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Showing posts from June, 2025

Sony India eyes Rs 10,000 cr revenue in next 2-3 years: MD Sunil Nayyar

Nayyar is hopeful of a double-digit growth going forward in FY26, led by a good macro-economic condition, attractive finance schemes supporting the consumer and the right kind of channels New Delhi: Consumer electronics maker Sony India expects to cross a turnover of Rs 10,000 crore in the next two-three years, helped by an expansion of product line and growing premiumisation, said its Managing Director Sunil Nayyar on Monday. The company is optimistic about the future growth and market potential in India and is working towards achieving this goal through new product launches and market strategies. The company is quite encouraged by not only from the growing contribution of its conventional business of audio and visual products such as TV and sound products but also new categories, which are emerging as victor of growth. Its gaming business of PlayStation in India has been ‘quadrupled’ in the last three years, he said, adding, similarly its imaging products business where it sells...

4 retail efficiency blockers and how retailers can get past them

Behind breakneck speed expansion, retailers are still grappling with deep-rooted inefficiencies that demand more than just surface-level fixes Bengaluru: As Indian retail marches forward at an unprecedented pace, with omni-channel strategies expanding rapidly and digital-first stores becoming the norm, back-end inefficiencies remain an uphill battle, particularly inventory planning, real-time data management, and organisational workflows. Despite massive investments in technology and ERP systems, many retailers are struggling to eliminate silos, align data streams, and keep up with fast-changing consumer preferences. Across categories like fashion, footwear, and value retail, brands are discovering that legacy systems and instinct-driven decisions are no longer enough. The real challenge isn’t technology adoption, but making that technology work in service of smart, streamlined, and scalable operations. Efficiency roadblocks: What needs fixing To better understand the operational...

The rise of occasion-led shopping in India’s tier-II & III cities

Occasions have always held cultural weight in India. But what’s changing now is how they’re shaping retail behaviour far beyond the metros In Tier-II and III cities—where traditional values meet rising aspirations—a quiet transformation is underway. Celebration-led shopping is no longer just an urban phenomenon. It’s becoming the heartbeat of India’s booming consumption story. From Diwali and Raksha Bandhan to birthdays, anniversaries, and newer expressions like Valentine’s Day or Friendship Day, shoppers in smaller cities are embracing every opportunity to celebrate—and doing so with style, sentiment, and substance. So, what’s fuelling this occasion-first mindset? Smaller Cities, Bigger Aspirations India’s retail engine is shifting gears, powered by the growing economic muscle and cultural confidence of its non-metro towns. Retailers across categories are turning their attention to Tier-II and III cities, where internet access is bridging the knowledge divide and incomes are risi...

Digital Icon : Indresh Pradhan

Chief Information Officer, Apparel Group India Indresh Pradhan is a veteran technology leader with over  20 years of global experience  in driving successful business transformation initiatives across India, the UAE, and the USA. His extensive career spans leadership roles in renowned retail organizations including  Apparel Group ,  Kaya Skin Clinic ,  Reliance Brands Ltd. , and  Future Group , where he has consistently delivered technology-driven innovation and operational excellence. Indresh’s journey began at  Future Group  as a Program Manager, where he led large-scale technology programs aligned with business expansion goals. He later served as  Head of IT at Reliance Brands Ltd. , overseeing IT operations and steering digital strategy. At  Kaya Limited (Marico) , he deepened his cross-regional experience by leading IT for both India and the UAE, shaping the company’s technology landscape across diverse markets. From  2018 ...

10 Gen Z Shopping Habits That Are Redefining Retail in 2025

From short-form video commerce to AI-driven personalisation and a strong value focus, brands in India and globally are already making significant shifts New Delhi:  Generation Z—those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s—is fast becoming the most influential consumer group worldwide. Expected to account for nearly 19% of global spending by 2030  (Statista), this digital-native cohort is reshaping how brands must approach marketing, product development and customer experience. From short-form video commerce to AI-driven personalisation and a strong value focus, brands in India and globally are already making significant shifts. IndiaRetailing spoke to several brand leaders to decode the top Gen Z shopping habits transforming retail in 2025. Mobile-First and Omnichannel by Default Gen Z expects seamless shopping journeys—across apps, stores and social platforms. A Statista report shows that over 75% of Gen Z shoppers prefer a mobile-optimised experience . “Omnichanne...

American ice cream giant Carvel to debut in India this August

The brand’s entry into the Indian market is being driven by Unify Foodworks, the exclusive master franchisee for Carvel in the region New Delhi: US-based soft serve ice cream brand Carvel will make its India debut this August with its first outlet opening in New Delhi. The brand’s entry into the Indian market is being driven by Unify Foodworks, the exclusive master franchisee for Carvel in the region. The company has announced a comprehensive plan to open 100 Carvel stores across major Indian cities over the next few years. Carvel will introduce a wide range of soft serves and cakes in India, featuring flavours like Flying Saucers, vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, pistachio, and coffee. Founded in 1934 by Tom Carvel, the brand is known as the creator of soft serve and over the years, it has become a household favourite in the US. As of 30 March 2025, Carvel had over 370 locations across 14 countries. “India is a promising new market for Carvel. We see strong alignment between Carvel...

Amazon adds 5 fulfilment centres to ops network ahead of Prime Day sale

The new sites are operational in Delhi NCR, Rajpura, Indore, Kochi, and Bhubaneshwar  New Delhi: Amazon on Thursday announced the launch of five new fulfilment centres (its smart warehouses) as the e-commerce giant spruced up its operations network in India ahead of Prime Day 2025 scheduled next month. The new sites are operational in Delhi NCR, Rajpura (Punjab), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Kochi (Kerala), and Bhubaneshwar (Odisha), Amazon said in a release. “With Prime Day 2025 starting in July, Amazon announced the launch of five new fulfilment centers (FCs), further adding to its robust operations network in India. This expansion brings the first Amazon FC in Indore, Bhubaneshwar, Kochi and Rajpura,” it said. The fulfilment centres will be operated and managed by strategic partners (players in the logistics industry) and will boost delivery speeds for customers across the country, according to Amazon. Amazon Prime Day sale offers deals and discounts for users on products rang...

Malls vs high streets: Where are retailers opening stores in 2025?

As retail landscapes evolve, brands are rethinking their strategies on whether to establish themselves in malls or on high streets It’s the age-old Sophie’s choice for retailers: malls or high streets for opening stores? A decade ago, choosing the right location was a gamble, driven more by instinct and luck than any real strategy. But those days are long gone. Today, tech and data do the heavy lifting, telling brands not just what to open, but where and when to do it. Heatmaps, footfall trackers, and real-time consumer insights have taken the guesswork out of the game. So what’s working now? Let’s break down the wins and trade-offs of both formats and explore which way the wind is blowing for today’s brands. Why Malls Matter Controlled environment Malls offer air-conditioning, clean restrooms, valet parking, and security which makes them family-friendly destinations with longer dwell times. Consumers often walk around malls simply to escape the scorching heat, which continue...

India’s retail sales records 7% YoY growth in May 2025: Survey

Regional data indicates South India led with 9% YoY growth, followed by West at 7%, North at 6%, and East at 4% Bengaluru: Retail sales in India experienced a 7% growth in May 2025 compared to the sales levels during the same month last year, Retailers Association of India (RAI) said in its latest edition of its Retail Business Survey. Regional data shows that South India recorded the highest year-on-year growth at 9%. West India recorded a 7% rise followed by North and East India showing a growth of 6% and 4% respectively. “After several months of moderate growth of around 4 to 5%, retail businesses are beginning to show signs of accelerated growth, with sales in May 2025 growing 7% compared to the same period last year,” said Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of RAI . This uptick suggests improving consumer sentiment, particularly in discretionary categories. The outlook for the upcoming festive season appears optimistic.” Among categories, quick service restaurants (QSRs) led with 10% gro...

AI appliances contribute 50% sales in H1 2025; premium segment to drive growth: Samsung

The company is also increasing its retail presence and plans to add 150 more exclusive brand outlets pan India, taking the total number to 900 by the end of this year New Delhi: Consumer Electronics major Samsung, which is increasing its play in the premium appliances segment, expects artificial intelligence-powered and internet-connected appliances to contribute 50 per cent of its total sales in the first half of 2025, a company official said. The company expects a ‘single-digit growth’ overall in the refrigerator and washing segment in 2025. However, it estimates a double-digit growth in the premium segment. Besides, the company is also increasing its retail presence and plans to add 150 more exclusive brand outlets pan India, taking the total number to 900 by the end of this year, Samsung India Vice President Digital Appliances Business Ghufran Alam said. On the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in appliances, Samsung said the adaptability of such new-age technologies...

Unilever’s demerged ice cream entity to acquire 61.9% stake in Kwality Wall’s

The separation of the global ice cream business is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025 and the new company is known as ‘The Magnum Ice Cream Company’ New Delhi: Global FMCG major Unilever on Wednesday said Magnum HoldCo will acquire 61.9 per cent of Kwality Wall’s (India) Ltd. Magnum HoldCo is the holding firm within the new firm formed by the demerger of the ice cream business of Unilever. On March 19, 2024, Unilever PLC announced to separate its global ice cream business into a stand-alone business. The separation of the global ice cream business is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025 and the new company is known as ‘The Magnum Ice Cream Company’, Unilever said in a statement. In India, the company’s subsidiary Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) on January 22 this year announced to demerge its ice cream business into an independent entity — Kwality Wall’s (India) Ltd (KWIL). On completion of the demerger, HUL shareholders get one share of KWIL fo...

Bestseller India Gears Up for Seamless Omnichannel & GenAI-Powered Retail Future

In an exclusive conversation with  IndiaRetailing , Ranjan Sharma, CIO and Head of Supply Chain at Bestseller India, shares how the company is leveraging digital innovation to future-proof its retail operations. From AI-driven personalization to intelligent supply chain orchestration, Sharma offers insights into how Bestseller is building a resilient, tech-forward ecosystem that’s geared for speed, scale, and superior customer experience. The post Bestseller India Gears Up for Seamless Omnichannel & GenAI-Powered Retail Future appeared first on India Retailing . from India Retailing https://ift.tt/PrlUXG9 via IFTTT

Walmart’s India Blueprint: Digital-First, Supply-Led, India-Strong

When Doug McMillon, President & CEO of Walmart Inc., lands in India, it’s never just a ceremonial visit. It’s a strategic signal Accompanied this time by  Kathryn McLay , President & CEO of Walmart International, and joined on ground by  Kalyan Krishnamurthy , CEO of Flipkart, McMillon’s latest two-day visit marks more than a checkpoint in Walmart’s India journey — it captures a recalibration moment in the global retailer’s most complex, high-potential, and often policy-sensitive market. The messaging is subtle but unmissable:  Walmart’s India play is not through stores, but through supply chains, seller networks, and digital rails . This visit makes it clear — Walmart is here for India’s growth story, not its storefronts. A Strategic Pivot: Why Walmart Walked Away from Stores in India “We are no longer chasing the brick-and-mortar stores business in India.” —  Doug McMillon, Walmart CEO That single sentence — widely quoted from McMillon’s interact...

Homegrown luxury bag maker Ahikoza targets global scale, 100k clients in 3 years

Ahikoza is focusing on scaling customer acquisition, enhancing its e-commerce presence, and expanding into top-tier boutiques in India and worldwide Bengaluru: Luxury is no longer a category reserved for that tiny slice of billionaires and HNIs in India, but is now tangible for the flourishing middle class. Today’s entrepreneurs feel confident launching luxury brands in the country, while established players are rolling out luxe lines to cater to these voracious consumers. Artisanal handbag brand Ahikoza began testing the waters less than a decade ago. Founded modestly in 2016 by Namrata Karad , a perceptive businesswoman with a background in fashion and media, Ahikoza has unexpectedly earned red carpet appeal.  The brand has graced the arms of a handful of celebrities like Kate Hudson, Camila Cabello , Doja Cat , Alia Bhatt , and Kareena Kapoor Khan , making appearances at prestigious events such as Cannes , Grammys , Met Gala , and even Oscars . With Brahm Grou...

Colgate Palmolive to introduce more brands in India from its global portfolio

New Delhi: FMCG major Colgate-Palmolive (India) plans to introduce more brands here from the company’s global portfolio to upscale its play in India — one of the drivers for its growth, MD & CEO Prabha Narasimhan said on Monday. The company, having presence in the country with two brands – Colgate and Palmolive – currently operates in the oral care and personal care, and is in “active ongoing conversation” with the parent firm for expanding the portfolio. “We are very excited about what all we can do in India, both with our existing brands and portfolio, and with what we can do with the things that we can bring in from the globe. We have tremendous support from our global counterparts in terms of their excitement about what we can achieve in India,” Narasimhan told PTI. About the Palmolive brand, which is currently operating in the personal care space with a premium body wash and hand wash range, Narasimhan said, they have tremendous potential and grow at 20 to 30 per cent CAGR...

Ludhiana to get a 50-acre high street mall from Havenley Developers: Partner Rajiv Gandhi

 Rajiv Gandhi, Partner at Havenley Developers, shares insights into the company’s upcoming high-street retail development in Ludhiana, strategic factors behind the choice of location, curated brand mix spanning various categories, and the experiential features designed to elevate the consumer journey. Havenley Developers is a rapidly emerging real estate development company headquartered in Ludhiana, Punjab, with a strategic focus on delivering premium, lifestyle-centric spaces. Its hallmark lies in designing developments that emphasise experience, architectural elegance, leisure, and entertainment, aimed at delivering high‑end day‑out destinations for families, friends, and communities. The post Ludhiana to get a 50-acre high street mall from Havenley Developers: Partner Rajiv Gandhi appeared first on India Retailing . from India Retailing https://ift.tt/NFgxyCn via IFTTT

American denim brand True Religion makes D2C debut in India

The website is now live in India, offering Indian consumers direct access to True Religion’s signature collections Bengaluru: American denim and lifestyle brand True Religion has made its digital debut in India with the launch of its official e-commerce website in India, a press release said on Monday. The website is now live in India, offering Indian consumers direct access to True Religion’s signature collections – from premium denim and casual wear to accessories. The digital storefront will serve as the brand’s official online presence in India, featuring exclusive product drops, curated edits, and a seamless shopping experience tailored for the Indian audience. “With India’s growing appetite for premium, expressive fashion, this is the perfect moment to bring True Religion’s bold identity to the digital forefront. Through our e-commerce launch, we’re delivering an iconic global brand with a distinctly American attitude directly to Indian consumers—no filters, no compromises” s...

Malabar Gold & Diamonds crosses 400 showrooms worldwide

The brand is targeting an increase in revenue to Rs 78,000 crores and to open 60 showrooms in India in the current fiscal year Bengaluru: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the world’s largest jewellery retailers, has launched its 400th showroom, located at sector 18, Noida, reinforcing the brand’s rapid global expansion. With a current turnover of Rs 63,000 crore and presence in 13 countries, the brand is targeting an exponential increase in revenue to Rs 78,000 crores and to open 60 showrooms expanding its presence to 15 countries and 22 States and 3 Union Territories in India in the current fiscal year, committing an investment of over Rs 5,000 crores to drive growth. “We are thrilled to mark the opening of our 400th showroom in Noida. This milestone is a testament to our growth ambitions and marks a significant step in our ever-expanding footprint across India and globally in the journey to be the No: 1 global jewellery retailer,” said M P Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group...

Business of ambience: Lighting emerging as growth driver in home décor sector

What was once just a functional necessity is now a powerful design tool – one that creates the right vibe, evokes emotion, and reflects personality For decades, home décor conversations revolved around furniture, perfect wall colours, and statement rugs. But in recent years, lighting has quietly risen from playing the supporting role and taken the center stage. Today’s consumers aren’t just buying lamps to see – they’re buying lamps to create a style statement and create the right ambience. A pendant over the dining table, a warm floor lamp in a reading nook, a colour-changing smart luminaire in the bedroom – these aren’t just sources of light, they’re tools for creating mood and defining space while also highlighting a design language. As homes increasingly serve as offices, studios, and sanctuaries, lighting has evolved into a tool for crafting experiences. This emotional connection is fuelling demand – consumers want spaces that feel cozy, energizing, calming, or dramatic – and li...