Retailers race to hedge, localise as rupee slides 8-9% since October
Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, Arvind Fashions and Nykaa are extending forex hedges, fast-tracking import orders and deepening local sourcing to shield margins. Lifestyle has cut apparel imports to 5% from 15%; LG lifted localisation 3-4 ppt; Shoppers Stop is hedging all of FY27. Price hikes of 12-13% loom if rupee tests Rs 95-96/USD.
Indian retailers including Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, Arvind Fashions and Nykaa are extending forex hedges, advancing inventory and deepening local sourcing to protect margins as the rupee weakens 8-9% against the dollar since October.