Ideas

Budget‑friendly luxury with heritage and contemporary elegance

Heritage Origins (1953 onward)

Gul Ahmed Textile Mills was founded in 1953, rooted in textile trade dating to early 1900s. Known for quality fabrics, it later leveraged this textile legacy to create the Ideas retail brand in 2003.

Retail Launch & Growth

With the 2003 launch, Ideas moved beyond fabrics into full-scale lifestyle retail. By 2011, the brand had flagship stores in Lahore and Karachi, and in 2017, opened a large flagship in Lahore with celebrity involvement .

Design & Expansion

Over ensuing years, Ideas expanded across 8+ cities with ~100 stores by 2025, while introducing youth-focused line Salt and home textile offerings .

Digital & Experience Edge

Launched e-commerce with COD and global shipping. In 2025, opened the largest Ideas outlet in Dolmen Mall Clifton with Ideas Cafe integrated inside

Achievements & Brand Recognition

• Ranked among top 10 Pakistani fashion brands by multiple lifestyle publications
• Recognized for blending heritage craft with contemporary design
• Flagship events attended by celebrities resonate with brand culture
• High customer trust in quality, affordability, and aesthetic variety
• Youth line Salt highlighted as a trendsetter

Franchising & Business Model

• No franchising—company-owned expansion model only
• Owned outlets across Pakistan under Gul Ahmed governance