Apparels

Kering Eyewear is set to acquire Lenti, a sunglass lens maker, from Safilo, as announced by both companies. This move aligns with luxury groups’ increasing focus on their eyewear divisions to enhance revenue amid a challenging market. Kering aims to establish in-house capabilities for developing ‘Made in Italy’ sun lenses through this acquisition.

Africa accounted for 5.6 per cent of China’s apparel exports but only 2.36 per cent of its imports in Q1 2025, reflecting a continued trade imbalance.
China’s exports to Africa rose 20.2 per cent year-on-year in January–May 2025.
Apparel trade data across 2022–2024 also shows consistently higher export volumes to Africa than imports, indicating China’s dominant supplier role in African garment market.

Duluth Trading reported a 12 per cent drop in Q1 FY25 sales to $102.7 million and a net loss of $15.3 million.
DTC sales fell 17.1 per cent, and gross margin declined to 52 per cent.
Adjusted EBITDA was –$3.8 million.
CEO Stephanie Pugliese announced plans to simplify operations, enhance brand focus, and maintain FY25 guidance amid ongoing business challenges.

CaratLane, buoyed by the increasing popularity of lower-carat jewellery among younger Indians, aims to surpass its previous year’s revenue growth. The company plans to expand its footprint by opening over 40 new stores, primarily in smaller cities, and venturing into the U.S. and Dubai markets.

A UK study by WEFT and QSA partners has found strong consumer support for visible EPR charges on clothing to boost recycling and sustainability.
Over 80 per cent favour transparent labelling, with modest charges widely accepted.
Clear communication is key, with ‘charge’ preferred over ‘fee’.
The initiative could raise up to £4 billion (~$5.41 billion) annually without burdening taxpayers.

The American Apparel & Footwear Association and the Fair Labour Association recently wrote to King Abdullah II of Jordan urging his government and all constituencies to fully support the future of the ILO- IFC Better Work Jordan programme and the Workers Centre, supported by ILO.
The elimination of these programmes would stymie the growth of Jordan’s garment industry, their letter said.

Dr Martens has reported a 10 per cent revenue drop to $1.071 billion for FY25 in its preliminary results, with adjusted profit before tax falling to $46.4 million.
Despite the decline, it met key goals including DTC growth in the Americas, $34 million in cost savings, and a stronger balance sheet.
Its new strategy, Levers For Growth, targets profit recovery in FY26.

Lands’ End has reaffirmed its FY25 outlook, targeting $1.33–1.45 billion in revenue and $95–107 million in adjusted EBITDA, supported by strategic inventory and licensing transitions.
It reported an 8.5 per cent revenue decline to $261.2 million in Q1 FY25, with a widened net loss of $8.3 million.
Despite this, gross margin improved to 50.8 per cent and GMV showed modest growth.

Shein and Reliance Retail are set to significantly expand their Indian supplier network, aiming for 1,000 suppliers within a year, up from the current 150. This expansion supports plans to begin exporting India-made Shein-branded clothing to international markets, including the U.S. and UK, within six to twelve months.

Lalithaa Jewellery Mart, a Chennai-based company, plans to raise Rs 1,700 crore through an IPO. The IPO includes a fresh issue and an offer-for-sale. Funds will support new store openings. The company has 56 stores across South India. It focuses on gold jewellery and offers customer schemes. Revenue increased significantly in Financial Year 2024.