Cotton On Builds on Global Expansion, Announcing Partnership with Apparel Group India

12th February, 2026

Australian global fashion and lifestyle brand Cotton On has announced a new license partnership with Apparel Group India. With a strategy driven by sustainable growth to do more Good, this marks a significant milestone for Cotton On’s expansion strategy as it prepares to launch its Cotton On brand in one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.

The partnership combines Cotton On’s signature “Aussie” fashion and lifestyle brand with Apparel Group’s deep-rooted local expertise and extensive retail infrastructure – 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 introduce 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.

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 350 locations across India. The Group brings proven capability across omnichannel retail, brand.com operations and marketplace management, as well as strong experience launching international brands in the local market at pace.

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 with great retailers like Cotton On.”

India represents one of the most dynamic consumer markets globally, with 232 million people aged 15–241, making it one of the youngest populations in the world and highly aligned with Cotton On’s customer demographic.

Bianca Ginns, Managing Director – Cotton On Brands, stated:

“India marks a significant new chapter for Cotton On as we bring our relaxed, optimistic Australian brand to millions of new customers. We’re inspired by the energy and creativity of India’s youthful population and we’re looking forward to sharing our effortless, on-trend fashion that reflects Cotton On’s Aussie lifestyle.”

Tushar Ved, President of Apparel Group India said:

“The arrival of Cotton On in India marks a strategic milestone in Apparel Group’s journey to redefine the country’s retail landscape. By bringing Cotton On’s iconic Australian DNA to our shores, we are not just adding a brand to our portfolio but strengthening our position as the premier gateway for global giants. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to driving large-scale retail expansion and delivering aspirational global fashion to the doorstep of the Indian consumer.”

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.

With a purpose to create a positive difference in people’s lives, Cotton On seeks to positively impact the lives of people in the communities where it operates. This is what drove the creation of the Cotton On Foundation in 2007, which has since raised over $200 million with the support of team and customers globally. The Foundation drives impact across three key areas; Education, Mental Health and Environment. Cotton On will be working with Apparel Group to bring the Cotton On Foundation to life for its India market.