Latest Retail Insight, News, Information & Articles from all top sources for the Internet.

According to Counterpoint Research, Apple led the Indian market in 2024 with a 23% share in terms of the value of total smartphones supplied in the country New Delhi: Apple is very keen on India where it has seen record business during the December quarter with iPhone emerging as the top-selling smartphone model, a top company official said on Friday. During the company’s earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook said India offers a huge growth opportunity for the company. “We have had great results in the emerging market. I am particularly keen on India. India has set a December quarter record. iPhone was top selling in India for the quarter. It is the second-largest smartphone market in the world and the third largest for PCs and tablets. So there is a huge market,” he said. “We have a very modest share in these markets. I think there are a lot of upsides there…,” Cook said. He said the company has announced plans to open more Apple stores in India. According to Counterpoint Research,...

With a price range of Rs 200 to Rs 5,000, the furniture line is aimed at both mid-market and premium customers New Delhi : Raj Air Cooler Group has announced its entry into the modular furniture market with the launch of its new segment, ‘Raj Modular Furniture,’ a release by the company said on Friday. Showcasing the product’s strengths and durability, the company has also announced a renowned personality, The Great Khali, as its brand ambassador. The Great Khali has been the company’s brand ambassador and continues to represent the new product line. The range features durable, ergonomic, and contemporary furniture crafted from materials such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, acrylic, and other strong plastics. The collection is available in a variety of colours and styles, catering to home, office, and commercial spaces. With a price range of Rs 200 to Rs 5,000, the furniture line is aimed at both mid-market and premium customers. “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our...

It had posted a consolidated net loss of Rs 27.60 crore in the October-December period a year ago New Delhi: Air conditioning maker and engineering services provider Voltas Ltd has reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 130.76 crore for the third quarter ended December 2024. It had posted a consolidated net loss of Rs 27.60 crore in the October-December period a year ago, according to a regulatory filing from the company. Voltas’ revenue rose 17.9 per cent to Rs 3,164.16 crore in the December quarter. It was Rs 2,683.61 crore in the year-ago period. Its total expenses increased 12 per cent to Rs 2,941.11 crore in the quarter. The company also announced top-level management changes as its Managing Director and CEO Pradeep Bakshi will step down in the second half of 2025. He has expressed his desire not to seek reappointment upon completion of his current term on August 31, 2025. Respecting his decision, the Board has accepted his request, it added. The Board, based on the reco...

From hyper-personalisation to micro-influencers, 2025 is set to usher in a new era of marketing approaches Bengaluru: Getting noticed by consumers amid the millions of distractions in today’s cluttered retail environment is a challenge, especially for emerging direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. Unless a brand has already reached a level of maturity and benefits from the privilege of word-of-mouth in a less competitive market, it must invest heavily in methods that work in the current era. The advantage of today’s digital era, however, is that people across the globe are congregating on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Marketing expenditure in India is set to reach Rs 1.12 lakh crore by 2025, up from Rs 93,166 crore in 2023, with a significant portion—around 55%—devoted to digital advertising, according to a report by Dentsu India. Despite the burgeoning marketing budgets, standing out remains a daunting task, and selecting the right marketing strategy can be a tough ...

New Delhi: At the IMAGES Fashion Awards (IFA), held during the 24th India Fashion Forum (IFF) in Bengaluru on January 28-29, 2025, leading fashion retail brands, emerging players, and industry pioneers were honoured for their achievements, innovations, and unique market differentiation. The prestigious event celebrated excellence in fashion retail, bringing together the industry’s most influential names for a night of recognition and celebration. IMAGES Most Admired Marketing & Promotions Campaign of the Year: Festival Sales Lacoste India : Golden Moments Taneira : Weaving a tapestry of festival celebrations IMAGES Most Admired Marketing & Promotions Campaign of the Year: Multi-Media Being Human Clothing : Bhai Ka Budday Shoppers Stop : India Weds with Shoppers Stop IMAGES Most Admired Marketing & Promotions Campaign of the Year: Digital/ Social Media Zivame : The Museum of Boobs SAM & MARSHALL : Timeless Style Meets Modern Triumph Lingerie : Take me as I am ...

De Beers India Managing Director Amit Pratihari said the plan is to establish 100 retail stores by 2030 with a revenue target of $1 million New Delhi: De Beers, a global leader in the diamond industry, on Wednesday said it will foray into the retail segment with the opening of 15 Forevermark brand stores in India this year. De Beers India Managing Director Amit Pratihari said the plan is to establish 100 retail stores by 2030 with a revenue target of $1 million. “We are investing in retail through Forevermark jewellery brand. We will open 15 stores, eight in Delhi and the rest in Mumbai this year,” he told reporters here. The retail space for opening the stores has been identified, and probably, the first retail store will open in June-July, the official said but declined to share the financial details. Pratihari said the company plans to scale down its current business model through leading chains and focus more on exclusive stores, either owned or franchisee, to expand its mark...

HUL proposes to acquire 90.5 per cent shareholding of Minimalist with eventual acquisition of the remaining 9.5 per cent shareholding of the target in about two years from the completion date  New Delhi: FMCG major Hindustan Unilever Ltd has sought clearance from Competition Commission of India to acquire beauty and personal care brand Minimalist’s parent company Uprising Science Pvt Ltd. “The acquirer (HUL) proposes to acquire 90.5 per cent shareholding of the target (Uprising Science Pvt Ltd), with eventual acquisition of the remaining 9.5 per cent shareholding of the target in about two years from the completion date as per the terms set out in the share purchase & subscription agreement executed by and between the parties,” said a notice filed with the fair trade regulator CCI on Tuesday. Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), a leading FMCG player, owns more than 50 brands, including Lakme, Lux, Knorr, Kwality Wall’s and Surf Excel. Jaipur-based Uprising Science is engaged in ...

The company had posted a net profit of Rs 100.46 crore in the October-December quarter a year ago New Delhi: Air-condition and commercial refrigeration system maker Blue Star Ltd. on Wednesday reported an increase of 31.85 per cent in consolidated net profit at Rs 96.06 crore in the third quarter ended December 2024. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 100.46 crore in the October-December quarter a year ago, according to a regulatory filing from Blue Star Ltd. Its revenue from operations was up 25.26 per cent to Rs 2,807.36 crore in the December quarter. It was at Rs 2,241.19 crore in the year-ago period. “The room AC business continued its strong upward trajectory during the quarter. Fuelled by a strong festive season demand, the room AC segment was an outlier amongst all consumer durables,” said an earnings statement from Blue Star. Other key businesses also showed robust growth, driven by demand from several sectors. “The increase in revenue and profit can be attributed...

The report states that the Indian food services market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 10-11% by 2030 Bengaluru: The Indian food services market, valued at $80 billion in 2024, is expected to reach $144-152 billion by 2030, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10-11% through 2030, according to a report by Redseer Strategy Consultants. It finds that the organised food services market, currently constituting half of the overall sector, is outpacing the unorganised segment, driven by online food delivery and brand influx.  As per the study, consumers in metro and tier-1 cities are increasingly opting for ordering in and dining out, driven by convenience and a desire for a break from routine. Additionally, outside meals are increasingly viewed as a social activity, offering opportunities to spend quality time with loved ones and to celebrate all occasions. Social media, pop culture, and the demand for variety have fueled the rise of niche cuisines, contributing to ...

The company had posted a net profit of Rs 330.11 crore in the October-December quarter a year ago New Delhi: FMCG major Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd on Tuesday reported a 2.22 per cent decline in its net profit to Rs 322.78 crore for the third quarter ended December 2024 on account of soft demand in the urban market and a high base of the previous year. It had posted a net profit of Rs 330.11 crore in the October-December quarter a year ago, according to a regulatory filing from the oral hygiene product maker Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd (CPIL). Its sales were up 4.74 per cent to Rs 1,452.21 crore during the quarter under review compared to Rs 1,386.41 crore in the corresponding period a year ago. “Gross margin & EBITDA margin show sequential improvement over the previous quarter, while down from last year’s high base,” said CPIL in its earning statement. Total expenses of CPIL in the December quarter were up 8.2 per cent to Rs 1,049.72 crore. CPIL’s total income, including ot...

Fuelled by the purchasing power of millennials and Gen-Z, the digital economy is reshaping consumption patterns and values, thus transforming how, when, and why consumers connect with brands and businesses New Delhi: High-end and premium brands are making a big geographical pivot from metros to smaller towns in India, according to a Tata CLiQ Luxury compilation that reviews India’s evolving luxury landscape. It also found that luxury buyers – led by a woke Gen Z – are increasingly conscious of responsible consumption with an eye on sustainability quotient. Fuelled by the purchasing power of mature millennials and the rising Gen-Z demographic, the digital economy is reshaping consumption patterns and values, thus transforming how, when, and why consumers connect with brands and businesses, said Tata CLiQ Luxury’s latest compilation – Thinking Beyond the Cart: Elevating Luxury E-commerce,’ that deep dives into the luxury trends in 2025 and beyond. Listing out the broad trends, it no...

The company had posted a profit after tax of Rs 260.65 crore in the October-December quarter a year ago New Delhi: Home-grown FMCG major Emami Ltd on Monday reported an increase of 7.03 per cent in profit after tax at Rs 278.98 crore in the third quarter ended December 2024, helped by a healthy volume growth in core business. The company had posted a PAT (profit after tax) of Rs 260.65 crore in the October-December quarter a year ago, according to a regulatory filing from Emami. Emami’s revenue from operations was up 5.33 per cent to Rs 1,049.48 crore during the quarter under review. It was at Rs 996.32 crore in the corresponding quarter. “The company continued to deliver profit-led growth, with improved margins across the board. Gross margins expanded by 150 basis points to 70.3 per cent,” said Emami in its earnings statement. EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) grew by 8 per cent to Rs 339 crore in the December quarter, with margins expanding b...

The summer season historically drives demand for cooling appliances, and brands are doubling down on this opportunity New Delhi: As the scorching summer approaches, regional CDIT and cooling brands are gearing up to meet the surging demand for cooling solutions, different regional CDIT players told IndiaRetailing. Companies like Novamax Appliances, Raj Cooling Systems, and Thermocool Home Appliances Ltd are fine-tuning their strategies, focusing on innovation, competitive pricing, and omnichannel distribution to capture the attention of Indian consumers. The industry, which saw robust growth last year, is set for another successful season with heightened consumer demand and favourable market trends, these brand representatives added. A recent report by EY Parthenon and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) projects the sector to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11%, reaching Rs 3 lakh crore (US$ 35.73 billion) by 2029. With the sector currently contributing 0.6%...

The one-stop store, located in Kotturpuram here, would offer a range of premium home decor products from brands including Jensen, Wriver, Alsorg, Loris Zanca, and Schonbek  Chennai: Decorgeous Lifestyle Pvt Ltd, a home decor store offering over 40 global luxury brands has forayed into Tamil Nadu market, with the inauguration of its first store. The one-stop store, located in Kotturpuram here, would offer a range of premium home decor products including luxury beds and mattresses from Jensen, luxury furniture brand Wriver, manufacturer of modular kitchens Alsorg, embroidered fabric maker Loris Zanca from Italy, Schonbek engaged in manufacturing of chandeliers. Minister Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Delhi, Martine Aamdal Bottheim inaugurated the store. Jensen Managing Director Jan Trygve, Wriver Co-founder and Director Kapil Bharti, Loris Zanca President Zanca, Decorgeous Lifestyle Pvt Ltd Co-Founder Prabhu Narasimhan, among others were p...

India Fashion Forum (IFF) 2025 is designed to address the rapidly evolving landscape of fashion retail, emphasizing actionable insights and innovative solutions Bengaluru: The stage is set for the India Fashion Forum (IFF) 2025, India’s premier fashion retail event, scheduled to take place on January 28-29, 2025, at the Sheraton Grand Whitefield, Bengaluru. Under the theme, “India Fashion Collaboration: From Peers to Partners,” the forum will focus on fostering strategic partnerships that drive innovation, sustainability, and collective success in the dynamic fashion industry. With a legacy spanning over two decades, IFF has been a cornerstone for thought leadership, networking, and business growth in the Indian fashion sector. This year, the event promises an engaging lineup of 500+ brands, 300+ industry experts, 100+ exhibitors, and over 1,500 attendees, ensuring an unparalleled platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing. A vision for transformation IFF 2025 is designed to...

The brand has a revenue target of Rs 25 crore for FY 2024-25, up from Rs 11 crore in FY 2023-24  KesarCo, established in 2021 by Preety Agrawal and Rahul Sharma, is a bootstrapped brand that has swiftly gained recognition in the Indian food market. The company primarily focuses on grocery staples and dry fruits, with an emphasis on offering products sourced directly from farmers. With a fully integrated supply chain model that spans raw material procurement to distribution, KesarCo works in collaboration with over 5,000 farmers across India. It has also partnered with government bodies to ensure the consistency, quality, and reliability of their products, which undergo rigorous testing at every stage of production. In fiscal year (FY) 2023-24, KesarCo achieved sales of Rs 11 crore. Looking ahead, the brand has a revenue target of Rs 25 crore for FY 2024-25. KesarCo will be venturing into offline retail in 2025, further extending its reach to customers. Additionally, the company...

Lakshita has combined innovation, customer care, and quality to grow in the competitive fusion wear market New Delhi: Lakshita, known for its ethnic and fusion grew strong growth after the pandemic. The brand is gaining popularity by combining traditional Indian clothing with modern styles. Lakshita was created to blend ethnic wear with contemporary fashion. It offers a range of garments made from fabrics like velvet, suede, rayon, and chanderi. Known for its embroidery, prints, and sequins, the brand focuses on creating stylish and comfortable clothes. Lakshita’s designs cater to a wide range of customers for everyday wear and festive occasions. Growth Phase After the pandemic, Lakshita quickly recovered, thanks to its strong presence both online and in stores. The brand plans to open 100 exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) by the end of financial year (FY) 2024-25, focusing on expanding into regions like Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. By FY 2025-26, Lakshita aims to have 150 store...

The retailer’s core ethos revolves around using ethically sourced and eco-friendly raw materials Kaamna, the direct-to-consumer (D2C) accessory brand founded by Mangalam Lalpuria in 2021, has swiftly carved a niche for itself in the sustainable fashion space. The bootstrapped brand’s  highest-selling products include their cork bi-fold wallet and cork slim laptop bag, both of which are celebrated for their eco-conscious materials. The retailer’s core ethos revolves around using ethically sourced and eco-friendly materials, offering a fashion-forward experience that aligns with sustainability. Looking ahead to fiscal year (FY) 2024-25, the company has plans to expand its physical presence with the launch of its flagship store in Mumbai. “Every product at Kaamna and its packaging is designed and produced keeping in mind our culture, nature and future,” said Lalpuria. “We believe in fashion with purpose – creating products that tell stories and celebrate the unending desire fo...

Blockchain has emerged as a global supply chain management tool with several benefits including traceability which helps build consumer trust Supply chains are becoming increasingly global and complex. This often leads to issues related to product safety, quality, sourcing, and movement, hampering India’s competitiveness as an exporter. Blockchain has emerged as a global supply chain management tool and is one component of a broader traceability system. Blockchain-based applications provide proof—or an audit—of a transaction that has happened. They also help to show that data has not been altered. The role of blockchain is crucial in food and beverage, healthcare and cosmetics, agri-input, and apparel industries, especially when consumers seek high-quality, authentic, and ethically sourced products. Taking a cue from the demand for traceability, India must embrace blockchain-enabled systems to build consumer trust and become an export leader. To understand the urgency, let’s discuss...

North India’s rising value fashion retailer, is transforming affordable shopping in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities New Delhi: Founded in 2015 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Citykart has swiftly emerged as a key player in North India’s value fashion retail segment. Offering affordable fashion for men, women, and children, along with footwear, accessories, home furnishings, and general merchandise, Citykart has made its mark in tier 2 and tier 3 cities where organized retail was previously scarce. With a mission to bring affordable clothing to non-metro regions, Citykart operates exclusively offline and has carved out a loyal customer base, becoming the ‘shopping mall’ for families in smaller cities and towns. Value proposition Citykart caters to the unique needs of families in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, offering fashionable products at price points that appeal to budget-conscious consumers. The retailer positions itself as an alternative to local mom-and-pop stores, which often struggle to ma...

Members will gain access to benefits, such as special pricing, free home delivery, personalised assistance, and invitations to curated tasting events Bengaluru: Nature’s Basket, a gourmet retail subsidiary of Spencer’s Retail, has launched Elysium, the country’s first gourmet-food membership, the company said in a press release on Friday. The initiative rolled out in seven cities including Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Delhi, Gurgaon and Ahmedabad.  Members will gain access to exclusive benefits, such as special pricing, free home delivery, personalised assistance, and invitations to curated tasting events. It also enables swift checkouts, hassle-free returns, and exclusive masterclasses at The Chef’s Table. In addition to its in-store advantages, Elysium extends its offerings through partnerships with 35 brands across travel, dining, wellness, beauty, leisure, and fashion.  The initiative was unveiled by chef and entrepreneur Pooja Dhingra at Nature’s Basket Artisan...

The three-year multi-country programme, launched in India on Thursday, will help improve plastic waste management. New Delhi: The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) on Thursday said it has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to address the growing challenge of plastic waste management in Asia, including India, supported by a USD 15 million (nearly Rs 130 crore) grant from it. The foundation and UNDP are scaling up efforts in nine Asian countries – Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam – supported by a USD 15 million grant from TCCF to support UNDP’s initiatives across the region, it said in a statement. The three-year multi-country programme, launched in India on Thursday, will help improve plastic waste management, promote recycling, reduce plastic leakage into the environment, foster country-based solutions, and facilitate regional collaboration, it added. “By adopting and disseminating best practices across...

The mill will be set up at Liapha in south Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district, and the company is hopeful the project will be completed in a year Aizawl: Edible oil major Patanjali Foods Ltd. will set up an oil palm mill in Mizoram, an official said. Two senior officials of the company met Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Thursday in Aizawl regarding this, he said. The mill will be set up at Liapha in south Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district, and the company is hopeful the project will be completed in a year, he added. The representatives of the company also told the CM that oil palm will be procured from farmers in Serchhip, Lunglei, Lawngtlai and Siaha districts, the official said. Lalduhoma discussed with them the difficulties faced by oil palm cultivators in the southern districts and his government’s plans to increase oil palm cultivation in the state, he said. The company officials said they will take steps to increase oil palm cultivation in the southern districts of the state, he added. ...

VKC Razak, Managing Director of VKC Group, shares insights into the brand’s evolution, its sales strategies, plans for offline expansion, sustainability initiatives, and more Bengaluru: Kerala is renowned not only for its stunning natural landscapes but also as the largest producer of natural rubber in India. According to the Rubber Board of India (RBI), the state accounts for 88% of the total area under rubber cultivation, contributing 90% of the country’s rubber production. Among the homegrown brands that have capitalised on this advantage is VKC, a footwear company that has achieved national recognition and even made its mark internationally. The brand has become a household name in India, appealing to people of all ages, genders, and financial backgrounds. Although VKC was officially established in 1984 by Indian politician VKC Mammed Koya under The VKC Group, the company’s origins trace back to the late 1960s when it began as a timber business in Kerala.  Koya ventured in...