Apparels

Gold demand dipped during the initial festive period. India Bullion & Jewellers Association reported a 28% drop. High gold prices dampened consumer enthusiasm. Many buyers opted for lighter, lower-karat jewelry. Some jewelers saw increased sales value despite volume decreases. Investment demand for gold coins remained steady. Jewelers are adjusting manufacturing strategies to meet changing preferences.

Mexico’s economy and finance ministry recently imposed anti-dumping duty (ADD) on import of footwear originating in China following a probe that found such merchandise entered Mexico under dumping conditions, which affected the national footwear industry.
The ADD, between $0.54 and $22.50 per pair, took effect from September 4.
The anti-dumping investigation began on April 26, 2024.

The outlook for the Indian apparel export industry has been revised to Negative from Stable by rating agency ICRA, following the upward revision in tariff rates by the US.

Lladro, the Spanish luxury brand, anticipates a 20% growth in India for 2025, fueled by strong Diwali sales, which contribute nearly a fifth of its India business. India has emerged as Lladro’s third-largest market globally, following Japan and the US. The brand plans to strengthen its presence in home décor and porcelain lighting, while operating nine boutiques across metro cities.

Global audio giant QCY is entering the Indian market, planning a manufacturing plant in Manesar, Haryana, with significant investment. Targeting a USD 75-100 million value share by 2026, QCY aims to boost India’s wearable tech growth under the Make in India initiative. Six new flagship products across TWS, headphones, and speakers are launching this festive season.

Zumiez Inc has posted net sales of $214.3 million in Q2 FY25, up 1.9 per cent YoY, with comparable sales rising 2.5 per cent.
Net loss was $1 million, or $0.06 per share, versus $0.8 million last year.
H1 FY25 sales grew 2.9 per cent to $398.6 million, with losses narrowing to $15.3 million.
Q3-to-date sales rose 10.6 per cent, led by 13 per cent growth in North America.

Sawariya Group, through its subsidiary Luxe Asia, is venturing into the lifestyle sector, aiming for a USD 20 million business by 2026. The company plans extensive distribution, targeting 350 multi-brand outlets, 18 exclusive brand outlets, and over 20 franchise stores in Tier-II cities within two years.

Luxury brands anticipate significant sales growth this festive season. A longer wedding season and India-specific collections are driving this surge. GST rate cuts are also expected to boost consumer spending. DLF Retail forecasts double-digit growth for luxury brands in its malls. Brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton are focusing on the Indian wedding market.

Private companies are reshaping space travel.
Prada’s mastery of advanced fabrics and precision sewing inform tomorrow’s spacesuit.
It reflects a shift towards cross-industry collaboration, proving innovation in space is still stitched from textiles.
Kevlar and Nomex became icons of astronaut safety in the 1960s, protecting crews from micrometeorites, fire and atmospheric extremes.

The Bangladesh Bank recently released $72.77 million in export proceeds through two crisis-hit banks—Exim bank and SIBL—allowing nearly 250 garment units to pay wages and allowances to its staff for August and September.
Five troubled banks had been unable to disburse export earnings due to severe liquidity shortage, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association said.