The following is a round-up of apparel and footwear news from the world’s local media. just-style has not checked these stories so cannot guarantee their accuracy.
- US footwear firm Skechers is to introduce a ‘Made in India’ range at lower price points when it starts manufacturing in India. The requirement to source products locally was set out by the Indian government when it agreed to relax rules to allow 100% foreign direct ownership in single-brand retail. Skechers’ collection is currently imported from Vietnam and China with price points between INR3,000 to INR5,300. But the ‘Made in India’ range will be priced from INR1,500-INR2,200. THE HINDU BUSINESS LINE
- A textile factory in Kulim, Malaysia has suffered losses of MYR1.2m (US$395,192) from a fire that broke out in early April. A textile drying machine was destroyed but firemen managed to save several other machines and fabric rolls. No casualties were reported and the cause of the fire is still being investigated. BERNAMA
- Customs officials in Bangladesh have seized 480 drums of imported Indian synthetic textile dyes worth US$8,400 at Benapole land port. The shipment was imported by Dhaka-based KS Trade Point using fake documents, evading BDT10m (US$127,588) in tax. THE DAILY STAR
- Jaya Shree Textiles, a unit of Aditya Birla Nuvo, is to spend INR1bn (US$18.3m) expanding its fabric manufacturing plant in Rishra, West Bengal. Production capacity is expected to increase by 3m metres in two years to reach 10m metres. The company generates INR5bn-6bn in turnover from linen fabrics and garments. BUSINESS STANDARD
- The Indian textile ministry has urged the industry to explore investment opportunities in technical textiles as part of efforts to boost the sector. Textiles Secretary Zohra Chatterji suggested taking advantage of benefits offered by the government, including technology upgradation, funding schemes and schemes for integrated textile parks. THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS
