Apparels

Cotton On Group, an Australian fashion retailer, has launched in India through a franchise partnership with Apparel Group. The brand plans to open 40 to 50 stores across the country within the next five to six years. Initial expansion will focus on Delhi NCR, followed by other major cities and select tier-2 locations.

Exporters renegotiated prices and absorbed losses to maintain long-standing buyer relationships, while US buyers also shouldered some of the burden. Despite relief from reduced tariffs, uncertainty lingers regarding future trade policies.

The reauthorisation of AGOA, signed by US President Donald Trump through December 2026, has shielded more than 66,000 Kenyan textile jobs and prevented steep tariffs.
However, with AGOA’s deadline approaching again in 2026, industry leaders are pushing for a durable bilateral trade pact to avoid recurring uncertainty and protect investment, jobs, and export stability.

Bangladesh’s RMG exports saw a modest decline in the first eight months of FY26, reflecting softer global apparel demand and cautious retail inventory management.
While knitwear exports fell more sharply than woven garments, home textiles showed modest growth.
The downturn in cotton product exports also signals weaker regional demand and continued pressure from lower global cotton prices.

After facing US tariff headwinds, China was said to be pivoting towards Europe, which reportedly created a challenging situation for Bangladesh as it struggled to cope with China’s competitive pricing strategy.
Even though Bangladesh apparel makers are also said to have cut unit prices, rising costs and supply constraints are reportedly squeezing their margins drastically.

The Bangladesh Brand Forum (BBF) and trade body BGMEA recently signed an MoU to reposition the apparel industry as a modern, sustainable and innovation-driven one in the global market by 2030.
BBF will provide strategic branding consultancy, knowledge support and enhance BGMEA’s visibility across platforms.
BGMEA will offer industry data, expert inputs and active participation from its member factories.

Gap Inc. reported Q4 FY25 net sales of $4.2 billion, up 2 per cent YoY, with comparable sales rising 3 per cent and online sales up by 5 per cent (42 per cent of revenue).
Gross margin fell to 38.1 per cent due mainly to tariff impacts.
For fiscal 2025, sales reached $15.4 billion, online sales were 39 per cent of total, and gross margin was 40.8 per cent.

In 2025, Adidas achieved double-digit, currency-neutral revenue growth across all markets and channels, with footwear up 12 per cent and apparel 15 per cent.
Europe, North America, and Greater China grew 10-13 per cent, while Latin America, Emerging Markets, and Japan/South Korea saw 14-22 per cent growth.
Strong wholesale, retail, and e-commerce performance drove results.

Prada is poised to revolutionize Versace, signaling a bold new chapter for the iconic luxury brand. With a renewed focus on exclusive full-price offerings and the phasing out of lower-tier product lines, the appointment of a fresh creative director this July is set to redefine the aesthetic landscape.

Gold prices dropped on Thursday, reversing earlier gains. Higher US Treasury yields and a stronger dollar pressured the precious metal. Growing concerns about escalating conflict in West Asia and potential inflation also impacted prices. This situation is keeping energy supply worries elevated, supporting oil prices and dimming prospects for interest rate cuts.