Apparels

“The biggest drain in business on margins is the discounting. And as we keep getting better at tightening discounting, getting into more and more of channel mix play, (between stores and online), which drives for reduced discounting,” said Vishak Kumar, CEO, lifestyle business, at Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail told investors. Vector said executing in-season stock adjustment manually, such as inter-store transfers, is reactive, slow and inefficient. Lead times of over 6-9 months force brands to plan collections a year in advance, making demand forecasting difficult and increasing risk of unsold stock.

Global brands like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Superdry may soon resume importing premium footwear to India as the government has initiated certification of overseas factories after 18 months. The move follows pressure from US President Trump and the fallout from India’s newly introduced quality control orders.

Adidas and Pharrell Williams have unveiled the Superstar 92, a bold reinvention of the classic silhouette, blending 90s aesthetics with snowboard boot elements.
The campaign, shot by Cam Hicks, features hip-hop duo Clipse and captures Virginia Beach’s essence.
With thick padding, a chunky sole, and ‘Virginia’ on the tongue, the design pays homage to Pharrell’s roots and cultural legacy.

Carter’s Inc has reported net sales of $2.84 billion in FY24, down 3.4 per cent YoY, with an operating margin of 9.0 per cent.
US retail and international sales declined, while wholesale grew 0.7 per cent.
Net income fell 20.2 per cent, and diluted EPS dropped to $5.12.
The company expects FY25 sales of $2.78–$2.855 billion, with earnings weighted towards the second half.

ASOS has announced organisational changes to align with its strategy, streamline decision-making, and enhance customer focus.
Key updates include a new Commercial & Customer function, a geography-based structure, a consolidated Brand & Creative team, and a dedicated Topshop & Topman unit.
The changes, effective April 2025, aim to drive growth and strengthen ASOS’ position as a global fashion leader.

Kontoor Brands has reported a revenue of $2.61 billion in FY24, with a 44.5 per cent gross margin.
Adjusted operating income rose 9 per cent to $381 million, and adjusted EPS increased 10 per cent to $4.89.
US revenue grew 1 per cent, while international declined 5 per cent.
FY25 revenue is expected at $2.63-$2.69 billion, with 1-3 per cent growth, driven by market share gains and expansion.

Lululemon welcomes seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton as its newest Ambassador.
He will collaborate on product innovation and advocacy while representing the brand’s holistic wellness approach.
Partnering with Lululemon’s Centre for Social Impact, he aims to support youth through Mission 44.
Hamilton will also feature in the “No Holding Back” campaign, showcasing men’s training apparel.

Gold prices rebounded after hitting a one-week low, driven by uncertainties from U.S. President Trump’s tariff plans, which increased demand for safe-haven bullion. Spot gold rose 0.1 per cent, while U.S. gold futures gained 0.4 per cent. The potential new tariffs on copper imports and rising U.S. inflation expectations added to economic concerns, supporting gold’s appeal.

The EU delays implementing stringent traceability rules for polished diamond imports to January 2026, easing pressure on the Indian diamond industry. This decision aligns with G7 efforts to ensure transparency in the diamond trade and prevent Russian diamonds from entering EU and G7 markets.

Cambodia’s manufacturing sector saw 9.7-per cent growth YoY in 2024, with the number of manufacturers reaching a new high of 2,316 as of November, government statistics show.
The number of manufacturing units rose by 210, or 10 per cent, over end-2023 figure.
Manufacturing in the garments, footwear and travel goods industry increased by 8.6 per cent YoY last year.