Apparels

Trade body BGMEA and Swisscontact recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Dhaka, announcing a strategic partnership to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in Bangladesh’s RMG sector.
The partnership will focus on skills development for women and youth, environmental and social compliance, clean energy adoption, and joint outreach to support factory-level transformation.

Oxford Industries reported net sales of $393 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, down slightly from $398 million in FY24.
Adjusted EPS fell to $1.82 from $2.66.
DTC and e-commerce sales declined, though Lilly Pulitzer saw growth.
Tariff-related costs and markdowns pressured margins.
Second quarter sales and earnings are also projected to decline.

Sandeep Kataria, global CEO of Bata Corporation, has resigned. He was the first Indian to lead the footwear giant. Kataria will stay for six months to help with the transition. An official announcement is expected soon. Succession plans are currently in progress. This marks a significant change in leadership for the Switzerland-based company. Kataria’s departure concludes his five-year tenure.

Sabyasachi reflects on his 25-year journey building an Indian luxury brand, emphasizing integrity, customer respect, and the importance of preserving human craft in the age of AI. He discusses his design philosophy, market evolution, and the changing relationship between India and luxury. Sabyasachi also highlights the significance of human connection and empathy in business.

Global apparel trade continues to shift between cotton and man-made fibre (MMF) garments.
Cotton apparel remains preferred for comfort and sustainability but faces price volatility.
MMF apparel, driven by affordability and durability, aligns with fast fashion trends.
Export growth from 2015–2025 shows cotton outpacing MMF. Countries like Kyrgyzstan and Poland lead import growth.

Escalating tensions between Israel and Iran have propelled domestic gold prices above ₹1,00,000 per 10 gm, reaching ₹99,170 before GST, driven by increased safe-haven demand. The overnight attack on Iran’s nuclear sites and military leadership by Israel, coupled with fears of global recession and US-China tariffs, further fueled the rally. Analysts suggest potential de-escalation could lead to a price retreat.

Arvind Ltd and Noize Jeans Ltd are set to invest Rs 584 crore in Budhi Barlai, Indore, after securing land allocations from MPIDC. Arvind plans to produce 60 lakh garments annually and establish a garment park, while Noize Jeans will focus on diverse manufacturing activities.

US-based women’s apparel retailer J.Jill, Inc has reported a 4.9 per cent year-on-year drop in Q1 FY25 net sales to $153.6 million, impacted partly by an OMS transition.
Comparable and direct-to-consumer sales declined, while gross margin fell to 71.8 per cent.
Net income dropped to $11.7 million, prompting the withdrawal of full-year guidance.

Asian gold demand weakened as rates soared, with Indian prices hitting a record high of 100,403 rupees per 10 grams, leading to steep discounts up to $63 an ounce. Chinese premiums slightly decreased, reflecting a seasonally quiet period. Singapore saw retail selling due to rising prices, while Japan experienced minimal premiums.

Torrid, a plus-size clothing store, plans to close 180 underperforming stores this year across the US. The closures, in part, are a result of more customers shopping online. About 70% of Torrid’s customers make purchases from the website. The plus-size community has taken to social media to express its disappointment with the closures.