Apparel Group set to debut Australian lifestyle brand Cotton On in India

Under the partnership, Apparel Group India will leverage its established retail presence and nationwide distribution capabilities to support Cotton On’s entry. The collaboration brings together Cotton On’s youth-centric, lifestyle-led fashion proposition with Apparel Group’s deep expertise in retail execution, logistics, and market expansion across India.

Commenting on the development, Abhishek Bajpai, CEO, Apparel Group India, said the association aligns with the company’s ambition to introduce globally relevant brands to India’s evolving consumer base. He noted that India is home to one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing young, premium-buying populations, increasingly drawn to global fashion and value-driven lifestyle brands. According to him, Cotton On’s positioning resonates strongly with these shifts, while Apparel Group’s focus remains on scaling brands sustainably through disciplined execution and sharp consumer insight.

Bianca Ginns, Managing Director – Cotton On Brands, described India as a key growth market for the brand, marking an important new phase in its global expansion journey. She said Cotton On is excited to bring its relaxed and optimistic Australian ethos to Indian consumers and looks forward to engaging with the country’s vibrant and creative youth through accessible, trend-forward fashion rooted in the brand’s signature lifestyle DNA.

Tushar Ved, President, Apparel Group India, said the introduction of Cotton On represents a significant milestone in Apparel Group’s broader vision to reshape India’s retail landscape. He added that the partnership not only strengthens the group’s brand portfolio but also reinforces its position as a gateway for global fashion brands seeking scale in India, while delivering aspirational international retail experiences to Indian consumers.

Apparel Group currently operates over 2,500 stores worldwide across 85 brands. In India, the group has a presence in more than 50 cities with 300+ stores, managing a portfolio of over 20 brands.

Cotton On operates across 20+ countries with a network of 1,300 stores and a workforce of over 20,000 employees globally. The brand’s philanthropic arm, the Cotton On Foundation, established in 2007, has raised more than ₹1,100 crore globally to support initiatives in education, mental health, and environmental sustainability. The foundation will also be introduced in India as part of the partnership with Apparel Group.