Apparels

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.

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.