Latest news with #Pwc
Fibre2Fashion
4 days ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Back-to-School apparel spend holds strong despite economic strain: Pwc
Despite mounting economic pressures, American families are maintaining—and in many cases increasing—their spending on back-to-school clothing and shoes, according to PwC's 2025 Back-to-School Survey. Nearly three in four shoppers say they expect to spend the same or more compared to last year, with more than one-third anticipating an increase in their education-related purchases. Clothing and footwear remain a key priority for parents. Sixteen per cent of back-to-school shoppers plan to spend over $500 on these items, while 29 per cent expect to spend between $251–500, and 27 per cent between $101–250. Only 17 per cent expect to spend less than $50, showing that most families are prepared to invest in new apparel for the school year, Pwc said in its report. Despite economic pressures, American families are prioritising spending on back-to-school clothing and shoes, with many planning to spend the same or more than in 2024, according to PwC. While some are cutting back, essentials remain protected. Gen Z favours physical stores, and income influences shopping channels. Retailers managing supply and value well are set to benefit. Yet not all shoppers are spending freely. Among those cutting back, clothing is one of the top categories being reduced, with 40 per cent choosing to limit apparel purchases. Still, essential buying in this category appears relatively shielded compared to discretionary goods. As parents look to save, many are prioritising early shopping and discounts, with value-conscious habits such as reusing items also gaining traction. Income level plays a key role in shopping behaviour—households earning below $75,000 annually are more likely to shop in-store, while higher-income families show a greater preference for online shopping. Notably, Gen Z parents are showing a strong preference for brick-and-mortar experiences, defying assumptions about their digital-first nature. This renewed interest in physical retail could shape merchandising and in-store promotions as retailers target this influential demographic, the report noted. While tariffs and shipping disruptions from China have created inventory concerns, many retailers are expected to recover in time for peak season. Those who manage supply chains efficiently and communicate value effectively stand to gain in a market where consumers continue to invest in clothing and shoes, despite broader inflationary concerns, added the report. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
India Today
29-04-2025
- Business
- India Today
India's first bullet train to be operational by 2028: Devendra Fadnavis
The USD 15 billion Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, which is being constructed in association with Japan, will be up and running by 2028, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Monday. Fadnavis further stated that the state plans to raise USD 50 billion from global financiers for developing infrastructure in the state, which will be announced in four stated the bullet train project lagged during a two-year tenure up to 2022, but the work is now going on in full 2028, we will have the option of travelling on the bullet train," Fadnavis stated, admitting that neighbouring state Gujarat is ahead of Maharashtra in the development of the project. Fadnavis stated that developing infrastructure is extremely crucial to reach the target of USD 1 trillion GSDP, and that USD 30 billion was spent on infrastructure development during his first term as chief minister from 2014-19, and more funds are being invested in crucial projects an address on the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) project of VRF during an event held here, he indicated the Vadhavan port would start operations in 3–4 years from to him, since the port will be constructed on reclaimed land, the cost of logistics would decrease as the turnaround time for JNPA, the biggest container port nearby in India, is Vadhavan port will also be accompanied by a surrounding airport that will be constructed through land reclamation off the sea, Fadnavis explained, commenting that most big cities across the world have such airports. It will also include a bullet train halt, Fadnavis chief minister stated that Maharashtra is constructing a road from Nashik to Vadhavan port that will make sure that 17 districts of the state become connected with the new state is constructing the Shaktipeeth road to link Nagpur with Goa, Fadnavis stated, adding that this road link, going through the backwards areas, will also prove beneficial in increasing the economic stated that Mumbai and Maharashtra would be key to the IMEEC, and promised that the state would develop the enabling ecosystem for the project to the same event, Sanjeev Krishan, the country chairperson of consultancy firm Pwc, stated that the corridor, when added to the existing trade corridors, will have a multiplier effect on the world economy.
