Apparels

Forever 21’s U.S. unit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy again due to declining mall traffic and online competition, signaling potential liquidation. Despite liquidation sales, stores and the website will stay open as they seek buyers for assets. Owned by Catalyst Brands, Forever 21’s trademark remains with Authentic Brands Group, hinting at a new future form.

The Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh has urged the government to allow duty-free raw material import, similar to the benefit offered to the textile and RMG sector.
It demanded the reinstatement of the 12-per cent cash incentive for exports, a rebate on source tax on export cash subsidy and tax rebate on import of spare parts and essential machinery.

Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration will not eject fast-fashion juggernaut Shein from the US market, its executive chairman Donald Tang has told AFP. The head of the online platform, which has come in for scrutiny over its environmental footprint and allegations of human rights violations, also insisted that the company does not use forced labour. “The policy is zero tolerance. We don’t tolerate it at all, no questions asked.”

Large Indian retailers, including Shoppers Stop and Arvind Fashions, are reducing online discounts and focusing on full-priced goods to sustain profitability. Despite recovering sales in physical stores, online sales struggle as consumers expect constant discounts. Retailers face challenges balancing inventory and discount strategies amid competitive pressures.

Cambodia’s graduation from the least developed country status could slow its GDP growth by up to 1.5 per cent, with a potential loss of 165,000 jobs, Alissar Chaker, resident representative of UNDP in the country said.
Women working in the garments sector will be the worst hit.
The loss of trade flexibilities and preferential tariffs will particularly affect key exports like garments, she said.

Prada’s CEO Andrea Guerra and marketing officer Lorenzo Bertelli are in New York amid talks to acquire Versace from Capri Holdings. Donatella Versace steps down as chief designer, with Miu Miu’s Dario Vitale set to replace her. Prada is assessing Versace’s financial data, with a reported potential purchase price of 1.5 billion euros.

J.P. Morgan analysts called Demna’s appointment a “controversial choice,” citing early feedback on social media and fashion blogs and a “question mark” now hanging over the brand’s creative future.

Samsonite attributes its weak performance in Asia to intense competition and discounting by VIP and Safari in India, impacting sales of its American Tourister brand. CEO Kyle Gendreau notes challenges in India due to reduced retail traffic and consumer spending. New entrants in the market offering discounts have further strained industry profits, with VIP and Safari experiencing significant profit declines.

Turkiye’s apparel exports to Azerbaijan have surged by 520 per cent in six years, reaching $211.633 million in 2024.
Despite a dip in 2022, exports rebounded strongly.
Dresses led exports at $29.555 million, with cotton garments dominating the total share (40.64 per cent).
Women’s apparel made up the largest segment.
Turkiye has significantly expanded its presence in Azerbaijan’s apparel market.

Red Chief, a footwear manufacturer, has launched a new brand called Zuup, marking its entry into the footwear retail market with a family-oriented store. The brand aims to offer a wide selection of over 100 national and international footwear brands under one roof, including popular names like Nike, Adidas, and Puma.