Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from May, 2025

Why consumers continue to adhere to traditional preferences in jewellery buying

While modern styles and sustainable options like lab-grown diamonds are rising, many consumers still prefer traditional jewellery The Indian Jewellery market represents a fascinating juxtaposition of traditional values and influences of modern trends and changing market preferences with more preference for the traditional jewellery habits. Indian consumers are comparatively rigid when it comes to high-value purchases, be it jewellery or apartments, etc. In such cases related to jewellery or bridal jewellery, the customers either tend to go by the traditional gold or diamond pieces or re-design the older ancestral designs with a bit of modern touch. The Indian Jewellery market size is projected to grow by $25.2 billion at a CAGR of 6.1% between 2025 and 2028. With changing consumer preferences and market trends, the jewellery market is now experiencing a complex interplay between traditional values and modern influences. While there is a noticeable shift towards contemporary style ...

Google begins direct sales of Pixel devices in India via official online Google Store

This will complement Google’s existing online and offline retail footprint, a company statement said New Delhi:  Google on Thursday launched direct sales of its Pixel devices through the official online Google Store in India, allowing consumers to purchase smartphones, watches, buds, and accessories directly for the first time. This will complement Google’s existing online and offline retail footprint, a company statement said. Managing Director of Devices and Services at Google India, Mitul Shah, said launching direct online purchasing from the India Google Store is primarily driven by the “dynamic and evolving” Indian smartphone market. “Direct online purchasing from the Google Store in India complements our already robust retail presence – both online and in physical stores, along with our partners – all aimed at providing choice and meeting our users where they are. We will continue to invest across all fronts, focusing on expanding retail availability, strengthening custom...

Consumer demand in India resilient, says Coca-Cola Global COO

India is the fifth largest market by volume globally for Coca-Cola Mumbai: Beverage major Coca-Cola said the consumer demand in India is “resilient” amidst intermittent rains in some parts in summer and the company plans to create occasions for consumption to reduce dependency on seasonality. Summer season accounts for the majority of the sales of beverage companies. “We continue to see resilient demand in India. Summer still accounts for a larger percentage all over the world. But what is more important is the overall year equation, how you get events during the year when you can actually increase consumption, and then level off the seasonality moving forward,” Coal-Cola EVP and Chief Operating Officer Henrique Braun said. There are still many occasions that we need to develop for seasonality to actually be lowered, he said. “It is never a straight line, but if you compare year-on-year, the bigger the time frame, the better you are going to understand what is going on—and demand...

Google begins direct sales of Pixel devices in India via official online Google Store

Launching direct online purchasing from the India Google Store is primarily driven by the dynamic and evolving Indian smartphone market, says Mitul Shah, MD of Devices and Services at Google India New Delhi: Google on Thursday launched direct sales of its Pixel devices through the official online Google Store in India, allowing consumers to purchase smartphones, watches, buds, and accessories directly for the first time. This will complement Google’s existing online and offline retail footprint, a company statement said. Managing Director of Devices and Services at Google India, Mitul Shah, said launching direct online purchasing from the India Google Store is primarily driven by the “dynamic and evolving” Indian smartphone market. “Direct online purchasing from the Google Store in India complements our already robust retail presence – both online and in physical stores, along with our partners – all aimed at providing choice and meeting our users where they are. We will continue ...

Bata India Q4 profit falls 36% to Rs 37 cr

The company reported an operating profit of Rs 58 crore for the January-March period of 2023-24 fiscal New Delhi: Footwear major Bata India on Wednesday said its operating profit declined 36 per cent to Rs 37 crore in the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2025. The company reported an operating profit of Rs 58 crore for the January-March period of 2023-24 fiscal. Revenue from operations in the quarter stood at Rs 788 crore as compared with Rs 798 crore in the year-ago period, Bata India said in a regulatory filing. “Despite navigating through the demand headwinds persisting during the quarter, we managed to gain volumes and in line with our strategy of driving volume led growth,” Bata India MD and CEO Gunjan Shah stated. The company continues to drive affordability and reducing complexity across categories, he added. The company said its board has recommended a final dividend of Rs 9 per share, in addition to the interim dividend of Rs 10 per share, already paid in September 2024. ...

Powering Ahead: Nexus Select’s Retail Empire Strengthens with New Leadership and Strategic Acquisitions

In a move that underscores its leadership depth and operational ambition, Nexus Select Malls has announced key senior leadership promotions: Jayen Naik has been elevated to President – Operations , fortifying the execution backbone of the company. Nirzar Jain now serves as President – Leasing , a critical role driving revenue and brand partnerships across the portfolio. Gautam Vaswani has been appointed Chief Business Development Officer , leading new asset acquisitions and growth. Pratik Dantara takes charge as Chief Investor Relations Officer , ensuring robust communication with stakeholders, analysts, and investors. These appointments come at a time when Nexus Select Trust—under the stewardship of Dalip Sehgal, Executive Director & CEO —is rapidly scaling its position as India’s foremost retail REIT. The Nexus Playbook: Strategic Expansion Meets Operational Excellence Since its entry into the Indian market in 2016, Nexus has created a formidable footprint with ...

D2C luggage brand EUME raises Rs 25 cr in Series A funding round

The newly raised capital will support EUME’s plans to widen its retail footprint, bolster its team, amplify marketing initiatives, and strengthen working capital Bengaluru: Premium travel luggage and accessories brand EUME has raised Rs 25 crore in a Series A equity funding round, with Ashish Kacholia leading the investment, the company said in a press release. The round also saw participation from existing seed investors Pradeep Rathod (Cello Group) and Prithviraj Kothari (Arvog Financial). The newly raised capital will support EUME’s plans to widen its retail footprint, bolster its team, amplify marketing initiatives, and strengthen working capital as it continues to scale in the premium luggage segment. “Our vision is to become India’s premier luggage brand — and for that, strong marketing is non-negotiable,” said Naina Parekh, Founder of EUME . “We will not compromise on brand appeal under any circumstances. At EUME, we aim to bring next-level product innovation rooted in conve...

Flipkart Leads the Charge: How India’s Retail Giants Are Powering a New Wave of Jobs and Growth

India’s retail sector is roaring back—not just as a consumption engine, but as a vibrant, tech-led employment powerhouse redefining the very nature of work. From Flipkart to fast-growing beauty brands, quick commerce disruptors to luxury chains, retail businesses are hiring at scale and reshaping roles to match the needs of modern consumers and evolving channels. Recent hiring announcements from India’s leading retailers underline a broader transformation. Flipkart is onboarding over 5,000 employees across supply chain, customer service, and tech roles in 2025 alone. This includes staffing for Flipkart Minutes, its rapid delivery vertical, as well as Super.money, the company’s fintech arm. The company is doubling down on AI-led personalization, predictive logistics, and seamless customer experiences as it prepares for a potential IPO and explores shifting its legal domicile to India—signaling a deep, long-term commitment to the domestic market. But Flipkart is only one node in a nati...

The D2C Dilemma: Why homegrown brands still rely on marketplaces for scale

The answer lies in a combination of logistical bottlenecks, consumer trust deficits, and skyrocketing customer acquisition costs New Delhi:  When a 27-year-old IT employee based in Bengaluru shops online, she heads straight to Amazon or Flipkart or other prime marketplaces. “There are more offers, faster delivery, and I know I can trust the return process if something goes wrong,” she said. In Pune, a 24-year-old software developer echoes the sentiment. “Marketplaces are just easier—everything’s in one place, the UI is familiar, and prices are usually better.” Their preferences—price, platform trust, fast delivery, and easy returns—mirror the shopping behaviour of millions across India. This raises a critical question: in an era where owning the customer journey is seen as retail’s Holy Grail, why do so many Indian D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) brands still lean heavily on marketplaces? The answer lies in a combination of logistical bottlenecks, consumer trust deficits, and skyrocket...

The Pet Care Revolution: Why Global Giants Are Betting Big on India

From feeding strays to feeding a billion-dollar ambition—Drools’ journey is a tale of grit, growth, and a global giant’s nod When Nestlé S.A. , the global food and beverage giant, announced just yesterday that it was acquiring a minority stake in Drools Pet Food Private Limited , the news sent ripples across India’s fast-growing pet care industry. With this deal, Drools entered the coveted unicorn club with a $1 billion valuation—becoming the first Indian pet care brand to achieve this milestone. But beyond the valuation, Nestlé’s move underscores a bigger shift: India is now firmly on the global pet care map . But this is more than just a corporate deal. It’s a loud and clear signal that global giants now recognize India as a critical frontier in the $320 billion global pet care landscape. And with good reason. India’s Pet Care Market: From Cute to Crucial Once considered a niche segment reserved for elite urban homes, India’s pet care market is undergoing a transformation...

ABFRL Q4 net loss at Rs 23.55 cr; revenue rises Rs 1,719.48 crore

The company had posted a net loss of Rs 266.36 crore during the January-March quarter a year ago New Delhi: Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd on Friday said its consolidated net loss narrowed to Rs 23.55 crore in the fourth quarter ended March 2025. The company had posted a net loss of Rs 266.36 crore during the January-March quarter a year ago, according a regulatory filing from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL). Its revenue from operations rose to Rs 1,719.48 during the quarter under review. It was at Rs 1,575.12 crore in the year-ago period. Total expenses of ABFRL were at Rs 1,959.53 crore in the March quarter. According to ABFRL, its results are not comparable due to demerger of Madura Fashion & Lifestyle Business. “Pursuant to the demerger, the balances of assets and liabilities relating to MFL business has been transferred to the resulting company. Accordingly, the balance sheet as at March 31, 2025 is not comparable with the balance sheet as at March 31, ...

Rupesh Jain’s new venture Lucira bets on solitaires, targets offline launch & global entry

Lucira is setting its sights on building a globally renowned, design-forward label rooted in sustainability, and customer insight Bengaluru: Rupesh Jain, the digital-age trailblazer who built Candere into one of India’s India’s leading online fine jewellery destinations before its acquisition by Kalyan Jewellers, is back in the spotlight with his latest venture: Lucira , a lab-grown diamond jewellery label. Launched on 30 April, Lucira is just a few weeks into its journey, anchoring its brand positioning around life’s defining moments—promises, proposals, engagements, and weddings. Its offerings—ranging from rings and mangalsutras to pendants and solitaire studs—are envisioned as modern heirlooms marking personal milestones. Entirely bootstrapped, Lucira is presently in a discovery-led phase—cultivating its early customers, conducting in-depth interviews to understand their pain points, and shaping the brand based on real-world feedback from the ground up. In an exclusive interac...

How India’s dessert industry is becoming a billion-dollar market

There was a time when Indian sweets were synonymous with syrupy indulgence wrapped in nostalgia and silver foil. Today, they come adorned with edible gold, infused with saffron and lavender, and packaged like luxury perfume. The Indian dessert industry is in the midst of a transformation—one that blends age-old tradition with modern sophistication. And it’s not just a culinary shift; it’s an economic one. A Changing Palate India’s younger consumers—particularly millennials and Gen Z—are redefining what indulgence looks like. With increased global exposure and a growing appetite for culinary experimentation, their preferences are steering the dessert industry into new terrain. Social media is playing its part too, with visually striking, fusion creations such as gulab jamun cheesecakes, motichoor tiramisus, and vegan rasmalais going viral across platforms. But this shift is more than aesthetic. Consumers are looking for desserts that not only taste good but also carry a story—of heri...

Ample partners with LEGO group to launch landmark retail experience in India

Certified store in Gurugram combines innovation, interaction, and iconic LEGO design under one roof New Delhi: Ample Group, in partnership with the LEGO Group, has launched India’s first and South Asia’s largest LEGO Certified Store at Ambience Mall, Gurugram. Spanning over 4,500 sq. ft., the vibrant new space brings the beloved LEGO brand to life through a unique blend of physical and digital experiences designed to inspire creativity, imagination, and joyful family moments, the company said in a release on Friday. The store marks a significant milestone for both companies, blending the LEGO Group’s globally renowned brand values with Ample Group’s expertise in retail development and brand collaboration. The launch comes at a time when India’s economy is projected to grow by 6.3% in 2025, fuelled by rising consumer demand and supportive government policies, making it a prime market for global retail expansion. “At Ample, we have always believed in creating meaningful experiences f...

Diamond jewellery demand in India likely to double by 2030, says De Beers Group CEO

De Beers is launching the Forevermark brand in India and planning to open four  stores, two in Delhi and two in Mumbai, in the next few months Mumbai: Diamond company De Beers is expecting diamond jewellery consumption to double in India by 2030, its chief executive Al Cook has said. De Beers is launching the Forevermark brand in India. “India has become the second largest market for natural diamond jewellery globally, overtaking China last year. We’ve seen double-digit growth for the last few years, and we actually see natural diamond demand in India, which is growing at 12 per cent annually, to double over the next five years by 2030. “Currently, the diamond jewellery demand is just under USD 10 billion. So we’re very confident in the future of India,” De Beers Group CEO Al Cook told reporters. De Beers is planning to open four Forevermark stores, two in Delhi and two in Mumbai, in the next few months. “And within five years, we aim to have more than 100 stores across Indi...

A Reinvention of Barter in Modern Retail: Smart Bazaar’s Smart Exchange Mela Recycles 1,500 Tons of Household Items

In a world increasingly defined by speed, convenience, and consumption, Smart Bazaar’s Smart Exchange Mela stood out as a rare blend of purpose, innovation, and deep consumer insight. At its core, this pioneering campaign reimagined one of the oldest human traditions—barter—for the age of modern retail, creating a value exchange model that was emotionally resonant, commercially impactful, and socially relevant. By shifting the perception of old household items from “useless junk” to “hidden value,” Smart Exchange challenged a fundamental retail assumption: that promotional engagement must always be product-first. Instead, Smart Bazaar centered the customer—what they had, what they needed, and how they could feel empowered in the process. The Core Proposition: “Bring Any, Buy Any” At the heart of the Smart Exchange campaign was a radical departure from the restrictive mechanics of traditional exchange offers. Customers were invited to bring in any old or unused item from home—irr...

Kiko Live introduces cash-on-delivery for online grocery orders, driving 30% surge in kirana revenues

The feature, introduced after a successful pilot, led to a 30% increase in daily online orders and a corresponding 30% boost in online revenues for participating Kirana stores New Delhi: Kiko Live, a quick commerce platform empowering Kirana stores, has launched a Cash-on-Delivery (COD) option for online grocery orders — a move that brings the trusted neighbourhood retail experience into the digital age, a release by the company said on Thursday. The feature, introduced after a successful pilot, led to a 30% increase in daily online orders and a corresponding 30% boost in online revenues for participating Kirana stores. The pilot demonstrated that trust and convenience remain critical drivers of consumer behaviour in India’s rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape. Kiko Live enables local retailers to establish digital storefronts, offering real-time delivery tracking and a fast, frictionless shopping experience. The new COD option mirrors traditional purchasing habits, where custo...

Royaloak targets global debut with 25 new stores, eyes Rs 1,000 cr in FY26

Royaloak is charting a growth trajectory with plans to expand globally, scale its domestic retail presence, and diversify its product portfolio Bengaluru: Indian furniture and home décor brand Royaloak is setting its sights on international expansion, planning to establish 25 brick-and-mortar outlets outside India over the next three years, its Chairman & Co-Founder Vijai Subramaniam told IndiaRetailing.  The global journey will begin with the UAE, gradually extending into European markets. Domestically, the company is planning to launch 50 new stores across West, East, and North India, reinforcing its pan-India presence. Bengaluru-based Royaloak’s entrepreneurial story dates back to the early 2000s, when Subramaniam started out with modest furniture stalls at government exhibitions. The brand’s precursor, Oak & Oak, launched its first store in 2004, followed by the development of a supply chain for both local and imported furniture in 2005.  Royaloak official...