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Popularly known as Co-optex, Tamil Nadu Handloom Weavers’ Co-Operative Society has opened a new Kolam outlet at Anna Salai in Chennai. Built at the cost of Rs 5.60 crore, this modern facility was inaugurated by Udhayanidhi Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister, Tamil Nadu.
Renowned for its high-quality handloom silk and cotton varieties, Co-Optex blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs. The organisation projects its sales will rise during festivals, as it continues to launch new collections, particularly sarees, to cater to festive shoppers.
Spanning 8,000 sq ft, the newly built Co-Optex Kolam outlet is situated inside a four-storey building equipped with modern amenities, including elevators and parking facilities. The first three floors measure 2,100 sq ft each, while the fourth floor covers 1,700 sq ft.
Offering an enhanced shopping experience to customers, this new facility combines spacious interiors with a wide range of handloom products.
As a part of the inauguration, Stalin also launched the Pongal festival discount sale. For 2025, Co-Optex aims to increase its sales to Rs 50 crore, from Rs 43.46 crore achieved during the 2024 Pongal season. To attract customers, it is offering a 30 per cent discount on all silk and cotton varieties during the festive season.
This new outlet reinforces Co-Optex’s commitment to promoting handloom products and supporting the livelihoods of weavers across Tamil Nadu.
H&M Group has acquired a minority stake in a Swedish retail technology platform, Voyodo. This strategic investment will help strengthen the group’s partnership with platform.
Voyado believes, the collaboration will help enhance the platform’s capabilities and enable it to better serve larger customers while creating greater value and driving international expansion.
Erik Lagerblad, Head, H&M Group Ventures, explains, the investment will further support the platform’s future growth and strengthen their offering for other enterprise customers.
Voyado has been growing at an annual growth rate of 35 per cent since the last few years. The company has also captured market share across the Nordics and Benelux and now plans to expand into key markets such as the UK and Germany.
The platform aims to drive profitable sales by optimising ecommerce, creating personalised customer experiences, and streamlining communication across channels.
Erica Sandelin Ekelund, CEO, Voyado, adds, the firm aims to establish itself as Northern Europe’s most beloved retail tech companion while maintaining profitability and scalability.
Offering valuable insights and resources, H&M Group’s investment aligns with the platform’s efforts to expand into new segments, she adds.
Men’s shirt imports by the US grew notably in the month of October 2024, as per the latest OTEXA data. Analysed by team Apparel Resources, the data shows, men’s shirt imports by the US grew by 3.80 per cent Y-o-Y to $251.78 million during the month.
In terms of volumes, imports of men’s shirts by the US increased by 9 per cent Y-o-Y to 2.78 million dozen. Bangladesh and India remained the top two exporters of men’s shirts among leading Asian manufacturing hubs.
During the month, Bangladesh’s shipment of men’s shirts to the US increased by 8 per cent Y-o-Y to $61.19 million; whereas India’s exports declined by 27 per cent in value to $55.12 million. However, despite this massive fall, India still remains ahead of Vietnam, China and Indonesia in exports of men’s shirt to the US.
Vietnam’s exports of men’s shirts to the US rose by 28.30 per cent to $41.22 million during the month while exports by China declined by by 7.40 per cent to $17.69 million
Growing at a 3 per cent CAGR, the men’s shirt market in the US was valued at $16.40 billion in 2024, as per Statista.
Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) had procured over one third of total cotton bales arrivals in the market at minimum support price till mid-December 2024-25.
The Corporation’s total cotton bales arrivals amounted to 31 lakh bales during this period. The procurement operations were conducted across all major cotton-producing states, with Telangana and Maharashtra leading the way, notes Lalit Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, CCI.
Raw cotton prices are currently trading below the MSP levels due to weak demand from yarn mills and declining cottonseed prices. The Centre has increased the MSP for medium staple cotton by 7 per cent to Rs 7,121 per quintal and to Rs 7,521 per quintal for longer varieties for the 2024-25 season.
According to the Cotton Association of India (CAI), daily market arrivals have already surpassed 2 lakh bales, with cumulative arrivals reaching over 83.30 lakh bales across the country. Despite the estimates for cotton production reducing by around 7 per cent to 302.25 lakh bales, adverse weather and reduced acreage continue to impact output in some regions during 2024-25.
From January-November 2024, Cambodia’s earnings from textile exports increased by 25 per cent to over $10 billion compared to the same period in 2023.
As per data by the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), in the first 11 months of the year, Cambodia’s exports of garment products under Harmonised System (HS) codes 61 (knitted articles of apparel and clothing accessories), 62 (non-knitted articles), 63 (other textiles) and 64 (footwear, gaiters) increased by 25.8 per cent Y-o-Y to $10.64 billion as against $8.46 billion in the previous year.
During the 11-month period, Cambodia’s textile exports under HS Code 61 increased by 22.7 per cent to $6.11 billion; Under Code 62, the country’s textile exports rose by 33.3 per cent to $2.83 billion, exports under Code 63 rose by 37 per cent to $186.97 million and exports under Code 64 expanded by 24.3 per cent to $1.51 billion.
Attributing this exports growth to global economic recovery, Lim Heng, Vice President, Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, cites the country’s political stability as one of the major factors driving it compared to other major textile-producing nations such as Myanmar and Bangladesh.
In November, the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) approved 43 investment projects worth $940 million, expected to create approximately 39,000 jobs. Of these ventures, 11 are in the textile sector.
Ly Kunthai, President, Cambodia Confederation of Investors Association (CCIA) and Cambodia Footwear Association (CFA), notes, following a pandemic-induced decline, the sector began recovering from mid-2023 in October. This growth can be attributed to the country’s political stability, attractive investment laws, skilled workforce and expanding markets, he says.
He also credits the government leaders for promoting investment and encouraging the purchase of Cambodian-made products. The country’s textile exports will continue to expand in the remainder of 2024 and 2025, he affirms.
Italian textile machinery manufacturers are set to showcase their innovations at Colombiatex, Colombia's leading premier textile fair, taking place in Medellín from January 28 to 30, 2025. With 23 companies participating, this highlights the enduring partnership between Italian technology providers and Colombian textile businesses.
Despite a decline in demand for textile machinery in Colombia during the first nine months of 2024, the country remains a key market in the region. Italy ranked as Colombia's second-largest supplier in 2023, with exports valued at €13 million, while sales reached €8 million in the first nine months of 2024.
“The Colombian textile and clothing industry has grown significantly in recent years, driven by technological advancements where Italian machinery has played a crucial role,” said Marco Salvade, President of ACIMIT. “Colombiatex is an essential platform for strengthening partnerships with Colombian companies.”
The Italian pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency and ACIMIT, will showcase leading manufacturers, including Biancalani, Fadis, Reggiani Macchine, Santoni, and Tonello. These exhibitors represent Italy's innovation in textile technology and its commitment to supporting the growth of the Colombian textile industry.
Colombiatex 2025 promises to be a vital opportunity to deepen collaborations and highlight Italy’s advanced solutions for the textile sector.
Scoop returns to Olympia West, Kensington, from 9-11 February 2025, with its Autumn/Winter edition curated by founder Karen Radley. Known for spotlighting innovation and individuality, Scoop’s lineup promises fresh talent alongside beloved favorites, offering a contemporary showroom experience for buyers and visitors.
Radley shares, “Scoop celebrates creativity and newness. This season’s collections bring fresh perspectives, ensuring the event remains a hub for contemporary fashion.”
Among the debuting brands is Artlove, a Parisian label blending spontaneity and femininity with easy-to-wear pieces that reflect personal style. Spanish streetwear icon Loreak Mendian showcases timeless designs inspired by art and culture, balancing practicality and sustainability.
ALIX the Label introduces its edgy essentials, featuring leopard-print dresses and bold blazers, while Orfeo Paris combines structured tailoring with dreamy feminine elegance. Love Letter’s ‘The Divine Feminine’ jewellery collection highlights celestial gemstones, and The Little Words Project inspires kindness with its beaded bracelets.
Accessories shine with Travaux en Cours, offering French-designed hats and bags crafted with Italian artistry. Other exciting names include My Beachy Side, Artemis Muse, Fancy Palas, Mirto, and Sunny Studio.
Scoop staples such as Cocoa Cashmere, Mou, Dedicated, and Denim return with fresh collections, alongside the distinctive offerings of Dixie, Pom Amsterdam, and Frnch.
With a mix of cutting-edge newcomers and trusted favorites, Scoop A/W '25 continues its legacy as a must-visit destination for fashion and lifestyle trends.
Conservation International and Sateri have unveiled the third phase of the Poyang Lake Ecosystem Restoration Initiative, a key milestone in restoring China’s largest freshwater lake. Since 2019, the initiative has achieved significant progress in protecting the lake, which is vital for flood regulation, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of over 45 million people in Jiangxi Province.
The project has strengthened management across 473,000 hectares of protected areas, trained 2,000 wetland rangers, and improved habitats for 350 wildlife species, including the critically endangered Siberian crane and finless porpoise. It has also established artificial wetlands to treat 56,000 tonnes of wastewater annually and supported 25,000 locals through education and sustainable livelihood programs.
The newly launched phase focuses on advancing biodiversity conservation, restoring small wetlands, and promoting climate resilience through research on the Freshwater Health Index. Backed by the Jiujiang Municipal Government, the initiative aligns with Sateri’s 2030 sustainability goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“This collaboration demonstrates the power of partnerships in balancing ecological protection with human well-being,” said Zhang Cheng, Program Director at Conservation International China. Vice President CaiZhichao of Sateri emphasized the company's commitment to biodiversity and the bioeconomy, highlighting its use of innovative, low-carbon practices.
Move over synthetics, cotton is back and here to stay. The latest Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor Survey reveals a significant shift in consumer preferences, with cotton reigning supreme as the preferred fiber for clothing. The survey indicates a growing awareness of environmental concerns among consumers, with 78 per cent deeming cotton the most sustainable clothing option. This eco-conscious mindset aligns with a surge in interest in clothing recycling, with 83 per cent of consumers specifically identifying cotton as the most sustainable fiber for this purpose.
Cotton’s growing popularity
Experts say consumers are increasingly seeking out sustainable options, and cotton's natural origins and recyclability make it a clear winner. This trend is particularly strong among younger generations, who are leading the charge in conscious consumerism. But sustainability isn't the only factor driving cotton's popularity. Three-quarters of consumers believe that cotton and cotton blends are best suited for today's fashion trends. This perception is due to cotton's inherent versatility, allowing it to seamlessly transition from casual wear to high-end fashion .
Often associated with summer apparel, cotton is proving to be a surprisingly adaptable choice for winter fashion. Cotton fleece, flannel, and cotton-acrylic blends offer excellent warmth and comfort during colder months Cotton's versatility knows no bounds, say designer. From cozy sweaters to stylish outerwear, cotton provides the comfort and durability needed for winter garments.
Brands embrace cotton's sustainable style
Several prominent brands have embraced cotton as a core material in their collections, including Patagonia, Kowtow, Reformation, and Tentree. These brands prioritize sustainable practices, ethical sourcing, and environmentally friendly production, further solidifying cotton's position as a leader in sustainable fashion.
The 2024 Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor Survey highlights: cotton is not just a classic fabric; it's a modern-day essential. As consumers continue to prioritize sustainability, comfort, and style, cotton's natural qualities and versatility are poised to further solidify its reign in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has called on Congress to pass a Continuing Resolution to keep the US government funded and renew the Haiti Hope/Help program for five years. This program provides duty-free access for certain apparel and textile products from Haiti to the US, supporting critical jobs in both Haiti and the US.
“This renewal is urgently needed to anchor textile and apparel jobs in Haiti, aiding its economic recovery during a time of crisis,” said Steve Lamar, AAFA president and CEO. “While this measure is a step forward, we are disappointed it does not include the long-term renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) or the retroactive renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which has been expired for nearly four years.”
Beth Hughes, AAFA’s vice president of Trade and Customs Policy, emphasized the importance of this renewal ahead of the program’s September 2025 expiration. “This decision provides much-needed certainty for companies making sourcing and investment decisions,” she stated.
AAFA has long supported the Haiti Hope/Help programs and continues to advocate for a 16-year AGOA renewal and a retroactive GSP renewal to foster stable trade policies. The association urges Congress to prioritize these critical trade programs to strengthen global partnerships and economic growth.
