Apparels

A 4% rise in gold prices in March led to a 25% drop in retail gold sales at jewelers and a 60% fall in Zaveri Bazaar. Indian families with upcoming weddings are stressed by higher prices, opting for lighter, lower-carat jewelry. Demand may pick up during Akshay Tritiya in April, but lightweight jewelry remains the preferred choice.

India and New Zealand have initiated negotiations for a free trade agreement to boost trade and investment.
New Zealand imported $112.395 million worth of Indian textiles and apparel in 2024, a 6.6 per cent increase from 2023.
India remains a key supplier but lags behind China, Bangladesh and Vietnam.
The FTA may provide tax-free access, enhancing India’s market share in New Zealand.

US tariff hikes on Chinese cotton jerseys and pullovers (HS-611020) are reshaping global trade dynamics.
Bangladesh, with the lowest UVR ($14.86/kg) and highest RCA (27.36), is poised to gain market share as buyers seek cost-effective alternatives.
While China’s UVR will rise due to tariffs, its economies of scale will help retain competitiveness. Cambodia and Vietnam may also benefit.

F21 OpCo, LLC, the operator of Forever 21 stores in the US, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware.
The company plans an orderly wind down while exploring potential asset sales.
Stores and the website will remain open during proceedings.
International locations are unaffected.
Legal and financial advisors have been engaged to navigate restructuring and potential sales.

US tariffs on China are unlikely to create new export opportunities for Bangladesh, Centre for Policy Dialogue distinguished fellow Mustafizur Rahman recently said.
He cautioned the country’s export prospects may be ‘constrained’ and turn ‘stagnant’.
A key reason is China’s garment exports to the US largely consist of man-made fibre garments, whereas Bangladesh mainly exports cotton-based items.

US apparel imports from Europe fell by 12.37 per cent in 2024, dropping to $3.031 billion, while total US apparel imports rose by 2.65 per cent to $83.705 billion, as per TexPro.
Asia-Pacific’s share grew to 72.83 per cent, while Europe’s fell to 4.33 per cent.
Italy remained the only European country in the top ten suppliers, but its exports to the US declined by 3.12 per cent.

Bengaluru-based fashion quick-commerce startup Slikk Club raised $3.2 million in a Lightspeed-led round. The funds will expand dark stores, introduce new categories, and support citywide and tier-1, tier-2 expansion.

G-III Apparel Group has forecast net sales of $3.14 billion in FY26, with net income between $192-$197 million and EPS of $4.15-$4.25.
Q1 FY26 sales are expected at $580 million, down from $609.7 million in Q1 FY25.
FY25 net sales grew 2.7 per cent to $3.18 billion, with record non-GAAP EPS of $4.42.
CEO Morris Goldfarb highlighted strong brand momentum and strategic growth.

Gold prices increased by Rs 1,048 per 10 gm, reaching Rs 87,891 due to continuous US tariffs and fears of stagflation. Key determining events this week include US retail sales data and the Fed’s policy meeting. Rising geopolitical tensions and market caution are fuelling the ongoing gold rally.

PN Rao, a 100-year-old suiting brand, is expanding its presence in India through the franchising model, focusing initially on South India. The brand plans to open four stores via a franchising route this fiscal year and a luxury store in Bengaluru next year while targeting a revenue of Rs 75 crore by FY26.