Apparel Group, a leading global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate, today announced its landmark partnership with Cotton On, Australia’s largest global fashion and lifestyle brand. This collaboration marks a significant expansion of Apparel Group’s portfolio, as it prepares to launch the Cotton On brand across India.
The partnership combines Apparel Group’s deep-rooted local expertise and extensive retail infrastructure with Cotton On’s signature “Aussie” lifestyle; offering trend-driven, effortless fashion to one of the world’s youngest and most vibrant consumer markets.
The brand will be introduced via a phased omnichannel model, featuring a nationwide network of stores, a dedicated e-commerce platform and strategic presence on key digital marketplaces.
Cotton On will create a simplified operating model, building from its established northern assortment to accelerate speed‑to‑market and reduce complexity. To ensure seamless operations, Apparel Group will leverage its robust logistics network, managing distribution through its state-of-the-art facilities across the country to accelerate speed-to-market across the country.
Abhishek Bajpai, CEO of Apparel Group India, said, “We are proud to bring Cotton On to India as we continue to expand our portfolio of globally relevant lifestyle brands for the new Indian consumer. India has one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing young premium-buying populations, with a clear shift toward global style, value, and lifestyle-led fashion — and Cotton On fits this opportunity strongly.”
Michael Hardwick, Chief Financial Officer, Cotton On Group, said, “India is an incredibly exciting market for Cotton On, with a vibrant youth population and strong demand for international lifestyle brands. Partnering with Apparel Group India allows us to enter the market with speed, confidence and a model built for long-term growth.”
Bianca Ginns, Managing Director – Cotton On Brands, added, “India marks a significant new chapter for Cotton On as we bring our relaxed, optimistic Australian brand to millions of new customers. We’re inspired by the energy and creativity of India’s youthful population and we’re looking forward to sharing our effortless, on-trend fashion that reflects Cotton On’s Aussie lifestyle.”
Tushar Ved, President of Apparel Group India said, “The arrival of Cotton On in India marks a strategic milestone in Apparel Group’s journey to redefine the country’s retail landscape. By bringing Cotton On’s iconic Australian DNA to our shores, we are not just adding a brand to our portfolio but strengthening our position as the premier gateway for global giants. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to driving large-scale retail expansion and delivering aspirational global fashion to the doorstep of the Indian consumer.”
Apparel Group is a large multi‑brand operator, with a global portfolio of 2,500+ stores and more than 85 brands worldwide. With 300+ stores and 20+ brands, the company serves thousands of customers across 50 cities in India.
Cotton On’s business operates in over 20 countries powered by 20,000 team members, 1,300 stores, an e-commerce site operated locally in ten countries, eight global distribution centres, 30 wholesale accounts and one life-changing Cotton On Foundation.
With a purpose to create a positive difference in people’s lives, Cotton On seeks to positively impact the lives of people in the communities where it operates. This is what drove the creation of the Cotton On Foundation in 2007, which has since raised more than Rs 1,100 crore with the support of team and customers globally. The Foundation drives impact across three key areas; Education, Mental Health and Environment.
Cotton On will be working with Apparel Group to bring the Cotton On Foundation to life for its India market.
