Kushal’s Fashion Jewellery, currently strong in South India, plans aggressive expansion to 300 stores in the next three and a half years, focusing on omnichannel and tech-led retail. The company will adopt a cluster-based approach, tailoring 40% of its product mix to local preferences as it enters markets like Maharashtra and other parts of West and North India.

Global luxury brands are increasingly turning to India for inspiration and market growth, with customized offerings that blend Indian culture with global appeal. Prada took cues from the Kolhapuri chappal, while Louis Vuitton released a handbag inspired by an autorickshaw. Designer Robert Wun sparked online buzz with a fishtail gown resembling a lehenga.

US apparel CPI fell -0.4 per cent MoM and -0.7 per cent YOY in May, but prices remain historically high.
Imports plunged -22 per cent after early tariff hikes, while spending on clothing rose +4.9 per cent YoY.
Consumer confidence dipped and overall spending slowed.
Tariff frameworks for August 1 propose higher rates, including 40 per cent on transhipped goods via Vietnam.

Shoppers Stop Ltd reported a reduced consolidated net loss of Rs 15.74 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 2025, with revenue from operations increasing to Rs 1,161.08 crore. The company’s sales growth was driven by premiumisation, with private brand sales and beauty segment contributing significantly.

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is committed to using the 4Cs grading system for all diamonds, including lab-grown ones, despite some industry shifts. IGI emphasizes its dedication to transparency, integrity, and scientific accuracy, which has earned the trust of consumers and retailers. The institute operates globally and holds a significant market share in India’s diamond certification.

Ajio Luxe, Reliance’s luxury e-commerce platform, has partnered with Audi to introduce the Audi Collection to the Indian market. This collaboration marks Audi’s entry into India’s luxury merchandise sector through an online-first strategy. The collection features over 30 products, including accessories and miniatures, ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 95,000, catering to the growing demand for curated global luxury brands.

High tariffs cut US apparel imports value from China in May by 52 per cent YoY, USITC data show.
China’s market share in US apparel imports in May also dropped to 9.9 per cent, a new low in decades.
Due to reciprocal tariffs, the average tariff rate for US apparel imports grew to 23.8 per cent in May, up several points from the already record-setting 20.8 per cent seen in April, a US academic said.

Anta Sports has reported its Q2 and H1 2025 retail sales update, with Anta brand growing by low- to mid-single digits and FILA achieving mid- to high-single digit gains.
Other brands, excluding recent additions, saw strong growth of 50–65 per cent.
The figures, covering both online and offline channels, serve as operational indicators and exclude Amer Sports.
Data is unaudited and subject to revision.

Arvind Fashions Ltd. has appointed Amisha Jain as its new managing director and CEO, effective August 13, succeeding Shailesh Chaturvedi. Jain joins from Levi Strauss & Co. and brings over 20 years of experience in the retail and consumer sectors. AFL reported a revenue of ₹4,620 crore for FY25, with a significant increase in net profit.

Vishal Mega Mart shares: The brokerage views the value retailer as a way to capitalize on the rising aspirations of consumers in Tier 2 and smaller cities, supported by its low-cost private-label offerings, efficient cost structure, and expanding presence in underpenetrated markets.