Apparel Group, the global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate, has announced a strategic partnership with Cotton On, Australia’s largest fashion and lifestyle brand, to introduce the label to the Indian market.
Under the agreement, Cotton On will be launched in India through a phased omnichannel strategy, including a nationwide network of physical stores, a dedicated e-commerce platform and a presence across leading digital marketplaces. The partnership combines Apparel Group’s established retail infrastructure and local market expertise with Cotton On’s distinctive Australian lifestyle positioning, aimed at delivering accessible fashion to India’s predominantly young consumer base.
As part of the rollout, Cotton On will implement a simplified operating model, building on its established core assortment to accelerate speed-to-market and reduce operational complexity. Apparel Group will support the expansion through its logistics and distribution capabilities, leveraging its nationwide infrastructure to ensure efficient supply chain management and faster product availability.
Abhishek Bajpai, Chief Executive Officer of Apparel Group India, said India represents one of the largest and fastest-growing young premium-buying populations globally, with a visible shift towards international styles and lifestyle-oriented fashion. He stated that Cotton On aligns strongly with this opportunity and that the partnership reflects Apparel Group’s growth ambitions.
Michael Hardwick, Chief Financial Officer of Cotton On Group, described India as an exciting market characterised by a vibrant youth demographic and increasing demand for global lifestyle brands. He said partnering with Apparel Group India would enable Cotton On to enter the market with speed and confidence through a model designed for long-term growth.
Bianca Ginns, Managing Director of Cotton On Brands, said the India launch marks a significant new chapter for the company as it introduces its relaxed and optimistic Australian brand identity to a new audience. She noted that the brand is inspired by the energy and creativity of India’s young population and looks forward to offering effortless, on-trend fashion reflective of its Australian lifestyle heritage.
Tushar Ved, President of Apparel Group India, said the addition of Cotton On strengthens the group’s position as a key gateway for leading global brands entering India. He stated that the partnership underscores the company’s commitment to large-scale retail expansion and to making aspirational global fashion accessible to Indian consumers.
Apparel Group operates more than 2,500 stores globally across a portfolio of over 85 brands. In India, it manages more than 300 stores representing over 20 brands across 50 cities. The group has established capabilities in omnichannel retail, e-commerce operations and marketplace management, alongside a track record of launching international brands at scale in the domestic market.
Cotton On operates in over 20 countries, supported by approximately 20,000 team members and a network of more than 1,300 stores. Its operations include locally managed e-commerce platforms in ten countries, eight global distribution centres, 30 wholesale accounts and the Cotton On Foundation, which supports community-focused initiatives worldwide.
