Apparel Group, a leading global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate, announces the launch of Levi’s Kids in the Indian market. The expansion marks a significant milestone in the ongoing relationship between Apparel Group and Levi Strauss & Co., bringing one of the world’s most loved denim brands to a younger generation of Indian consumers. Through its extensive retail network and deep consumer insight, the Group is positioned to accelerate the growth and nationwide scale of Levi’s Kids.

The introduction of Levi’s Kids strengthens Apparel Group’s commitment to strategic category diversification, particularly within India’s rapidly expanding premium kidswear segment. As Indian consumers increasingly seek global brands, durable quality, and value-driven fashion for their children, Levi’s Kids enters the market as a strong, differentiated offering backed by one of the most trusted names in apparel.

Apparel Group will leverage its extensive retail footprint, operational excellence, and Indian market expertise to establish and scale the brand across key metros and urban centers. With a strong omnichannel approach, Levi’s Kids has already debuted on leading e-commerce marketplaces, with standalone store openings set to follow in a phased rollout. This dual-channel strategy ensures both reach and depth — providing parents with convenient access to a globally established brand alongside curated in-store experiences tailored to Indian families.

Levi’s Kids has entered India through Apparel Group, strengthening its premium kidswear portfolio as demand for global, durable and value-focused brands grows.
The brand will expand through an omnichannel strategy across metros, offering high-quality denim, tees and everyday essentials for children aged 4-16, blending Levi’s iconic style with comfort-driven, durable design.

Abhishek Bajpai, Chief Executive Officer – Apparel Group India, comments, “The introduction of Levi’s Kids marks an exciting milestone in our journey of bringing world-class brands and value-driven retail experiences to Indian consumers. Premium kidswear is a high-potential category, and Levi’s — backed by its heritage, trust, and universal appeal — is uniquely positioned to lead it. We look forward to building a strong and enduring footprint for Levi’s Kids in India.”

Levi’s Kids brings the brand’s multigenerational legacy of craftsmanship, authenticity, and effortless American style to children aged 4 to 16. The collection blends iconic Levi’s design DNA — such as classic indigo denim, the signature red tab, and timeless silhouettes — with kid-first functionality, including stretch-infused fabrics, soft cotton tees, adjustable waistbands, reinforced stitching, and movement-friendly fits.

From everyday essentials like graphic T-shirts, hoodies, shirts, and chinos to versatile denim jackets, skirts, shorts, and jeans in multiple washes, the range is thoughtfully designed for active, expressive, and growing children. Built with high-quality materials and durability at its core, Levi’s Kids offers clothing that ages beautifully, withstands repeat wear, and can be passed down — making it a smart and stylish choice for modern families.

Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)

UK gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2025 is expected to shift slightly higher to 1.4 per cent, up from 1.3 per cent previously, largely driven by public spending, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). However, GDP growth expectations for 2026 and 2027 remain unchanged at 1.2 per cent and 1.5 per cent respectively, reflecting persistent productivity challenges and cautious fiscal tightening.

The last month’s budget is unlikely to kickstart economic growth, with the first major post-budget forecast from a leading business body pointing to a subdued outlook. The growth prospects remain modest despite a marginal upward revision for 2025, BCC said in its latest economic forecast.

UK GDP growth for 2025 is forecast to edge up to 1.4 per cent, driven by public spending, according to the British Chambers of Commerce.
Last month’s Budget is unlikely to revive the economy.
Growth in 2026 and 2027 remains subdued, with weak business investment, slowing exports, and rising unemployment.
Inflation is easing, but only modest interest rate cuts are expected.

In 2026, manufacturing growth is forecast at 0.9 per cent, and by 2027, growth is projected to improve to 1.8 per cent in manufacturing.

Business investment is expected to weaken sharply next year. After an estimated rise of 3 per cent in 2025, investment growth is forecast to slow to just 0.9 per cent in 2026, before recovering modestly to 1.5 per cent in 2027. The BCC attributed the weakness to sustained cost pressures on firms and the absence of direct growth-boosting measures in the budget.

Exports are forecast to rise by 1.8 per cent in 2026 and 2.4 per cent in 2027, sharply lower than earlier expectations of 3.3 per cent and 3.2 per cent. Imports are projected to grow by 3.8 per cent this year, before easing to 1.4 per cent in 2026 and then rising to 2.8 per cent in 2027.

Inflation is forecast to continue easing, with consumer price inflation expected to fall to 2.1 per cent by the end of 2026 and reach the Bank of England’s 2 per cent target by the fourth quarter of 2027. Average earnings growth is also expected to cool, from 4.3 per cent by the end of this year to 3.8 per cent in 2026 and 3.5 per cent in 2027.

With inflation easing but growth remaining weak, interest rate cuts are expected to be limited. The BCC forecast sees the policy rate at 3.75 per cent by the end of this year, falling only slightly to 3.5 per cent by December 2026.

Unemployment is projected to rise further, reaching 5.1 per cent in 2026 as labour market conditions loosen and firms rein in hiring amid cost pressures and sluggish productivity. The rate is then expected to ease to 4.8 per cent in 2027.

“Our forecast suggests last month’s Budget is unlikely to be a growth game-changer for the UK economy,” said David Bharier, head of research at the BCC. “The outlook for SMEs in 2026 will continue to be challenging with business investment and export growth struggling. Inflationary pressures, specifically from rising labour and energy costs, are likely to persist, meaning only modest cuts in the interest rate. Unemployment will be a key indicator to track as labour costs rise and automation costs ease.”

“Taken together the forecast paints a picture of an economy remaining stuck in low gear. Businesses are showing remarkable resilience and innovation, but many are weighed down by political uncertainty and the cumulative cost pressures,” added Bharier. “Delivery on growth is now key—the government has published industrial, trade, and infrastructure strategies, and these must translate into action. The UK is trapped in a low growth cycle, with consequences for both the fiscal and political landscape. Maximising the AI roll-out and global trading opportunities could help break the deadlock.”

“Businesses will be steering through choppy waters once again next year after a Budget that lacked the growth measures so desperately needed,” said Vicky Pryce, chair of the BCC economic advisory council. “Getting inflation back down towards the Bank’s 2 per cent target is good news, but that masks the continuing cost pressures for businesses. Significant interest rate cuts, that would make a huge difference to businesses and households, are not guaranteed next year by any means.

“Rising unemployment will be a key part of the economic landscape next year, pushing down consumer spending and presenting further challenges for firms of all sizes,” added Pryce.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)

Despite making strides in sustainability, India’s textile sector faces critical challenges in energy and waste management, according to a new report by the ICRA ESG Ratings Limited.

Seventy-four per cent of top textile firms in the country adopted zero liquid discharge (ZLD) processes in fiscal 2024-25 (FY25), led by integrated players, while the industry’s waste recycling rate improved from 77 per cent in FY23 to 80 per cent in FY25, though waste generation rose by nearly 19 per cent.

Despite making strides in sustainability, India’s textile sector faces critical challenges in energy and waste management, according to a new report by the ICRA ESG Ratings Limited.
Both water and waste usage trends point towards the need for strengthening circularity in resource use.
The apparel, yarn and fabric segments are making gradual progress towards formal ESG governance frameworks.

Both water and waste usage trends point towards the need for strengthening circularity in resource use.

Maturing governance systems across the textile sector companies is another positive development. Fifty-seven per cent of integrated companies have environmental and social governance (ESG) committees; 71 per cent have set emission reduction targets.

The apparel, yarn and fabric segments are making gradual progress towards formal ESG governance frameworks.

However, challenges persist. Energy intensity remains high, particularly in the yarn and fabric segment, with renewable energy share being only 8 per cent in FY25, highlighting urgent need for decarbonisation, a release from the company said.

Only 21 per cent of companies disclose value chain emissions, indicating early-stage supply chain inclusion.

As global frameworks like the European Green Deal and the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism sharpen focus on carbon-heavy industries, Indian textiles must accelerate decarbonisation and circularity to maintain competitiveness, the company added.

“The transition is under way, but the pace must quicken. Targeted tech investments and collaborative frameworks are key for long-term resilience,” ICRA ESG chief ratings officer Sheetal Sharad said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)