CMAI’s 82nd NGF ends on strong note, boosts apparel outlook

High footfalls and orders signal upbeat domestic retail demand.

The 82nd edition of the National Garment Fair (NGF) Spring–Summer, organised by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), concluded successfully in Mumbai, reinforcing strong demand in the domestic apparel market for the first half of the year. The three-day event was held from January 20 to 22, 2026, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (NESCO), Goregaon East.

The fair attracted over 24,000 trade visitors, including national and regional retailers, distributors and wholesalers, resulting in robust business activity and healthy order bookings. Industry participants noted that the scale of engagement pointed to a promising Spring–Summer retail season.

The event was inaugurated by Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Addressing participants, Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, said, “If an event has stayed on for eight decades, it must be adding value to all its participants. With domestic consumption growing at 7–8 percent annually, the prospects for the domestic sector remain extremely bright. Competitiveness will increasingly depend on formalisation, technology adoption, productivity, sustainability, and speed to market.”

Santosh Katariya, President, CMAI, said, “Strong participation from both brands and retailers has translated into meaningful commercial engagement. The impressive business traction and healthy order volumes recorded at this edition reflect the sector’s resilience and market confidence.”

Rohit Munjal, Vice President and Chairman of the Fair Committee, CMAI, added that consistent demand from manufacturers and buyers continues to strengthen NGF’s position as a high-impact industry platform.

Spread across nearly 700,000 sq. ft., the fair hosted over 1,085 brands across 1,070 stalls, showcasing collections across women’s wear, men’s wear, kids’ wear and accessories. Exhibitors reported encouraging responses, with several noting higher footfalls, strong bookings and expectations of double-digit growth.

With positive feedback from brands across segments and regions, the 82nd NGF reaffirmed its role as a key catalyst for domestic apparel trade and seasonal demand planning.