Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL), a part of the esteemed Aditya Birla Group, stands as a leading force in the Indian fashion landscape and increasingly on the global stage. Boasting a substantial revenue of US$ 1.7 billion and an expansive retail footprint of 11.9 million sq.ft. (as of March 31, 2024), ABFRL has firmly established itself as India’s premier billion-dollar pure-play fashion powerhouse, distinguished by its sophisticated collection of premier fashion brands and diverse retail formats.
The genesis of ABFRL can be traced back to the strategic consolidation of the branded apparel businesses within the Aditya Birla Group in May 2015. This pivotal merger brought together Aditya Birla Nuvo Ltd’s (ABNL) Madura Fashion division and its subsidiaries, Pantaloons Fashion and Retail (PFRL) and Madura Fashion & Lifestyle (MFL). Following this unification, Pantaloons Fashion and Retail Ltd. was rebranded as Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., marking a new era in Indian fashion retail.
ABFRL embodies the combined expertise and legacies of two iconic Indian fashion entities, Madura Fashion & Lifestyle and Pantaloons. This synergy has cultivated a robust foundation, serving as the central pillar for the Aditya Birla Group’s future endeavors in the dynamic world of fashion.
As a comprehensive fashion conglomerate, ABFRL commands an impressive retail presence with a strong network of 4664 brand stores strategically located across India. Beyond its exclusive brand outlets, ABFRL extends its reach through a vast network of 37,205 multi-brand outlets and over 9,563 shop-in-shops across the nation as of March 31, 2024, ensuring its brands are accessible to a wide customer base.
ABFRL’s portfolio includes a distinguished array of homegrown brands that have become synonymous with quality and style for over 25 years. These iconic names include Louis Philippe, renowned for its sophisticated and premium menswear; Van Heusen, offering a blend of professional and smart casual wear; Allen Solly, known for its preppy and colorful designs; and Peter England, a brand that delivers classic and contemporary fashion for the modern man. Pantaloons, a cornerstone of Indian fashion retail, further enriches this portfolio with its diverse range of apparel and accessories for the entire family.
ABFRL’s commitment to offering a world-class fashion experience is evident in its International Brands portfolio, spearheaded by The Collective. The Collective is India’s largest multi-brand retailer of international luxury and premium fashion, bringing global style within reach of Indian consumers. ABFRL has cultivated long-term, exclusive partnerships with globally recognized brands, including Ralph Lauren, embodying classic American style; Hackett London, representing quintessential British tailoring; Simon Carter, known for its quirky and sophisticated menswear; Ted Baker, offering distinctive and stylish clothing and accessories; Fred Perry, iconic for its sportswear and heritage designs; Forever 21, a fast-fashion favorite; American Eagle, representing casual American cool; Reebok, a global leader in athletic and lifestyle footwear and apparel; and the prestigious Galeries Lafayette, a renowned French department store.
Expanding its offerings beyond core apparel, ABFRL’s Van Heusen Innerwear, Athleisure, and Activewear line is rapidly gaining recognition as India’s most innovative and fashion-forward brand in these categories. This segment caters to the evolving lifestyle needs of consumers, blending comfort, style, and performance.
Recognizing the growing demand for ethnic wear, ABFRL has strategically ventured into the branded ethnic wear market with brands like Jaypore, celebrating handcrafted and artisanal products; Tasva, offering contemporary Indian menswear; and Marigold Lane, providing accessible and stylish ethnic wear for women.
Further cementing its position at the forefront of Indian fashion, ABFRL has forged strategic alliances with leading Indian designers, including the avant-garde duo ‘Shantnu & Nikhil’, celebrated for their glamorous and contemporary designs; the master couturier ‘Tarun Tahiliani’, renowned for his exquisite bridal and couture creations; the iconic ‘Sabyasachi’, synonymous with heritage Indian craftsmanship and bridal wear; and the vibrant and contemporary ‘House of Masaba’, known for its fusion of Indian and modern aesthetics.
To effectively engage with digitally native consumers, ABFRL is strategically developing a portfolio of digital-first brands under its technology-driven ‘House of D2C Brands’ venture, TMRW. TMRW is dedicated to building a curated collection of digital-first brands in collaboration with founders of emerging brands within the dynamic eCommerce landscape. With a focused approach on Fashion & Lifestyle categories, TMRW aims to cultivate a portfolio of highly sought-after consumer brands that capitalize on the significant growth opportunities present in both the Indian and global markets.
Aditya Birla Group Fashion Brands, under the umbrella of ABFRL, represent a powerful synergy of heritage, innovation, and global vision. From established powerhouses to emerging digital-first brands and designer collaborations, ABFRL continues to shape the future of Indian fashion, offering a diverse and compelling portfolio that caters to the evolving tastes and preferences of consumers across the spectrum.
