
How Functional Basics Are Reshaping the Core Apparel Category
Performance, durability, and comfort are turning basics into a higher-value, repeat-purchase category.
GROWTH MARKETS
/ Asia and South America are driving retail expansion, but success will depend on precise positioning in the value-driven mid-market.
For many established brands growth will be at least in part driven by expansion into new markets. As the development of emerging markets moves forward at a fast pace, it is presenting more opportunities for international brands to win new customers.
However, not every market is the right market for every brand. Smart brands are looking beyond consumer demographics when evaluating which markets to move into.
Overall, the strongest apparel growth markets through 2026 are concentrated in Asia-Pacific and South America, with selective high-potential pockets in the Middle East and large but slower-growing opportunities in North America and Europe.
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