Apparel Group Announces Strategic Partnership to Bring Iconic Australian Brand Cotton On to India
18 February 2026: Apparel Group, a leading global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate has partnered 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’s rapidly evolving retail landscape.
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. At Apparel Group India, we focus on building brands for long-term scale through disciplined retail execution and deep consumer insight. This partnership reflects our growth ambition and our commitment to creating differentiated, high-energy retail experiences in the market.”
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. Their scale, retail expertise and distribution capability make them an ideal partner as we bring Cotton On to millions of new customers.”
Apparel Group is one of the largest multi–brand operators, 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.
https://www.apparelgroup.in, https://cottonongroup.com.au/
