Low down on high street

Pernia Qureshi,u00a0Founder, www.perniaspopupshop.com

I feel it's great, people in India today want to dress better and are aware of global fashion. Having stores like H&M and Forever 21 just around the corner would definitely ease the task of being in sync with the latest trends. Trends catch on fast; such brands entering the Indian market will lead to an increase in customer base. I speak from personal experience encountered with Perniaspopupshop.com which is a one stop fashion store. People who had limited or no access to such fashion are now tempted with a wide variety to choose from, in turn leading to increased retail traffic.

Prachiti Dhopatkar,u00a0Freelancer, public relations

I prefer local brands as they don't cost a bomb and are comfortable. Honestly, brand names don't really bother me, it is always the comfort factor. Though I am really unaware of these brands, I may just buy them if they offer good quality and are not very expensive.

Yashraj W, Student
I think it is a good move and will help people like us who are always on a tight budget. These brands not only do womenswear but also smart casuals for men, which is always a plus!

Falguni and Shane Peacock,u00a0Mumbai-based Fashion designers

The arrival of such high-streets brands is good news. I have seen a lot of college students dressing very stylishly since Vero- Moda and Zara launched in India. With Forever 21, H&M and Lulu, fashion is not only going to become more trendy but also very affordable. Though mass production is good, it could affect the indian fashion industry adversely. But having said that, change is inevitable; fashion in India has changed. We have a huge market,competition is always welcome.

Nikhil Mansata, Fashion Stylist

It's great to have international high-street brands opening shop in India. They are helping to make fashion and seasonal trends easily accessible to everyone. Fashion should no longer be a privilege of only the rich and well-travelled. These brands sell fast fashion at very competitive price points and are sure to change the way millions of Indians dress everyday. I don't see any major negative effects of this influx of international high-street brands entering the market, as there is more than enough scope for local and foreign brands to co-exist in our diverse and multi-cultural country.u00a0