Apparel

West Asia crisis: Apparel exporters urge govt to waive cargo penalties

Apparel exporters' body AEPC on Monday said it has written to the civil aviation ministry seeking waiver of demurrage charges on export cargo on account of flight disruptions emanating from the ongoing West Asia crisis. Under the existing tariff structure of Cargo Terminal Operators (CTOs), demurrage charges become applicable when cargo remains in terminal facilities beyond the stipulated free period. However, AEPC argued that the present circumstances constitute an exceptional and unavoidable disruption in the global air logistics chain. "Imposition of demurrage in such cases would place an undue financial burden on exporters who are already facing shipment delays, contractual uncertainties, and market-related challenges," Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Chairman A Sakthivel stated. Sakthivel also suggested that DGCA consider issuing suitable instruction to CTOs to grant waiver of demurrage charges on export consignments that could not be lifted due to flight disruptions,

Apparel exports rise 1.6% in Apr-Jan despite global headwinds: AEPC

India's apparel exports registered a moderate growth of 1.6 per cent during April-January 2025-26 despite global headwinds and supply chain disruptions, AEPC said on Monday. Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Chairman A Sakthivel said exports to several key markets have shown encouraging growth, including Italy (16 per cent), the UK (4.8 per cent), UAE (10.6 per cent), Saudi Arabia (18.5 per cent), Germany (8.7 per cent), and Spain (7.1 per cent). Strong performance has also been recorded in Japan, Iceland, and Australia. "Despite global headwinds, geopolitical uncertainties, and ongoing supply chain disruptions, the sector registered a moderate export growth of 1.6 per cent during AprilJanuary 2025-26 compared to the corresponding period of the previous financial year," he said. The council on Monday celebrated its 48th foundation day. Over the years, the council has consistently taken up industry concerns with the government and relevant stakeholders to promote, protect, an

Apparel retailers set sights on double-digit growth as harsh winters set in

Value retailers, too, are hopeful of a strong winter season

Retail industry grows 11% in festive period on GST-driven value demand

The retail industry expanded 11 per cent during the 87-day festive window as consumers favoured value-driven categories under lower GST slabs, with apparel below Rs 2,500

Emiza partners Raymond for managing fulfilment of online apparel brands

Third-party logistics services operator Emiza on Monday announced a partnership with Raymond for managing fulfilment of the company's entire online portfolio comprising brands like Park Avenue, ColorPlus, Parx, and Ethnix. Through Emiza's nationwide network of over 24 fulfilment centres across more than 12 cities, the company will handle over 1.45 million annual shipments for Raymond's direct-to-consumer (D2C) website and marketplace e-commerce operations, Emiza said. Under the collaboration, Emiza would provide warehousing, packaging, and intelligent order fulfilment, it said, adding, for Raymond's D2C website orders, the company will enable smart routing from the fabric and fashion retailer's nearest store to optimise last-mile delivery timelines. "At Emiza, we are committed to delivering precision, speed, and scalability through our tech-driven fulfilment network. This partnership reinforces our mission to empower iconic Indian brands with a robust digital supply chain ...

Biba targets 15-20% annual growth as ethnic wear demand revives

Managing Director Sidharth Bindra says Biba has turned profitable since July and will expand rapidly, adding 100 stores next year amid rising festive demand

Best of BS Opinion: PLIs can't succeed without deeper structural reforms

Today's pieces span multiple issues, from overseas acquisitions by PSUs, PLI schemes' success, the proposed India-US BTA, and the debilitating effect of quality issues across sectors

UNIQLO expands to Southern India with Bengaluru launch in August

The Bengaluru store marks UNIQLO's entry into Southern India, offering its LifeWear range at Orion Mall and expanding the brand's retail footprint to 16 outlets in the country

AEPC inks pact with GBIC for climate-friendly garment manufacturing

The MoU aims to increase the number of Indian garment factories with LEED certification, reflecting a push towards climate-friendly and energy-efficient manufacturing

Will reduce demand, lead to job losses: Apparel body on proposed GST hike

The apparel industry has expressed serious concerns over the proposed GST rate hike recommended by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on rate rationalisation. Under the new tax structure, garments priced between Rs 1,500 and Rs 10,000 would be taxed at 18 per cent, while apparel above Rs 10,000 would fall under the highest GST slab of 28 per cent. The rate for apparel priced up to Rs 1,500 would remain at 5 per cent. The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) has urged the government to reconsider the hike, warning that it could lead to reduced consumer demand, widespread job losses, and disruptions in the industry's value chain. The association emphasised the need for government policies that support the growth and stability of the industry, advocating a balanced approach to ensure long-term sustainability and benefits for all stakeholders. "The proposed GST rate hike risks severely disrupting the formal retail sector by pushing both consumers and businesses toward informal

GST hike on apparel could shut MSMEs, lead to 100,000 job losses: CMAI

The CMAI said that the proposed GST rate revisions pose a significant threat to the apparel industry, which is facing challenges like drop in consumer demand, profit erosion and working capital issues

Nordstrom raises lower end of annual sales outlook on uncertain environment

Nordstrom's addition of sought-after brands, along with its focus on digital growth and expanding stores of its off-price brand Rack, has boosted sales ahead of a potentially mixed holiday season

4.8 mn weddings boost business for jewellery, apparel, auto, and hotels

This season has created a ripple effect, turning what might have been a sluggish year for many businesses into one of strong recovery

Focus on quality, sustainable manufacturing help boost exports: AEPC

The industry's focus on quality products and sustainable manufacturing practices is helping to increase India's ready-made garment exports, which rose by 35 per cent in October, AEPC said on Friday. Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Chairman Sudhir Sekhri also said that exports to countries with which India has a free trade agreement (FTA), such as Korea, Japan and Australia, are helping to increase its share of exports. Ready-made garment exports increased by 35 per cent year-on-year to USD 1.22 billion in the last month. During April-October this fiscal, the shipment grew by 11.6 per cent to USD 8.73 billion. Sekhri attributed this growth to the industry's emphasis on quality, sustainability and affordability, which has boosted demand from international buyers. "Our constant endeavour to be sustainable and affordable is a great attraction for international buyers which is reflected in recent months' exports growth," the Chairman said. Looking ahead, he said, India will hos

Burberry's new CEO Schulman faces outlet store and pricing dilemmas

Schulman, the company's fourth CEO in 10 years, previously held the top job at Coach and at Michael Kors, and is expected to set out a new strategy for Burberry at half-year results on Nov 14

Raymond Lifestyle stock jumps 4% after Motilal Oswal's 'buy' rating

Revenue, profit to grow 11%, 15% CAGR between FY24 and FY27, says the brokerage

Smartphone sales fall 3% as apparel grows 6-8% during festive season

E-commerce platforms experienced a slow start to their annual festive sales, which began on September 26, but demand picked up after Navratri as consumers received their paychecks

Organised apparel retailers to clock 8-20% revenue growth in FY25: Report

Festive and wedding season and increasing preference for fast fashion is expected to help the organised retail apparel sector log 8-10 per cent revenue growth this financial year, a report said on Tuesday. The organised retail apparel sector will clock a revenue growth of 8-10 per cent this fiscal riding on higher demand stemming from a normal monsoon, easing inflation, festive and wedding season and increasing preference for fast fashion, which is inexpensive, trendy clothing that mimics high fashion designs and popular styles, Crisil Ratings said in a report. "The mass market segment accounts for 60 per cent of total sales now, compared with 56 per cent before the pandemic, due to the rising popularity of fast fashion, which is expected to be the primary revenue driver this fiscal. The likely increase in demand for premium clothing during the upcoming festive and wedding seasons will also contribute to overall revenue growth of 8-10 per cent this fiscal," Crisil Ratings Senior ...

Export share of manufacturing companies' sales nears a record low

Drop across listed and unlisted companies

Carrefour set to enter India through partnership with Apparel Group

Through the partnership, Carrefour will launch its exclusive brands initially in North India with plans for nationwide expansion