Apparels

Luxury goods and high-end bike manufacturers are boosting retail stocks and planning launches, anticipating positive effects from widespread GST cuts. While GST rates remain unchanged for jewelry and increase for high-capacity bikes, companies expect improved consumer sentiment to counter any demand slowdown. Brands are optimistic about maintaining stable demand, particularly for premium models, supported by flexible financing options.

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. (ABFRL) has introduced OWND!, a fashion brand targeting India’s Gen Z and trend-conscious youth. This launch includes a new brand identity and contemporary store layouts. ABFRL plans to convert existing StyleUp stores into OWND! locations, aiming for 100 stores by the end of the fiscal year, accelerating its presence in the value fashion sector.

Gap Inc has appointed Jody Gerson, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, to its board of directors, effective immediately.
Gerson, a pioneer in music publishing, is expected to strengthen Gap’s “fashiontainment” strategy by connecting culture and commerce, amplifying brand resonance, and supporting CEO Richard Dickson’s vision for Gap’s creative renaissance.

India’s silver imports are expected to rise in the coming months as strong industrial and investment demand has depleted stocks from last year’s record inflows. Imports may total 5,500–6,000 tons in 2025 after halving in the first eight months. Prices have surged nearly 49% this year, yet demand remains firm, with investors holding back scrap sales.

Rado anticipates a significant 30-35% sales surge in India during the festive season, driven by a strong brand presence and strategic distribution. India has become Rado’s largest global market, surpassing the US and China. The company is also witnessing growth in its women’s segment and focusing on premium retail experiences in both metropolitan and Tier 2/3 cities.

Indian fashion retailers face relevance challenges. Industry leaders at The FashionXP discussed strategies. Liberty Group focuses on sustainable trends and premiumization. Mysore Saree Udyog blends heritage with innovation. 1 India Family Mart addresses value-conscious customers. They leverage technology to meet demands. Retailers aim to predict consumer micro-moments. Tradition’s enduring strength remains vital for brands.

CBERA’s impact on the US economy remains small but benefits Caribbean nations, says USITC’s 27th biennial report for 2023–24.
Imports fell 34.5 per cent to $1.8 billion in 2024, with utilisation dropping to 27.7 per cent.
Despite this, per capita exports rose, led by Haiti’s apparel sector.
HOPE/HELP expiry in September 2025 could severely impact Haiti’s economy.

Central and South American apparel imports rose 12.86 per cent to $4.89 billion in H1 2025, signalling demand recovery after a weak 2024.
China led with 54.04 per cent share, followed by Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Honduras, together making up over 72 per cent.
The region’s imports remain below the 2022 peak, leaving room for continued growth and nearshoring opportunities.

VF Corporation has agreed to sell its Dickies brand to Bluestar Alliance for $600 million in cash.
The iconic workwear label, with distribution in 55 countries, will benefit from Bluestar’s consumer insights and operational expertise.
VF CEO Bracken Darrell said the deal will reduce net debt and support portfolio growth while thanking the Dickies team for their efforts.

Bangladesh apparel industry is reportedly facing a liquidity crunch due to banking failures at a time when shifting orders are expected to benefit the country.
The sector’s heavy reliance on back-to-back LCs has turned risky, as local banks struggled to honour or issue new LCs.
Exporters warned delayed payments and financing risks might hit Bangladesh’s image while also eroding its competitive gains.