NBA: Men’s lounge wear in the offing

T-shirt brand NBA from Navy Blue Clothing is optimistic about a positive season ahead and is expecting 30 per cent growth in sales. As Subhash, Director, elaborates, “The retail scene is rather sluggish. Sales were below expectations and

stocks have piled up. These may be cleared by end of season sales. But some retailers are willing to take risks since the season is long.” The brand that is being retailed through some 600 MBOs across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Delhi and Kolkata is also looking at expanding its presence and entering states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

“We have positive expectations about sales from the forthcoming season. The season is long and there are festivals like Id, Dusherra and Diwali and retailers tend to stock products like ours. T-shirts have become a big component of festive sales. We are expecting of 30 per cent growth,” he adds.

Commenting on the growth prospects of the knitwear category, Subhash says, “Knitted T-shirts have a bigger shelf space. Since denims are moving, allied product like T-shirts too are moving. There used to be price fluctuations but at the moment prices are stable and we expect them to be remain steady for autumn/winter season.”

NBA – meaning National Basketball Association was launched in 2000. The brand is known for its T-shirt range for men between the age-group of 22 to 45. The line comprises of 70 per cent collared and 30 per cent V and round neck styles. In a year’s time, it plans to add relaxed lounge wear for men like knitted pajamas and tees.

For winter, NBA uses heavy fabrics like rugby knits, sweater knits. “We have changed the collar styles and introduced colours like dark blue, charcoal grey, turquoise blue, black navy and maroon in regular and slightly slim fit,” Subhash says highlighting the new collection.