Chinese company Jidalai will invest $5.85 million to establish a zipper puller manufacturing facility in AEPZ, producing 70 million pieces annually and creating 189 jobs.
An agreement was signed on October 16, at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka.
BEPZA’s executive chairman expressed gratitude for Jidalai’s investment and assured support for smooth operations.

eBay has expanded its Circular Fashion Fund (CFF), providing $1.2 million by 2025 to help fashion start-ups scale circular solutions, including rental and repair services.
The fund also offers over 200 hours of mentoring.
Applications are open until November 15, 2024, with winners receiving cash prizes and mentoring.
The initiative aims to promote sustainable and circular fashion worldwide.

The sleepwear sector in India, accounting for 5 per cent of its total apparel exports, has faced fluctuating exports since 2018, impacted by global disruptions and rising cotton prices.
Despite its cotton advantage, India lags in capitalising on this resource.
However, Indian sleepwear market growth is projected for 2024, driven by innovations and market adaptation.

Adidas reported a 10 per cent YoY currency-neutral revenue growth in Q3 2024, with euro revenues up 7 per cent to €6.438 billion (~$7.01 billion).
Operating profit rose to €598 million (~$651 million), partly due to Yeezy inventory sales.
Excluding Yeezy, revenue grew 14 per cent. Adidas raised its full-year forecast, expecting 10 per cent growth and €1.2 billion (~$1.3 billion) operating profit.

In August 2024, the UK’s clothing imports fell by 11.99 per cent year-on-year to £1.313 billion (~$1.715 billion) but saw a monthly increase from July’s £1.178 billion.
Textile fabric and fibre imports also declined compared to 2023.
In Q2 2024, clothing imports were 5.75 per cent lower than the same period in 2023.
UK clothing imports dropped significantly in 2023, down 25.94 per cent from 2022.

Nike retained its top spot as the leading brand for teens in the US in both apparel (33 per cent) and footwear (57 per cent), despite a YoY decline, as per a recent survey.
American Eagle and Lululemon tied for second in clothing (5 per cent each), while Adidas ranked second in footwear (9 per cent).
Coach led the handbag category, and Amazon was the top shopping destination.

In September, US CPI for garments rose by 0.6 per cent, nearing pandemic-high levels, though consumer spending on apparel fell by 0.8 per cent.
US consumer confidence dropped, signalling potential cautious spending ahead.
The US labour market showed strength, adding 254,000 jobs in September.
Wage growth is rising again, and global markets show optimism.

UK CPI rose by 1.7 per cent in the 12 months to September from 2.2 per cent in August.
On a monthly basis, CPI was little changed from a 0.5-per cent rise in September 2023.
Clothing-footwear prices rose by 0.8 per cent in the year to September; the rise was 1.6 per cent rise in the year to August.
On a monthly basis, such prices rose by 2.1 per cent compared with a 2.9-per cent rise a year.

Bloomingdale’s will open its fourth Bloomie’s store at The Grove in Shrewsbury, NJ on November 14, 2024, offering a curated selection of women’s fashion, accessories, beauty, and fine jewellery from top brands.
Celebratory events include a Winter Village on opening day and a Holiday Bash on December 7, featuring exclusive gifts, music, giveaways, and festive activities for guests.