Apparels

Kiaasa, a women’s ethnic wear brand, is set to launch its IPO. The Bombay Stock Exchange has approved the IPO on the SME platform. The IPO aims to raise ₹55 crore through fresh equity shares. The funds will fuel new store openings and expansion plans. Kiaasa currently operates over 100 outlets across 20 states.

A recent Presidential decree in Mexico temporarily suspended imports of finished footwear under the Manufacturing, Maquiladora and Export Services Industry programme.
Signed on August 23, the decree was announced by Minister of Economy Marcelo Ebrard, who said it aims at protecting the domestic footwear industry.
The sector contracted by 12.8 per cent YoY in 2024, losing nearly 11,000 formal jobs.

US retailers referenced Nike shoes as most popular in 38.2 per cent of checks in Stifel’s Back to School sneaker survey—a 23.2-pps YoY drop versus 2024 and an all-time low dating back to the survey’s beginning in 2008.
Though Nike is losing a few steps with consumers, its popularity rose in top e-commerce sellers.
There’s a broadening landscape of shoe popularity across brands, styles and price points.

Dollar General has posted strong Q2 FY25 results with net sales up 5.1 per cent to $10.7 billion and same-store sales rising 2.8 per cent.
Gross margin improved to 31.3 per cent, operating profit climbed 8.3 per cent to $595.4 million, and EPS rose 9.4 per cent to $1.86.
The retailer lifted full-year guidance, expecting sales growth of 4.3–4.8 per cent and EPS of $5.8–6.3.

The GJEPC is appealing to the Centre for immediate relief as the US tariffs of 50% on Indian goods are impacting the gems and jewellery industry. Exporters had anticipated tariff action, but the unexpected duty has left the industry reeling, especially in Surat.

Aditya Birla Group aims to seize prospects in India’s evolving fashion sector. Kumar Mangalam Birla highlights India’s growing GDP and consumer aspirations. The group has demerged Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited. Focus is on organic growth and profitability. ABLBL targets double-digit revenue growth. Pantaloons will prioritize profitability.

Turkiye’s apparel exports fell 7.01 per cent YoY to $9.4 billion in January–July 2025, marking the third straight year of contraction.
Both knitted (–5 per cent) and woven (–9.6 per cent) categories declined, with July exports down 7.36 per cent.
Rising raw material imports, reliance on EU and US markets, cost pressures, and competition from South Asia continue to challenge Turkiye’s garment industry.

Luxury e-tailer Ssense, founded in Montreal, is seeking bankruptcy protection under Canada’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act after its primary lender initiated a sale process without consent. The move was also influenced by the recent closing of the de minimis loophole, imposing tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. The company aims to restructure, rebuild U.S.

Gold and silver prices hit record highs, impacting consumers. Gold reached Rs 102388 per 10 gm, and silver hit Rs 117572 per kg. Investors are watching a key inflation report that could influence the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions. Concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence and a weaker US dollar are supporting gold prices.

Sri Lanka’s apparel exports are expected to witness renewed momentum following the UK’s announcement of liberalised trade rules under its revamped Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).
The new rules of origin will permit Sri Lankan manufacturers to source up to 100 per cent of garment inputs from any country while maintaining duty-free access to the UK.