India : Apparel Manufacturers Target Children Wear Segment

The Indian apparel manufacturers are targeting the children's wear segment.

According to retail consultancy firm KSA Technopark, the Indian readymade garments market is worth Rs 43,000 crore, of which the branded garments account for Rs9,000 crore. Of the readymade garments segment, men's wear accounts for 46 percent, women's wear 37 percent and children's wear 17 percent.

Pantaloon Retail (India) (PRI) is India's largest retailer of children's apparel. Children's apparel accounts for Rs50 crore, 15 percent of PRI's turnover. The major brands of children wear in India include Gini and Joy, Weekender, Benetton Kids, Ruff and Lee Kids.

Mahindra Intertrade Limited (MIL) introduced the `Winnie The Pooh' range of children wear in 2002. MIL has also obtained the licence to market Woolworth's Ladybird brand of children's wear.

The Indian apparel manufacturers are facing threat from the illegal imports of good quality children's wear from China, Thailand and Hong Kong.