The National Retail Federation (NRF) raised its retail sales forecast for the year. The trade association now expects 2018 retail sales to increase at a minimum of 4.5% over 2017 compared to the 3.8-4.4% range forecast earlier. “Higher wages, gains in disposable income, a strong job market and record-high household net worth have all set the stage for very robust growth in the nation’s consumer-driven economy,” said NRF.
India’s share in textile exports to the U.S. fell by one percentage point in the first five months of this year, but began looking up with cotton sheets regaining demand from June.
Improving U.S. retail sales have raised the prospects of a recovery in the performance of textile exporters from countries such as India. Mumbai-based Welspun India‘s joint managing director Dipali Goenka is banking on the company’s recent innovation–Hygrocotton–to drive growth in textiles. According to her, this fabric is soft, absorbent, and maintains its softness after every wash; it also helps regulate the temperature of the fabric, keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter. She added that India has a great business potential in textiles because it is not only the largest producer of cotton, but also the largest exporter.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
