Apparel Group teams up with Cotton On to introduce the Australian fashion brand in India, expanding its global retail footprint.
Apparel Group, a leading global fashion and lifestyle retail company, has entered into a strategic alliance with Cotton On, Australia’s largest fashion and lifestyle retailer, to bring the brand to India. The brand will be introduced through a phased omnichannel expansion plan. This will include the opening of physical stores across major cities, the launch of a dedicated online store, and availability on prominent e-commerce marketplaces. The collaboration blends Apparel Group’s strong retail network and deep understanding of the Indian market with Cotton On’s signature Australian lifestyle appeal, targeting India’s large and growing youth consumer segment.
As part of its India entry strategy, Cotton On will adopt a streamlined operating structure, focusing on its core product range to improve efficiency and speed up market availability. Apparel Group will facilitate the expansion by utilizing its well-established logistics and distribution network to ensure smooth supply chain operations and quicker product delivery.
Abhishek Bajpai, CEO of Apparel Group India, highlighted that India has one of the world’s fastest-growing populations of young premium shoppers. He noted the increasing preference for international fashion trends and lifestyle-driven brands, adding that Cotton On is well-positioned to capitalize on this shift. The partnership, he said, aligns with the group’s long-term growth strategy in the country.
Michael Hardwick, CFO of Cotton On Group, described India as a promising market driven by a dynamic youth population and rising interest in global brands. He stated that collaborating with Apparel Group India provides the right platform for a confident and structured market entry, designed for sustainable expansion.
Bianca Ginns, Managing Director of Cotton On Brands, said entering India represents an important milestone for the company. She emphasized that the brand’s relaxed and positive Australian identity resonates with India’s energetic and creative youth audience, and the company looks forward to offering stylish, easy-to-wear fashion inspired by its lifestyle roots.
Tushar Ved, President of Apparel Group India, added that welcoming Cotton On further strengthens the group’s role as a key partner for global brands seeking entry into India. He noted that the move reflects Apparel Group’s continued focus on large-scale retail growth and making international fashion brands accessible to Indian consumers.
Apparel Group currently operates over 2,500 stores worldwide, representing more than 85 brands. In India, it manages upwards of 300 outlets across 50 cities, covering over 20 brands. The company has built strong capabilities in omnichannel retailing, online commerce, and marketplace operations, along with extensive experience in launching international brands successfully in the Indian market.
Cotton On has a presence in more than 20 countries, supported by around 20,000 employees and over 1,300 stores globally. The company also runs localized e-commerce platforms in ten countries, operates eight global distribution centres, manages 30 wholesale partnerships, and supports community initiatives through the Cotton On Foundation.