83rd National Garment Fair: Strengthening kidswear retail in India
The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) officially inaugurated the 83rd National Garment Fair (NGF) – Kidswear edition on June 22 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai.
To running until June 24, 2026, this three-day event establishes itself as India’s largest B2B sourcing platform dedicated exclusively to the burgeoning kidswear sector. The fair has drawn significant industry attention, featuring over 630 leading brands and reporting a robust 25 per cent growth in buyer registrations compared to the previous edition.
A confluence of legacy and market ambition
The inauguration featured prominent retail stalwarts, including Dr MS Asif Ali, Majestic Maharaja; Akash Ranjit Nanjunda, Roop Sangam, and Navin Tejpal Shah, Sagar. Reflecting on a 90-year business legacy, Dr Asif Ali emphasized the symbolic importance of the platform, noting, such trade fairs serve as vital ‘meeting grounds for ambitions’ that help businesses evolve from humble beginnings into regional retail powerhouses.
Spanning over 2.25 lakh sq ft, the exhibition offers a comprehensive look at the industry’s breadth, covering everything from infant and toddler wear to occasion-specific ethnic apparel and fashion accessories. The diversity of products under one roof provides manufacturers, wholesalers, and e-commerce players a high-efficiency environment to curate their inventories for the upcoming retail season.
Driving growth in a US$ 22 billion market
The Indian kidswear segment is currently valued at over US$ 22 billion, driven by shifting demographics, rising disposable household incomes, and a heightened consumer focus on fashion-forward, quality-certified products. Santosh Katariya, President, CMAI, underscores, the fair serves as a catalyst for MSMEs and established brands alike to accelerate their market reach.
Rohit Munjal, Chairman, CMAI Fair Sub-Committee adds, the record-breaking buyer interest signals deep confidence in the resilience of the domestic apparel market. As exhibitors such as Blazo, Peppermint, Toffyhouse, and Little Kangaroos showcase their latest collections, the fair is providing an essential early look at the product innovations and design trends set to dominate the retail landscape.
A roadmap for future industry expansion
The 83rd NGF is only the beginning of a broader series of industry events scheduled for the summer. Following the conclusion of the kidswear edition, CMAI will host the highly anticipated Menswear and Womenswear editions from July 13 to 15, 2026. These subsequent events are projected to feature over 800 exhibitors and 900 brands, drawing an estimated 50,000 retailers from across the country. By fostering these large-scale networks, CMAI continues to play a pivotal role in the Indian apparel industry’s journey toward long-term sustainability, professionalization, and global competitiveness.
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