales, capturing nearly 65 per cent of all smartphone purchases during the festive period. Viraal Rajan, Owner and Director of Time Avenue opines, "Sales for us are 10-15 per cent higher than last year...but we are hearing the business has been weaker this Diwali for some of the other luxury categories."

Metros vs. Tier II, III cities

One of the most striking trends this Diwali was the demand growth in Tier II, III cities. Amazon reported over 85 per cent of its customers were from non-metros. This highlights the increasing purchasing power and aspirations of consumers in these regions. Nomura's report pointed to weak demand in metros and industrial areas, contributing to the slowdown in overall festive consumption growth. However, growing small town demand underlines the fact that brands now need to tailor their strategies to cater to the unique preferences and needs of consumers in smaller cities and towns. "There was increased demand from Tier II-III and beyond, across categories including smartphones, TVs, appliances and fashion," said Satish Meena, adviser at Datum Intelligence

Premium vs value retail

Both premium and value segments witnessed growth this Diwali, but with different drivers. The premium segment got a boost from aspirational consumers and a desire for better quality and brands. Value retail, on the other hand, catered to price-conscious shoppers seeking the best deals. For example, Amazon reported a 400 per cent spike in its fashion and beauty premium portfolio, while domestic value fashion retailers saw strong demand for space in high streets.

Table: E-commerce sales growth across categories

Overall Diwali 2024 was a mixed bag for India's fashion and apparel sector. While e-commerce platforms thrived and smaller cities showed strong growth, the overall pace of growth slowed down compared to previous years. Premiumization continued to be a key trend, while value retailers faced challenges. The sector needs to adapt to the evolving consumer behavior, economic conditions, and the growing dominance of online platforms to succeed in the coming years.

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