Rachel Landau: We’re excited about our growing presence in India
Grey Matter Concepts is a women-owned apparel company that launched in 2016 in New York City. From day one, their mission has been clear: to design apparel that seamlessly blends comfort, performance, and sustainability. The company primarily focuses on essentials like underwear, loungewear, workwear, activewear, socks, and outdoor clothing. They create garments that fit effortlessly into everyday life while upholding the commitment to responsible and environmentally-friendly practices. Rachel Landau, CEO, Grey Matter Concepts, in this conversation with Divya Shetty, talks about her company offerings and their expansion plans in India.
What are the key product categories that the company specializes in? Are you involved in technical textiles, and if so, what sets your offerings apart in this segment?
Our core product categories include underwear, activewear, workwear, loungewear, socks, and outdoor apparel. We distinguish ourselves in this space by using advanced, sustainable fabrics like recycled polyester, which supports the environment and, when combined with cooling, wicking, anti-odor, and other performance attributes, makes our products highly desirable. What truly sets us apart is how seamlessly we integrate these innovative materials into our designs, ensuring our products don’t just perform exceptionally—they do so responsibly.
Which international markets does Grey Matter Concepts operate in, and what strategies have helped the company expand its global footprint?
While our primary market remains the United States, we’ve strategically begun expanding internationally, including Canada, Mexico, Central America, and India. Our partnerships with major retailers like Walmart and Amazon are key to our global expansion. Additionally, establishing our own manufacturing facility in Tirupur, India—a renowned textile hub—has allowed us to scale sustainably, meet global quality standards, and position ourselves for future growth across more international markets.
What is the company’s presence in India, and are there any plans for expansion in terms of manufacturing, retail, or strategic partnerships?
We’re particularly excited about our growing presence in India. Our state-of-the-art factory under construction in Tirupur not only boosts our manufacturing capabilities but also aligns perfectly with our sustainability goals. As we continue to grow, we’re actively exploring additional strategic partnerships, expanding production lines, and considering opportunities in local retail and distribution. India represents a key country for us, and we’re committed to deepening our footprint there.
What key trends are shaping the industry today, and how is Grey Matter Concepts adapting to these changes?
Today’s apparel industry is evolving quickly, shaped by a growing consumer emphasis on sustainability, ethical production, and performance-driven design. At Grey Matter Concepts, we’re adapting proactively by integrating recycled and eco-friendly materials into all our product lines, seeking out LEED certification for our facilities, and championing an inclusive and equitable work environment. This approach helps us stay closely aligned with consumer values and industry trends. Also, we have embraced automation as a key tenet of our strategy. As we are already building a factory in Tirupur, we have tapped into India’s talented engineering sector.
What sustainable practices has the company implemented, and how do they align with global environmental standards?
Sustainability isn’t just something we talk about; it’s integral to every decision we make. We’ve significantly incorporated recycled materials into our products, helping to reduce plastic waste and lower our carbon footprint. Over the past several years, many of our shipments have utilized eco-efficient methods. Additionally, we actively support environmental organizations such as 4ocean and the National Forest Foundation. These efforts demonstrate our deep commitment to global sustainability standards.
Can you share some recent innovations or technological advancements introduced by Grey Matter Concepts?
We’re continually pushing ourselves to innovate, particularly with sustainable textiles. Recently, we’ve focused heavily on recycled polyester fibers, which provide exceptional durability and performance benefits while significantly reducing environmental impact. We’re also continuously exploring advanced technologies in textile production to elevate our products further, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of our customers without compromising our sustainability goals. For example, we now use regenerative wool in many of our socks, which feels as good or better than virgin wool.
Can you share insights into your total revenue and growth trajectory?
We’re proud to share that Grey Matter Concepts is a fast-growing, medium-sized wholesale apparel company with multiple offices in the U.S. Because of our upward trajectory, we will continue expanding our reach and capabilities as a wholesaler and soon-to-be manufacturer.
What are Grey Matter Concepts’ future plans in terms of product expansion, market growth, and technological advancements?
Looking ahead, we plan to expand our product offerings to include even more innovative, sustainable apparel options that reflect the evolving demands of our customers. Our global strategy includes deepening our international presence, notably through further investments and partnerships in key markets like India. Additionally, we’re committed to exploring and adopting cutting-edge textile technologies and sustainable manufacturing methods, positioning Grey Matter Concepts at the forefront of both innovation and environmental responsibility in our industry.
