Branded vs Non Branded
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Western wear taking Indian apparel market by storm
A slight slowdown in economic growth and a depreciating rupee value had minimal effect on growth in either the value or volume of apparel sales throughout the 2006-2011 review period. The influence of Western wear infiltrating the Indian culture remained one of the biggest driving factors boosting growth in volume sales. More people are travelling abroad much more frequently and becoming exposed to Western fashion. The increasing disposable income across key cities, comfort fitting and rich appeal are major factors that are driving sales of branded apparel. What’s more, a growing number of people working in the middle- and senior-level management are buying new varieties of Western clothing, spurring this industry to new heights.
Plentiful discounting, seasonal offerings draw consumers
Cotton prices saw a drastic decrease in 2011 and this triggered manufacturers and retailers to offer steep discounts to clear their stock. The festival discounts and seasonal promotions became a key trend to attract consumers, where retailers capitalised effectively on the trend that in India festivals are particularly special occasions for which consumers aspire to purchase new clothing. This festive discount offering has made huge business revenues for manufacturers and retailers during such occasions in the form of, for example, year-end sales, “Dasara” or “Diwali” super dhamaka (huge savings) offers, as well as Christmas and New Year’s sales.
Foreigners making bold moves, but domestic players also strengthening
Global brands are making their mark and increasing their presence across tier 1 and tier 2 cities, whilst at the same time, regional local brands are also upping their competitive presence. Zara increased its number of outlets to six stores in 2011 and is planning to open another four stores in 2012. Other players such as Mango, Arrow and Diesel are also following the same
Western wear taking Indian apparel market by storm
A slight slowdown in economic growth and a depreciating rupee value had minimal effect on growth in either the value or volume of apparel sales throughout the 2006-2011 review period. The influence of Western wear infiltrating the Indian culture remained one of the biggest driving factors boosting growth in volume sales. More people are travelling abroad much more frequently and becoming exposed to Western fashion. The increasing disposable income across key cities, comfort fitting and rich appeal are major factors that are driving sales of branded apparel. What’s more, a growing number of people working in the middle- and senior-level management are buying new varieties of Western clothing, spurring this industry to new heights.
Plentiful discounting, seasonal offerings draw consumers
Cotton prices saw a drastic decrease in 2011 and this triggered manufacturers and retailers to offer steep discounts to clear their stock. The festival discounts and seasonal promotions became a key trend to attract consumers, where retailers capitalised effectively on the trend that in India festivals are particularly special occasions for which consumers aspire to purchase new clothing. This festive discount offering has made huge business revenues for manufacturers and retailers during such occasions in the form of, for example, year-end sales, “Dasara” or “Diwali” super dhamaka (huge savings) offers, as well as Christmas and New Year’s sales.
Foreigners making bold moves, but domestic players also strengthening
Global brands are making their mark and increasing their presence across tier 1 and tier 2 cities, whilst at the same time, regional local brands are also upping their competitive presence. Zara increased its number of outlets to six stores in 2011 and is planning to open another four stores in 2012. Other players such as Mango, Arrow and Diesel are also following the same