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Apparel Group and the owner of the Martha Stewart brand, Marquee Brands have invited global lifestyle icon Martha Stewart to inaugurate her new flagship store at the Mall of the Emirates. This event represents a significant step in the partnership between Apparel Group and Marquee Brands, highlighting their joint commitment to introducing world-class lifestyle experiences to the region.
The grand opening will feature a ceremonial curtain opening led by Martha Stewart and Sima Ganwani Ved, Founder and Chairwoman of Apparel Group. Following the ceremony, the two founders will engage in a special discussion, where Stewart is expected to share her insights on creativity, design, entrepreneurship, and the process of building an enduring global brand, offering inspiration to local audiences and industry leaders.
The Mall of the Emirates store is the latest addition to the brand's growing presence in the UAE, joining recently opened Martha Stewart stores at City Centre Mirdif and Dubai Hills Mall.
Each store offers a carefully curated selection of products that embody Stewart’s timeless aesthetic and signature approach to beautiful, functional living. The store offers product categories including home décor, entertaining essentials, kitchenware, bedding and bath products and general lifestyle merchandize.
Ved opines, more than a partnership, having Martha Stewart in Dubai with Apparel Group feels like a meeting of shared values, creativity, and the belief that everyday life deserves to be extraordinary.
The strategic partnership between Apparel Group and Marquee Brands continues to successfully introduce globally admired lifestyle brands to the region, utilizing innovation and world-class design to redefine the retail experience.
In H1, FY26, India’s largest listed garment exporters, Pearl Global Industries(PGIL) registered a 17.0 per cent Y-o-Y rise in PAT to Rs 138 crore.
The company also recorded a 12.7 per cent Y-o-Y rise in consolidated revenue to Rs 2,541 crore in H1FY26. This was driven by high value-added product sales in Vietnam and Indonesia.
In Q2, FY26, PGIL’s consolidated revenue increased by 9.2 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs1,313 crore. Its PAT increased by 29.4 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 72 crore during the quarter.
On a standalone basis, PGIL’s revenue increased to Rs 531 crore in H1, FY26 while PAT rose to Rs 41 crore during the period. In Q2, FY26, the company’s revenue increased to Rs 264 crore while PAT rose to Rs 15 crore.
The Company shipped 19.9 million pieces in Q2FY26, highest ever in Q2 series up from 19.3 million pieces in Q2FY25. It also upgraded to eFlow Nanobubble technology, replacing traditional water-based washing in Bangladesh. This advancement enables the company to save up to 32 per cent while reducing power consumption by 9 per cent and improving time efficiency by 20 per cent.
Pallab Banerjee, Managing Director, says, the company’s strong financial performance reflects their resilience amid an evolving trade environment. In Q2FY26, Pearl Global improved profitability, demonstrating their ability to navigate trade complexities, including 50 per cent US tariff on India.
Swedish textile startup Syre AB is planning a significant funding round, aiming to raise as much as $700 million. The capital infusion is earmarked for the construction of a new factory in Vietnam, a move made possible by a recent supply agreement with Nike Inc.
Dennis Nobelius, Chief Executive Officer, confirms, the company has secured a multi-year deal to supply the world’s largest sportswear group with recycled polyester. This major contract is expected to significantly strengthen Syre's prospects for new financing, adds Nobelius.
Co-founded in 2023 by Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M) and Vargas Holding AB, Syr previously raised $100 million in 2024 to fund its first facility in North Carolina. Nobelius noted that the company is now adopting a more sequential approach to fundraising, contrasting with earlier Vargas-backed ventures.
Syre intends to start approaching lenders and investors within the next six months, with the goal of finalizing a capital raise in the region of $500 million to $700 million in about a year’s time.
The substantial funds raised will be dedicated to constructing the Vietnamese plant in 2027, with commercial production targeted for late 2029. However, the project's progress is partially contingent on the Vietnamese government finalizing import licenses for textile waste, which is a key prerequisite for delivering large-scale circular production in the country.
Valued at $14.12 billion in 2024, the global linen viscose market is expected to reach $38.84 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 11.9 per cent during the forecast period 2025–2033.
The foundational inputs for the linen viscose market are experiencing measurable shifts. In 2024, European flax cultivation for premium linen fiber expanded to an impressive 205,000 hectare.
Concurrently, viscose producers globally sourced over 6.5 million metric tons of essential dissolving wood pulp. These figures underscore the massive scale of the initial supply chain.. Investment in 2024 yielded 3 new flax seed cultivars, each promising higher fiber yields per plant and enhancing raw material efficiency from the very start of the value chain.
The highly anticipated Global Sourcing Expo is set to return to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center from November 18, through November 20, 2026. This pivotal event brings together hundreds of leading manufacturers, suppliers, and industry professionals from across the globe, firmly establishing itself as the must-attend sourcing event of the year for the Southern Hemisphere.
Following a hugely successful Sydney event earlier this year, the Melbourne edition promises to deliver even greater opportunities for strategic sourcing, professional learning, and international connection. Trade professionals - including those involved in product sourcing, supply chain management, and the fashion and retail sectors - are encouraged to secure their complimentary registration today to access three days of intensive business opportunities.
A global marketplace of opportunity
Featuring an immense marketplace, this year’s Expo hosts more than 900 exhibitors under one roof. It provides attendees with an unparalleled access to global sourcing opportunities across major consumer goods categories, including apparel, textiles, footwear, accessories, and home furnishings. The international attendance highlights the Expo’s truly worldwide reach, featuring dedicated pavilions and suppliers from diverse economic hubs.
Some of the nations participating in the event include sourcing powerhouses such as Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, South Korea, Türkiye, the US, and Vietnam, alongside delegations from various countries across the African continent. This convergence of manufacturers provides a crucial, efficient platform for businesses to establish direct sourcing partnerships and stabilize their supply chains in an ever-changing global climate.
Key industry partnerships
A significant highlight of the show is the robust array of participating industry associations, which represent the collective craftsmanship and production capabilities of some of the world’s leading export nations. The presence of these prestigious organizations underscores the Expo’s global standing and the strong international support it garners from governments, trade bodies, and industry leaders.
Key groups attending include major Indian export bodies such as the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (Texprocil), and specialized councils for products like carpets and leather. Furthermore, the event hosts international partners like the Export Promotion Bureau Bangladesh (EPB) and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), alongside associations like the India SME Forum and the Garment Association Nepal.
Knowledge that powers business: The seminar series
Adding substantial educational value to the visitor experience, the Melbourne edition features the highly anticipated Global Sourcing Seminar Series. This unmissable program is packed with insights, strategies, and future-focused discussions designed to help businesses navigate current industry challenges and thrive in the years ahead. The curriculum covers all the vital topics shaping the future of sourcing and retail, ensuring attendees leave with actionable knowledge. Core themes include the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in design and logistics, marketing innovation, comprehensive sustainability practices, and the latest trends in supply chain transformation. With a lineup of renowned experts and industry thought leaders, attendees can learn directly from the best minds in business, technology, and responsible manufacturing.
Conveniently held in a theater directly on the show floor, the seminar series maximizes accessibility, making it an extraordinary opportunity for attendees to connect ideas with real-world applications and network with peers and experts alike.
Connecting the world through trade
Much more than a typical exhibition, the Global Sourcing Expo Melbourne 2026 functions as a powerful platform for global collaboration, innovation, and industry connection. By combining world-class exhibitors, deep international participation, and a dynamic educational seminar program, the Expo offers an unparalleled setting for learning, networking, and critical business growth.
In Q2, FY26, luxury winter apparel manufacturer, Canada Goose registered a 1.8 per cent rise in revenue to $272.6 million. However, the company’s revenue declined by 0.8 per cent when calculated in constant currency. This overall growth was primarily propelled by robust performance in the company's Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) channel, which successfully counteracted softer results recorded in its wholesale and other revenue segments.
The company's Gross Profit rose by 3.7 per cent to $170.1 million. Consequently, the Gross Margin improved to 62.4 per cent, up from 61.3 per cent in the prior fiscal year. This margin expansion was attributed to a favorable shift toward the higher-margin DTC sales mix and continued improvements in pricing discipline.The company’s DTC revenue increased by 21.8 per cent to $126.6 million, highlighted by a 10.2 per cent increase in comparable sales. Conversely, wholesale revenue saw a minor decline of 1.0 per cent to $135.9 million, which the company noted was consistent with its planned channel discipline. Other revenue streams dropped sharply by 62 per cent to $10.1 million, largely due to fewer Friends & Family and employee sale events during the quarter.
Strategically, Canada Goose introduced its Fall/Winter 2025 collection, featuring urban-inspired designs and refreshed hero products. To boost its global profile, Canada Goose partnered with NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and appointed actor Hsu Kuang-Han as a global brand ambassador, targeting increased consumer engagement across North America and the Asia Pacific region. Furthermore, the company continued its retail footprint expansion, notably relocating its Paris flagship store to the renowned Champs-Elysees and opening one new store, bringing its worldwide total to 77 locations.
A global leader in innovative and sustainable fiber solutions for the apparel and personal care industries, the Lycra Company opened its largest spandex production facility: the Lycra fiber (Yinchuan) Plant in Ningxia Province, China. This significant milestone underscores the company’s continued investment in the Chinese market and its strong commitment to developing localized supply networks, distributing products faster, and advancing smart manufacturing capabilities.
The Yinchuan facility is being developed in partnership with The Lycra Company and the Yinchuan Financial Capital Investment Group, with a total investment exceeding RMB 800 million (approximately $110 million). In its initial phase, the plant will add 30,000 tons of spandex production capacity, projected to generate an annual output exceeding RMB 1 billion and create approximately 500 jobs. Capacity is slated to eventually expand to 120,000 tons annually, addressing the rapidly growing demand for high-quality spandex across China and the wider Asia-Pacific region, while enabling faster, more flexible supply chain solutions for customers.
As The Lycra Company’s second production site in China, the Yinchuan facility integrates the company’s expert management teams and global Research & Development (R&D) capabilities to create a highly automated, intelligent production ecosystem. Production at the new plant will strictly align with the company’s sustainability framework, focusing on driving energy savings, reducing emissions, and advancing manufacturing processes. This strategy ensures that business growth and environmental responsibility remain inextricably linked.
A Swedish supplier of furniture to IKEA stores globally, Inter Ikea registered a 26 per cent decline in its annual operating profit in FY25, due to increased costs, primarily fueled by the impact of US tariffs.
The IKEA brand owner reported, their operating profit for the fiscal year that ended August 31 declined to €1.7 billion ($1.98 billion), from €2.3 billion the previous year. Their revenue also saw fell to €26.3 billion from €26.5 billion, following the company’s efforts to lower prices.
Inter IKEA noted, commodity prices and logistics costs had increased in the latter half of the fiscal year due to market uncertainties following the announcements of U.S. tariffs. Overall sales from IKEA stores across 63 global markets declilned for the second consecutive year to €44.6 billion ($52.01 billion). This occurred as the budget furniture retailer continued its strategy to cut prices and attract more customers. While IKEA has reduced prices overall, the higher U.S. tariffs forced the company to raise prices on certain products imported into the U.S. from factories in Europe and China.
To address these pressures, the company is looking toward local production. The Lithuanian furniture manufacturer SBA, a key IKEA supplier, recently opened its first US factory in North Carolina. This plant is manufacturing top-selling IKEA products like the Billy bookcases and Kallax shelving units.
Henrik Elm, Chief Financial Officer, Inter IKEA clarifies, the factory was planned before President Donald Trump began his tariff increases. However, the timing is very timely since that is also helping us to mitigate the effects of the tariffs on those top-selling products, he notes.
Despite the decline in profit, Inter IKEA saw a positive sign in sales volume. Wholesale sales volumes increased by around 6 per cent compared to the prior year, indicating that shoppers were responding to the lower prices by purchasing more items.
Co-located with the Lace & Trims Show, the 38th Garment Technology Expo (GTE) Ahmedabad 2025 attracted 9,700 visitors during its three-day run.
This high industry turnout firmly reaffirmed the expo’s position as one of the most influential and business-driven platforms for garment and apparel technology across India’s Western region.
Jointly organized by Garment Technology Expo(GTE) and India Exposition Mart (IEML), the event reported exceptional engagement throughout all three days. Exhibitors experienced consistent buyer interactions and a high volume of inquiries from manufacturers, exporters, and sourcing professionals.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, IEML,stated, the robust B2B turnout highlights the growing appetite for technology upgrades among MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) and mid-sized garment manufacturers. He emphasized, the event successfully created a strong link between global machinery suppliers and India's fastest-growing apparel clusters.
Exhibitors offered strong endorsements of the show's business impact. Rohit Gupta, Managing Director, Balaji Sewing Machine, shared, the expo is a good platform to exhibit their products.The event is tailored especially for the garment industry, where their business receives a good boost..
Across its three days, GTE Ahmedabad showcased over 225 brands across 50,000 sq. ft., featuring cutting-edge garment machinery, digital printing systems, embroidery solutions, automation tools, and a comprehensive selection of laces, trims, and essential components for the apparel production industry. This edition significantly strengthened India’s garment manufacturing supply chain by offering a complete sourcing ecosystem under one roof.
The organizers announced the next two major editions of GTE. GTE Greater Noida is scheduled for March 20–23, 2026, at the India Expo Centre & Mart. This event is expected to deliver an even larger and more diverse technology showcase.
A subsequent edition in Bengaluru in September 2026 will expand the platform’s reach into South India’s dynamic textile and apparel clusters.
Both forthcoming editions will be co-located with the Lace & Trims Show, ensuring a comprehensive display of machinery, accessories, embellishments, and essential inputs critical to the garment industry’s evolution. These events are poised to offer wider exposure, deeper sourcing opportunities, and a comprehensive view of the entire apparel ecosystem, further strengthening the industry’s path toward innovation and global competitiveness.
The global fashion sourcing industry is set to converge on Milan once again as READY TO SHOW, the only trade fair in Italy dedicated to the fashion sourcing business, announces its upcoming session from February 21 to 23, 2026, at the Fiera Milano-Rho Exhibition Centre. The event, established in 2001, promises to be an indispensable platform for Italian and European fashion brands seeking worldwide production partners.
Organized as a key section of Milano Fashion & Jewels (MFJ), the show is strategically timed to coincide with the opening of the famous Milan Fashion Week, maximizing attendance and synergy within the fashion calendar. The February 2026 edition is particularly significant, as it will be held concurrently with other major industry events like MICAM (footwear) and MIPEL (leather goods), allowing visitors free admission and access across all halls—a feature expected to significantly boost the overall visitor count from the 16,000 recorded at the September session.
“A gateway to the Italian market”, says Georges Papa
Georges Papa, the founder and organizer of Ready To Show, highlighted the event's unique value proposition in an exclusive interview emphasizing the show’s role as a prelude to one of the world's most prestigious fashion events.
Papa underscored the demand-driven nature of the show, which connects Italian buyers with production partners from all over the world. The show's roughly 100 exhibitors represent a diverse global supply chain, primarily from countries like China and Bangladesh, but also significantly from India, Turkey, Pakistan, Nepal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. Italian manufacturers also exhibit under the special Area Italia banner, catering to private label production and smaller-quantity orders, including first collections for young designers.
"When you become a supplier for some Italian brand, you become a supplier for the world fashion market because Italian brands export all over the world," stated Papa. "You meet them in Milano and together with them you go to all markets in the world, step by step, but sure for success.", emphasises Georges Papa.
Focus on quality and global opportunity
Ready To Show continues to draw major Italian brands and distributors—including names like OVS-Coin, Max Mara, Liu Jo, Pinko, and Monnalisa—as well as international player; such as VF Corp and Napapijri.
The primary reason for international manufacturers to exhibit in Italy, according to the organizers, is the opportunity to meet these key Italian fashion brands and distributors. Italy is recognized as Europe's most dynamic market, especially for fashion exports worldwide for:
● Quality Over Price: Italian brands are noted for being more concerned with quality and service than just lower prices, a factor that often helps overcome initial concerns about Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ).
● The 'Made in Italy' Effect: Becoming a production partner for an Italian brand provides an essential quality label and acts as a gateway to other European customers.
● Diverse Sourcing: The fair offers suppliers for a wide range of products, including women's wear, men's wear, children's wear, sportswear, and fashion accessories, ensuring buyers can find partners for any kind of production need.
The show is exclusively open to professionals and facilitates business through its B2B format, which includes pre-arranged appointments with selected buyers and a Hosting Programme for selected international guests. As Papa concludes, the event is dedicated to welcoming exhibitors to Milano, fully prepared for "business with fashion brands in Italy."
