Fast Fashion in India
Saturday, 2026/02/28163 words3 minutes300 reads
Budget fashion brands are transforming shopping habits in India's smaller towns. Alka, a geriatric care worker, recently visited a Reliance Trends outlet in Sangli to buy ethnic wear for her daughter. The three-story store offers trendy clothing, accessories, and makeup at prices ranging from $4 to $15.
These branded outlets provide air-conditioned comfort, trial rooms, and discount offers - a significant upgrade from traditional street bazaars. Brands like Zudio and Trends are attracting value-conscious yet aspirational consumers who want contemporary designs at affordable prices.
Zudio's growth has been remarkable. Starting with just seven stores and $12 million in revenue in 2018, it now operates 765 stores with over $1 billion in revenue by mid-2025. This success comes from rapid expansion into smaller cities and quick inventory turnover of just 15 days, compared to 45-60 days for competitors.
However, this growth challenges local mom-and-pop stores and raises environmental concerns. The textile industry is India's third-largest contributor to solid waste, with only 25% being recycled.
