15 hours ago
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
CMAI Opens 81st NGF with Kidswear Focus in Mumbai
The 81st National Garment Fair (NGF), organised by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), kicked off its Autumn-Winter Kidswear Edition today at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. With over 590 brands and a show space of 3.5 lakh sq. ft. across three halls, this phase of NGF focuses exclusively on children's apparel and is expected to draw more than 20,000 buyers from across the country.
The event was inaugurated by leading kidswear retailers including Jigar Patel (G3+, Surat), Alok Kumar Agarwal (Paridhan, Kolkata), Vijay Jain (Big Shop, Ranchi), and other industry veterans. Together, they represent 73 kidswear stores across 16 lakh sq. ft. of retail space.
CMAI President Santosh Katariya shared that the kidswear segment in India is currently valued at $24 billion, with rising demand for both traditional and contemporary designs. Online retail, cultural preferences, and innovation are expected to fuel further growth.
Rohit Munjal, Vice President and Chairman of CMAI's Fair Sub-Committee, emphasized that this focused format ensures better visibility and sharper business outcomes for the children's segment, while Anand Chokshi, Joint Chairman, added that the growing interest in eco-conscious materials like organic cotton and GOTS-certified garments signals a shift in consumer preferences.
With vibrant engagement from serious buyers and leading brands such as Peppermint, Stride Jr, Anokkhi, and Toffyhouse, the Kidswear Edition reflects a thriving market and growing demand.
The second phase of the 81st NGF, featuring Men's and Women's Wear, will follow from July 14–16, 2025, at the same venue, with a unified registration system granting access to both editions.
