Apparels

Gold prices hit a record high on Friday as fears of a global trade war grew due to President Trump’s tariffs. The safe-haven asset saw increased investor demand due to economic and geopolitical uncertainty and continued to thrive in a low-interest rate environment. The market anticipates further rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

Surat diamond workers have threatened to strike on March 30 if the Gujarat government fails to address demands, including a 30% salary hike, financial aid, and the Ratandeep scheme for unemployed workers. This could impact diamond processing worth Rs 500 crore. The union’s demands also include forming a welfare board and increasing salaries annually in line with inflation.

Lululemon Athletica has reported a 10 per cent YoY revenue rise in FY24 to $10.6 billion, with strong international growth and improved margins.
Revenue in Q4 FY24 rose 13 per cent to $3.6 billion.
For FY25, revenue is projected between $11.15–$11.30 billion.
Backed by its ‘Power of Three ×2’ strategy, the brand targets $12.5 billion revenue by 2026, focusing on innovation and market expansion.

Gold demand in India declined this week due to record high prices and jewellers closing accounts for the fiscal year. In contrast, China saw a significant drop in net gold imports via Hong Kong, with some demand destruction attributed to elevated gold prices.

Decathlon’s India division reported over Rs 4,000 crore revenue in FY24, achieving profitability with gains of Rs 197.19 crore. The firm’s revenue increased 2.24 per cent compared to FY23. Decathlon’s store sales reached Rs 3,430.67 crore, while e-commerce sales declined slightly. The company plans further investments to enhance its market position in India.

Decathlon’s India division reported over Rs 4,000 crore revenue in FY24, achieving profitability with gains of Rs 197.19 crore. The firm’s revenue increased 2.24 per cent compared to FY23. Decathlon’s store sales reached Rs 3,430.67 crore, while e-commerce sales declined slightly. The company plans further investments to enhance its market position in India.

Lopez, who has been associated with Decathlon for the past 26 years has held numerous positions within the company, in digital, logistics and retail. He headed the Germany market for the brand from 2012 to 2015, then served as CEO of Decathlon Spain from 2015 to 2022.

Natural diamond prices have increased by 10% recently, driven by rising consumer demand in key global markets. Industry experts expect this trend to continue throughout 2025. The renewed interest has led to a surge in demand, particularly from tier-2 and -3 cities in India.

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is alarmed at actions by the US department of labour to cancel all contracts for the latter’s Bureau of International Labour Affairs.
The decision will lead the country from “an even playing field to an uphill battle” and puts American workers and businesses last, leading to unfair competition with countries and foreign businesses, AAFA noted.

Europeans are buying and discarding more clothing, footwear and other textiles than ever before, which is putting more pressure on climate and environment, an EEA briefing says.
Out of 12 European household consumption categories, textile consumption ranked the fifth largest in terms of environmental and climate pressures on an average.
A systemic shift in the textiles system is needed, it notes.