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How airports are changing the retail store placement game

Strategic store placement in airports is key to maximising visibility, capturing impulse purchases, and enhancing the traveller’s shopping experience in a high-footfall environment Over the years, airports have evolved drastically from just being a transportation hub to a retail shopping destination. The high footfall, increasing at an unprecedented pace has made airports one of the most sought-after and aspiring destinations for retail brands. Airports act as dynamic ecosystems that millions of travellers pass through daily. This creates unique opportunities for retailers to capture a diverse customer base and offer them a delightful shopping experience. However, in such a high-energy environment, identifying and securing the right space for store placement along passenger walkways is daunting. Notably, the majority of airport passengers are “gate huggers” who tend to seek the Critical Short Path (CSP) to their gates, hence it is critical to locate the store on this CSP. On the othe...
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Bluestar aims up to 30% growth in AC sales, high numbers from rural market

Bluestar, which recently unveiled a lineup of 150 models, expects a major growth to come from smaller towns and rural regions New Delhi: Homegrown cooling products maker Bluestar expects 25-30 per cent growth in its room air-conditioners, helped by tailwinds such as an early arrival of summer, growing income, and some predictions suggesting a harsh season, its Managing Director B Thiagarajan said on Thursday. This growth would be over the high base created last season, when the room AC industry witnessed a surge of 30-40 per cent in volume in May and June due to the unrelenting heatwave in most parts of the country. “We have planned for around 25-30 per cent growth. We will be able to meet that,” said Thiagarajan, adding that he expects to sell around 1.75 million units of room ACs in FY26. Bluestar, which on Thursday unveiled a lineup of 150 models, expects a major growth to come from smaller towns and rural regions. “It is actually the middle class aspirational consumers who ar...

8 Indian celebrity-owned F&B brands serving up success

From gourmet restaurants to artisanal beverage lines, these celebrity-driven brands have taken the industry by storm Bengaluru: The food and beverage (F&B) scene in India is at its peak, with brands experimenting with experiential dining, health-conscious snacks, and premium cuisines. When a celebrity steps into the game, the appeal—and the value—skyrockets. Following fashion and beauty, F&B has become the next big frontier for both Indian and global celebrities. In recent years, several celebrity-backed brands have taken off in India, even making waves internationally. It’s a win-win—while the operational heavy lifting is handled by the co-owner, the star power draws in consumers. Here are eight celebrity-backed F&B brands that have already captured the hearts of consumers… One8 Commune by Virat Kohli One8 Commune is a resto-bar chain co-founded by Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli, alongside partners Vartik Tihara, Anshul Goel, and Ankit Tayal. The brand name combin...

D2C brands struggle for prime mall spaces as leasing norms evolve

Legacy brands and international retailers dominate high-footfall areas, while emerging D2C players struggle to break into the offline retail ecosystem. New Delhi: The rise of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands in India has disrupted traditional retail models, but when it comes to securing premium mall locations, these brands still face significant challenges, representatives of different brands told IndiaRetailing. Legacy brands and international retailers dominate high-footfall areas, while emerging D2C players struggle to break into the offline retail ecosystem. However, a shift is underway, with malls beginning to recognise the potential of digital-first brands. The Challenge For many D2C brands, moving from online-only operations to brick-and-mortar retail is a crucial step in scaling their business. However, leasing retail spaces in premium malls remains an uphill battle. Tanvi Somaiya, Founder of The Bear House , shared her brand’s leasing journey, noting that despite initiall...

American footwear brand Rockport to enter India with Brandman Retail

Its collection will be available across 19,000 pin codes across major e-commerce platforms and Brandman’s official website Bengaluru: American footwear brand Rockport is set to enter the Indian market, partnering with retail solutions provider Brandman Retail, a press release said on Wednesday. Its collection will be available across 19,000 pin codes across major e-commerce platforms, including Flipkart, Tata CLiQ Fashion, Tata CLiQ Luxury, Nykaa Fashion, Nykaa Men, Myntra, and Brandman’s official website. Through this partnership, Brandman Retail aims to capture 4–5% of the footwear market in the region. “Rockport’s world-class craftsmanship and innovative footwear perfectly align with our mission to meet the growing demand for high-quality footwear in the region,” said Kashika Malhotra, Head of Business Development, of Brandman Retail. “We are delighted to bring a brand to South Asian consumers, an iconic brand that seamlessly combines performance, comfort, and exceptional design...

Baby & Mom Retail goes global, now live on Walmart across 48 states in the US

To support its expansion, the company has doubled its workforce over the past year, growing from 300 to 600 employees, with plans to exceed 1,000 employees soon Bengaluru: Baby & Mom Retail Pvt. Ltd., a house of brands in baby care, skincare, pet care, and bedding solutions, has entered the global market by launching on Walmart US, making its products available across 48 states and Washington, D.C., a press release said on Wednesday. “We are thrilled to bring Baby & Mom’s trusted products to families across the United States through Walmart,” said Shish Kharasiya, Founder and CEO of Baby & Mom Retail Pvt. Ltd. “This is just the beginning of our global expansion as we continue to innovate, scale, and make parenting easier for families everywhere.” In India, Baby & Mom has expanded its reach by partnering with major quick commerce platforms. The company’s products are now available in 70% of Blinkit’s 1,007 stores, Swiggy Instamart’s 705 stores, and Zepto’s 750 dark s...

VAHDAM India raises Rs 25 cr from SIDBI Venture Capital to strengthen balance sheet

The company said this equity fund raise is a strategic investment and not part of a formal funding round, as it is already well-capitalized New Delhi: VAHDAM India, which sells tea, herbs, and botanicals globally, has raised $3 million (around Rs 25 crore) from SIDBI Venture Capital as strategic investment that will help strengthen balance sheet and cash reserves. The company on Wednesday said this equity fund raise is a strategic investment and not part of a formal funding round, as it is already well-capitalized. Till date, VAHDAM India, which was formed in 2015, has raised over Rs 200 crore in primary funding. The investment will further strengthen VAHDAM’s balance sheet and cash reserves. The company, which posted a turnover of around Rs 225 crore in 2023-24 fiscal, said it is set to close the current fiscal year with strong growth and positive EBITDA. Commenting on the investment, Bala Sarda, Founder & CEO of VAHDAM India, said: ” The funds raised will strengthen our ba...