Apparels

Sri Lanka’s garment exports grew 6.1 per cent to $4,111.1 million during January–October 2025, while textile exports dipped 2.6 per cent amid softer demand.
Combined textile-related exports reached $4,451.1 million, accounting for over half of industrial shipments.
October exports eased slightly, and imports showed mixed trends, with textile inflows falling and apparel imports rising.

Hugo Boss expects growth to return in 2027 as it launches Claim 5 Touchdown, a strategy focused on realignment in 2026 and stronger brand, distribution, and operational execution through 2028.
The plan targets €300 million (~$349.69 million) annual free cash flow, an EBIT margin of around 12 per cent, and improved efficiency to strengthen long-term profitable growth.

Nike’s new ACG Zegama is a rugged, ultra-distance trail shoe built with exposed ZoomX foam for max cushioning, an accommodating fit, a Vibram Megagrip outsole, and added protection including a rock plate and adaptive gaiter.
Tested by elite All Conditions Racing athletes across extreme terrain, it delivers stability, responsiveness and all-day comfort for technical, long-distance runs.

The domestic apparel industry may face a crisis similar to the one witnessed by the country’s jute sector once, trade body BKMEA recently cautioned.
At a seminar, BKMEA president Mohammad Hatem said the ‘deceptive’ reforms in labour laws for this sector appear to have shown the ‘seeds of destruction’, just the way it happened to the jute sector.
The impact will be visible later, he noted.

Prada Group has bought fashion house Versace for USD 1.375 billion. This deal brings Versace under the same umbrella as Prada and Miu Miu. The acquisition aims to boost Versace’s performance. Donatella Versace welcomed the move. Lorenzo Bertelli will lead Versace’s next phase. Prada plans to integrate Versace into its Italian manufacturing system.

Puma has opened its largest European flagship on London’s Oxford Street, a 24,000-sq-ft space showcasing NITRO running tech, key football franchises and lifestyle ranges.
The store features customisation zones, digital experiences, archive displays and a London-exclusive collection, with major events planned through 2025–26 as Puma boosts its direct-to-consumer focus.

Global jewellery groups Rosy Blue and Kashikey have jointly invested Rs 1,000 crore to scale QWEEN, an experiential fine jewellery brand that plans to launch its first large-format stores by mid-February 2026. The upcoming stores, spanning 5,000-6,000 sq. ft will operate on a self-discovery format aimed at reducing the high-touch, assisted sales approach typical of traditional jewellery retail.

Sidney Toledano will step down from his operational role at LVMH after over 30 years with Bernard Arnault and will remain special advisor.
Pietro Beccari becomes chairman and CEO of the LVMH Fashion Group while continuing to lead Louis Vuitton.
Damien Bertrand is elevated to the LVMH executive committee.
All changes take effect on January 1, 2026.

Gildan Activewear has completed its previously announced acquisition of HanesBrands, creating a global leader in basic apparel across activewear and innerwear.
Chief executive Glenn J Chamandy said the deal doubles Gildan’s scale and will drive at least $200 million in run-rate cost synergies.
The combined group will review processes and supplier agreements in the coming weeks.

President Droupadi Murmu stated India must expand its footwear business to boost exports. She highlighted significant opportunities in the fast-growing sports and non-leather sectors. The commerce and industry ministry is supporting investments in this area. India’s footwear exports reached over $2.5 billion in FY25.