For Indian apparel brands and retailers, Bangladesh has emerged as a significant hub that has clear competitive advantages. Renowned for its skilled workforce, ethical manufacturing practices, and diverse textile offerings, Indian brands and retailers currently source around US $ 800 million worth of apparel from Bangladesh which is expected to cross US $ 1 billion soon.

Here is the list of Indian Brands who are tapping into the Bangladesh market:

Campus Sutra

According to Dhiraj Aggarwal, Co-founder of Campus Sutra, the company has recently begun its purchasing from Bangladesh. Their preferred source is to specialise in a particular fabric type and also lead in categories, for instance, cargo, trousers and many others.  Campus Sutra currently places at least US $ 1 million worth of orders to each of their partnered factories in Bangladesh. 

Vision of expansion: Campus Sutra hasn’t encountered any difficulty regarding sourcing with Bangladesh. Also, Dhiraj anticipates that their business has observed increasing growth by four times. He concludes by stating that it is an important lever for them in the expansion of sustainable fashion at a fast pace.

Barcelona

Barcelona, with a focus on value-oriented products for consumers in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, has cultivated a loyal customer base, driving growth and brand value. Founded by Jaimin Gupta, the brand is an initiative of Stitched Textiles, a company with a strong fabric manufacturing presence. 

Barcelona plans to add 100 franchise stores in 2024, aiming for a total of 250 to 300 stores by the next financial year. To fund its growth, the brand raised Rs. 5 crore from GetVantage and has Bollywood celebrity Sonu Sood as its brand ambassador.

Vision of expansion: Barcelona offers a wide range of menswear, including denim and knit segments, and is exploring sourcing from Bangladesh to leverage the country's strengths in denim and cost-effective knitted garments. Jaimin Gupta states, "We are looking for RMG manufacturers who can do comparatively small orders and have a strong focus on product development. We are very quick on payments (three days after delivery) and transparent with our vendors. So we are hopeful that, like in India, we will also have a long-term relationship with the Bangladesh-based vendors."

Bazaar Kolkata

Bazaar Kolkata, a prominent name in value retail, is looking towards Bangladesh to enhance its sourcing capabilities. It is known for its wide range of apparel including private labels like ‘GENE’, ‘NOW’, and ‘Prakriti’, Bazaar Kolkata has become a household name across nine states with 180 stores. 

Vision of Expansion: With a sourcing volume that includes 50 million pieces annually, Bazaar Kolkata is turning to Bangladesh for its proven consistency, quality, and cost advantages. Bangladesh's strategic location and manufacturing capabilities offer Bazaar Kolkata the potential to streamline its supply chain, reduce costs, and explore new fabric technologies, positioning it well to cater to the evolving needs of its diverse customer base.

Zudio

Zudio, a trailblazer in India's apparel retail sector, as part of the esteemed Tata Group, has swiftly expanded its footprint, boasting over 352 stores nationwide and ambitious plans to reach 500. Offering a diverse range from T-shirts to denim, Zudio's success hinges on its 100 per cent private label strategy, ensuring quality and competitive pricing.

Through such a remarkable journey, Bangladesh emerges as a pivotal partner for Zudio's future endeavours. However, it is already sourcing essentials like sweaters, and Bangladesh presents an opportunity to enhance Zudio's supply chain efficiency and product diversity. 

Vision of expansion: With a focus on minimizing lead times and introducing fresh collections seamlessly, Zudio collaborates with Bangladesh’s manufacturers to offer trendy fashion at accessible prices.

Looking ahead, Zudio is strategising for sourcing from Bangladesh which promises to bolster its market position and cater effectively to the evolving demands of Indian consumers.

CityKart

City Kart’s ambitious goal is to increase growth and to achievin this necessitates exploring overseas sourcing options, particularly in Bangladesh. The country’s manufacturing capabilities and cost advantages make it an ideal partner for City Kart’s expanding needs, ensuring a steady supply of trendy and economical apparel.

Vision of expansion: Within the next year, Citykart plans to increase its order sizes by 30 per cent to 40 per cent, focusing on sourcing from Bangladesh. This strategy will take advantage of Bangladesh's cost-effective manufacturing and reliable quality. By diversifying its suppliers, Citykart aims to strengthen its market position and better meet the growing demands of customers, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities across India.

GV Mall

GV Textiles, the parent company of GV Mall, has grown significantly since its inception in 1950. With 70 stores across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, GV Mall offers a diverse selection of formal, casual, and partywear for men, women, and children, including Western, Indian, and traditional South Indian attire. 

As GV Mall continues its expansion, it is looking to Bangladesh for new sourcing opportunities. The company currently sources from Indian hubs like Tirupur and Bengaluru but sees Bangladesh as a potential partner for its new designs, cost-effectiveness, and improved quality. 

Vision of expansion: Initially, GV Mall plans to start sourcing from Bangladesh on a smaller scale, with the possibility of increasing orders based on positive outcomes. By tapping into Bangladesh’s manufacturing strengths, GV Mall aims to ensure a steady supply of high-quality, affordable fashion, bolstering its market position and effectively catering to the evolving demands of its customer base.

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