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Dear Readers,
The fact that the kidswear industry is booming globally is no news anymore. The millennial culture and a whole new host of kid’s icons and influencers have provided kids’ fashion with the much-needed boost, unveiling the true potential of the segment to the fashion retail fraternity. Specifically, in India, while the sector was virtually non-existent in the modern trade side till a few years, it now has embossed itself as the most propitious segment of the Indian fashion industry with manifestations like dedicated trade and fashion shows, and even a fashion week to its name.
The rapid internet penetration over the last few years has promulgated an increased inclination for brand awareness and high-quality apparel products for kids. This has emerged as the kids being a new independent buying decision group altogether. The young generation is no more like their erstwhile peers, they are righteously more demanding, and they will no longer take fuddy-duddy outfits or worn out hand-medowns from elder siblings. Also, among the emerging economies, India has the distinct advantage of being a country with promising economic outlook coupled with huge and growing kids population and increasing discretionary spending on kids. Hence, it is natural that the country is fast emerging as a hotspot for kidswear fashion retailers from around the globe.
Consulting giants Technopak, in their lead research in the issue, peg the market size of the Indian kidswear Rs. 66,904 crores in 2017, accounting for almost 20 percent of the total apparel market of the country. Kidswear is expected to grow at CAGR of 8.1 percent to reach Rs. 145,445 crore by 2027, whereas men’s wear and women’s wear are expected to grow at a relatively lesser CAGR of 7.5 percent and 7.6 percent respectively. Inevitably, a slew of international brands has entered the segment, compelling domestic brands to up their ante and aggressively mark their territory. We focus on a medley of such brands like Pepe Kids, Eteenz, UFO Sugar Candy, etc., to showcase their independent dynamics and strategies.
The issue also features a potpourri of market analyses of the various sub-segment of kidswear fashion including kids’ denim, kids’ ethnic, kids’ accessories, infant wear and the world of licensing and merchandise in kidswear. The kids’ trends part does vindicate some of Images BoF’s three year old predictions with the “Little Adult Look” and sustainable eco-fashion truly coming of age. Fashion columnist Meher Castelino traces out some great work from the leading designers in kidswear as well as rounds up shares the highlights of the Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2018, which was held in Mumbai from 31st January to 4th February 2018.
In addition, the issue also encompasses reactions of the industry on the Union Budget 2018-19 and lots more to ensure that you find the issue as interesting as ever.
Hope you enjoy reading it!
