Apparels

Canada’s garment exports fell by 0.52 per cent to $10.795 billion in 2024.
China remained the top supplier, with a 29.54 per cent share, followed by Vietnam (14.99 per cent) and Bangladesh (13.09 per cent).
Imports from Vietnam and Cambodia increased, while those from China, Bangladesh, Italy, and India declined.
China’s market share rose slightly, while Vietnam and Cambodia gained more ground.

Gildan Activewear has reported a revenue of $3.27 billion in FY24, up 2 per cent YoY, with a $1 billion gross profit and a 21.3 per cent adjusted operating margin.
Q4 sales rose 5 per cent to $822 million.
Net earnings fell to $400.9 million due to higher taxes.
For 2025, the company expects mid-single-digit revenue growth, a 50-bps margin increase, and adjusted EPS of $3.38–$3.58.

Indian consumers are buying more natural diamonds as prices have dropped by about 30% from 2022. During the same period, gold and silver prices have increased significantly. The increasing demand for lab-grown diamonds in the US and decreased purchases from China are influencing natural diamond prices. Jewellery manufacturers are adapting to the higher demand for diamond-studded jewellery.

Kontoor Brands is acquiring Helly Hansen from Canadian Tire Corporation.
The deal enhances Kontoor’s global presence in outdoor and workwear markets, accelerates revenue and earnings growth, and strengthens its cash flow.
Helly Hansen will benefit from Kontoor’s multi-brand platform, supply chain synergies, and management expertise, supporting long-term value creation.

Wolverine Worldwide’s FY24 revenue has declined 21.8 per cent to $1.76 billion, though gross margin rose to 44.5 per cent due to lower costs.
The Active and Work groups revenue fell 13.4 and 5.3 per cent respectively.
Q4 FY24 overall revenue declined 6.1 per cent to $494.7 million.
CEO Hufnagel highlighted a successful turnaround.
FY25 revenue is expected to grow 2.5–4.3 per cent.

Marimekko has recorded net sales of €182.6 million (~$190.78 million) in full FY24, driven by retail growth in all markets.
Q4 saw record-high sales of €54 million (~$56.7 million), with strong retail performance.
In 2025, international sales, especially in Asia, are expected to grow, while Finland remains stable.
Marimekko’s 2025 outlook hit by economic uncertainty, low demand, and inflation.

Adidas Originals and JJJJound reunite for two premium Superstar iterations, crafted in Adidas’ Scheinfeld factory.
The white pair, based on the Superstar 82, and the black pair, inspired by the Superstar II, honour the sneaker’s legacy.
Featuring leather-wrapped shell toes, textured Three Stripes, premium leather uppers, and co-branded details, they come in special packaging with JJJJound tissue paper.

Forever 21, operated by F21 OpCo in the U.S., is preparing to close at least 200 more stores and may initiate a Chapter 11 bankruptcy process next month. If no buyer is found, it might liquidate its remaining 350 stores. Catalyst Brands, which owns F21 OpCo, also operates SPARC Group’s brands like Aeropostale and Lucky Brand.

Fenix Outdoor’s 2024 net sales fell to €685.6 million (~$716.9 million) from €739.4 million in 2023, with profit margin dropping to 5.5 per cent.
Net profit plummeted to €14.7 million from €32 million.
EBITDA and operating profit also declined.
North America and Korea faced challenges, while China’s JV performed well.
Q4 net sales dipped 3.1 per cent, but operating profit improved.

Domestic cotton prices in India remain higher than international prices, but demand for the Indian textile sector is improving. Indian textile companies have shown healthy growth, aided by stable cotton prices and favorable forex rates. Government initiatives and customs duty hikes on fabric imports are expected to benefit the sector. However, capacity constraints in garment manufacturing pose challenges.