In FMCG, the festive lever is not a bigger discount. It is a pack that fits the occasion. Walk through a supermarket in the week before Diwali and look at how the same beverage is sold. A standard case of 24 bottles sits on the lower shelf, built for homes that drink it regularly and for shops that stock in bulk. Higher up is a smaller festive pack of eight or ten bottles, in festive packaging, light enough to carry on a family visit. A lot of festive shoppers pick the smaller one. Nobody cut the price to make that happen. The pack simply suited the moment.
Festive shopping in India is usually described through discounts, and in some categories that is fair. On a television or a washing machine, a festive offer can take thousands of rupees off the bill and decide the sale. FMCG runs on a different equation. Prices are already modest, and the manufacturer, the distributor and the retailer each depend on a slice of every unit. Once the shelf price has been pared down, there is little left to give away without one of them taking the hit.
There is demand to plan around. Equirus Capital’s July 2026 Consumer Sector Tracker expects FMCG demand to grow by 9 to 11 per cent between August and November 2026, helped by stronger purchasing power. With the market moving that way, brands want festive growth that does not mean handing over margin.
Dozens of small gifts, not one big purchase
A festival is not one big purchase. It is dozens of small ones. Employees, teams, support staff, neighbours, business associates, friends and relatives all get something. Most buyers do not want to spend thousands of rupees on each person. They do want what they give to look decent and to carry a little meaning. That is the opening for an everyday product. If the pack looks and feels like a gift, a familiar bottle becomes a sensible thing to take along.
Why smaller packs make commercial sense
The 24-bottle case is a sensible buy for a household that drinks the product every week, and for a shop that stocks it in bulk. It is not the pack most people want to carry into a relative’s home or hand out across an office. A pack of eight or ten is easier to carry, easier to share and easier to distribute, and a buyer can pick up several for different occasions: one for the team, one for the neighbours, one for the family. For the brand, it is a way to meet a new occasion without changing the product.
Premium without a bigger price tag
People often assume premium means a bigger pack or a higher price. In FMCG it needn’t. Smarter packaging, a festive look and a smaller pack can change how a product feels while the price stays inside a sensible gifting budget. Occasionally the packaging does it alone, with the price left exactly where it was. This kind of affordable premiumisation suits FMCG, where the buyer is spending a modest amount and still wants the result to look considered.
Something new for the retailer
Retailers have a stake in this too. A festive pack with a clear gifting purpose gives a shopkeeper something fresh to talk about, instead of one more item competing with its neighbours on price. It also gives distributors a reason to make room for it. The talk at the counter changes too. It is less about the discount on offer and more about what the pack is for.
Where discounts still belong
None of this means discounting is finished. In high-MRP categories, where the absolute saving can change a purchase, it will remain central. The point is that FMCG has a different festive opportunity, and copying the discount playbook from other categories can cost margin for little gain.
The bottom line
The question for FMCG brands is moving from how much to knock off the price to what the pack should be for. The brands that decide early what each pack is for, and fix size, packaging and price in the same conversation, usually go into the season better prepared than those that wait and then reach for a discount. And in festive weeks, plenty of shoppers are really looking for something to give. A brand that understands that can grow in the season without surrendering its margin.
Authored by:
Nikhil Doda, Co-founder & COO, Lahori Zeera
When it comes to making video content, you cannot do without extra touches. Most times, when they are for the public. The bulk of the work involves the post-production phase, including scanning the video frame by frame and with a viewer's lens.
If you are also a video editor with multiple tasks, you try to beat deadlines. Even as you want to ensure that you have the best output that appeals to your client.
One issue you may experience in your editing workflow is a software glitch or a blackout. Your main editing software or app can unexpectedly break down due to a bug or underlying issue. Another likely interruption is hitting the editor’s block, a situation in which you are unable to make clean edits after several attempts.
In these cases, the need for extra hands arises to ensure everything is in place while keeping your editing trademark intact. Plus, you may need a tool on the side that does not undermine the overall message of the content.
If you’re a video editor with extra tasks on your hands, artificial intelligence comes in handy. With quick processing technology, AI tools make the workflow easier. And complement the manual process. This covers when you are looking to beat a deadline. Or make edits, which would ordinarily take up your time.
Also, you may have been in talks with your client for weeks and making preparations to ensure everything is in place. A downside is an unexpected crash or app outage. As such, you may want to consider extending the delivery timeline, which would result in losing the client's confidence.
AI-based video editing simplifies the process by automatically aligning all required components in a video. Your content can be solid with everything in place, including lighting and sound. But the background, objects, and watermark are essential elements that convey professionalism.
While you may not be a fan of AI video editing tools, they come to the rescue if you are unable to troubleshoot your daily editing process. You can always extend your trials and opt for a makeshift solution to ensure a professional look.
If you are looking to try out AI-based video editing tools, particularly for background removal, Vmake Labs is one option to consider. Ordinarily, your previous AI choices may not seem promising - owing to the experience. A first glance at the Vmake Labs makes a different thought.
The Vmake Labs workspace comprises several tools, including the AI background remover. Clicking on it is intriguing, such that no signup is required to access the page. Unlike others that go through the hurdles of signups only to generate poor backgrounds.
With an easy-to-understand interface, the guide on the page is straightforward: upload your video, remove the background, and replace it with something better. No complex editing skills required.
Going through the prompt, you can try out and change Video Backgrounds with these three steps.
Trying out the Vmake Labs video background remover meant visiting their page. And this is one of the things you can simply do. The page and listed prompts were simple to read and follow through.

The Video Background Remover tool supports uploading files through a link and from a device. It is one of the easiest things that you can do. A quick click on the link redirects you to your folders and imports the files to the webpage.

The uploaded video is processed by the Vmake Labs tool with a prompt to download in a new green background while retaining the video quality.

After the download, the background is gone. There were no weird edges in the new setting. There was a change in the background, with the same quality.
Using tools like Vmake Labs AI solves an editor workflow problem. When it comes to certain situations - business videos, presentations, social media - the tools' input is okay.
The Video Background Remover handles tedious technical work for editors, enabling them to focus on tasks that require more expertise. For creators, it's a plus to record wherever the lighting works and feel comfortable. And backgrounds may not be a constraint or a worry.
Backgrounds matter in a story and contribute to the overall perfection. According to Sarah's experience, the Video Background Remover uses the best AI technology to filter out the works based on her experience. It has also contributed to her workflow by retaining the background quality just like the usual edits.
The one-time AI video editing you fix for a client can gradually transition to daily custom. Over time, you can use the Vmake Labs Video Background Remover for client presentations and personal projects. Not only does it save time with training videos, but it also saves overall editing time.
With the online workspace, you will feel more confident in handling video projects. The Vmake Labs offers a reliable alternative without the subtle anxiety of a poor result. And this will make your overall video content workflow more professional.
On the other hand, the background remover does not have to replace the manual editing app. It is also not a bulky tool to master. Rather, it sometimes lessens the stress and thought process of your previous creation. It fits well into a video editor's workflow and lets you focus on other work that matters.
Whether you need money for a medical bill, home repair or family function, getting a loan decision quickly can make planning easier. Some borrowers receive pre-approved offers within minutes, while others may need to wait for additional checks. Preparing your documents, checking your eligibility and providing accurate details can reduce delays.
Pre-approval is an initial offer from a lender indicating the loan amount and terms you may qualify for based on an initial assessment. It is not a final approval. The lender still needs to verify your documents, income and other details before sanctioning the loan. You may receive a pre-approved offer from your existing bank or when you check your eligibility or apply for a Personal Loan online.
You can help speed up the process by keeping your details ready and responding promptly to the lender. These seven steps can help reduce avoidable delays.
Banks and NBFCs may offer pre-approved loans to existing customers whose banking and repayment records they already have. You can check for these offers through net banking, the lender's app or official messages. Since some initial checks may already be complete, these offers can require fewer steps than a fresh application. However, final approval still requires verification.
Know Your Customer (KYC) verification confirms your identity and address. Completing it in advance can save time during the application process. Before applying, check that:
Your PAN and Aadhaar details are correct.
Your Aadhaar-linked mobile number is active.
Your address details are up to date.
Your name and other personal details match across your documents.
Depending on the lender's process, you may be able to complete KYC online.
Lenders may request identity, address, income and bank records. Keeping clear digital copies ready can help you submit them without delay.
Document | Salaried applicants | Self-employed applicants |
Identity proof | PAN card | PAN card |
Address proof | Aadhaar or other valid proof | Aadhaar or other valid proof |
Income proof | Recent salary slips | Income tax returns and business financial records |
Bank statements | Recent personal account statements | Personal and business account statements |
Additional proof | Employment details, if requested | Business registration or GST certificate, if requested |
The exact requirements vary by lender. Save the relevant documents in an accepted format so you can upload them when asked.
Some lenders accept financial information through the Reserve Bank of India's Account Aggregator framework. With your consent, this system allows authorised financial information to be shared securely with the lender. It can reduce the need to download and upload bank statements manually. Check whether your lender supports this facility and review the consent request before sharing your data.
An eligibility check gives you an idea of the loan amount you may qualify for before submitting a full application. It can help you choose an amount that matches your income and repayment capacity. Financial platforms such as the JioFinance app display Personal Loan offers from multiple banks and NBFCs. Its eligibility check uses a soft enquiry, which does not affect your credit score.
Lenders compare your application with your documents and credit records. Incorrect or inconsistent information can lead to additional checks and delays. Before submitting the form, verify your:
Name and personal details
Employer or business name
Monthly income and employment details
Current address and contact information
Make sure your income matches the supporting documents and correct any errors before submitting the application.
During the review, a lender may ask for an OTP, a video KYC session, an additional document or confirmation of your details. Keep your phone and email accessible and respond as soon as possible. Prompt replies help prevent avoidable gaps between verification stages, although the overall timeline depends on the lender's checks.
Pre-approval is followed by final verification and loan sanction. The process generally includes these steps:
Check the offer's validity period and complete the required steps before it expires.
Getting pre-approval faster starts with good preparation. Check existing offers, complete KYC, keep your documents ready, verify your eligibility and provide accurate details. Responding promptly to lender requests can also help avoid delays. When you apply for a Personal Loan online, platforms such as JioFinance let you compare offers from different lenders in one place. Review the interest rate, fees and repayment terms before accepting an offer.
India’s luxury market is undergoing a shift, with consumers increasingly seeking products that offer more than material value. For Jaipur Watch Company, this change is creating an opportunity to build a distinct category around heritage, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
“The contemporary consumer is rapidly moving away from viewing luxury strictly as a material asset or generic gold investment,” Gaurav Mehta, Founder & CEO, Jaipur Watch Company, said. “Instead, there is a pronounced pivot toward high craftsmanship, storytelling, and emotional resonance.”
Founded in 2013, Jaipur Watch Company reported a turnover of Rs 25 crore in FY2025 and currently operates 13 physical locations across India, spanning Exclusive Brand Outlets and luxury hotel shop-in-shops. The company has built its identity around combining horology with elements of Indian history, including vintage coins, Pichhwai art, royal insignias, and antique postage stamps.
The concept originated from Mehta’s personal fascination with history, coins, and mechanical craftsmanship. In 2012, he dismantled a quartz watch and placed an authentic British-India-era vintage coin on its dial. The response to the creation led him to recognize an opportunity in story-driven luxury.
“People were not just reacting to a timepiece, they were captivated by the piece of living history strapped to a wrist,” Mehta shared.
The brand’s positioning centers on what Mehta described as “heirloom timepieces” that serve as “custodians of authentic Indian history.” This philosophy also shapes its retail strategy, with physical stores designed as immersive brand environments where customers can explore limited editions, discuss custom commissions, and experience the craftsmanship firsthand.
“Feeling the weight of the case, appreciating the detail of a hand-painted dial under a magnifying glass, and testing how a watch sits on the wrist cannot be fully replicated on a screen,” Mehta said.
At the same time, digital platforms remain central to discovery. The company’s D2C website and partnerships with luxury platforms help reach consumers beyond its physical network, while its “Design Your Own Watch” interface allows customers to explore personalized creations.
The strategy connects digital discovery with offline consultations and personalized service, creating multiple touchpoints through which consumers can interact with the brand before making a purchase.
The next phase is focused on scale without compromising exclusivity. Jaipur Watch Company plans to expand from 13 locations to more than 25 luxury touchpoints across Tier-1 cities and emerging Tier-2 luxury hubs.
The company is also targeting markets in the Middle East, North America, and Europe, while investing in mechanical complications, micro-engraving, and custom case geometries.
“Our overarching vision for the next two years is to firmly anchor India on the global map of fine luxury horology,” Mehta expressed. “We want to demonstrate that world-class, collectible timepieces can originate from Indian history and craftsmanship.”
With its focus on limited production, heritage, and bespoke craftsmanship, Jaipur Watch Company is betting that the future of Indian luxury will not simply be about owning something expensive, but owning something with a story.
Rice is a kitchen staple across India, from everyday food to festive biryanis. However, affordability remains the main driver of household purchases, while the market is slowly changing as consumers pay more attention to grain quality, aroma, cooking performance, and branded packaged products. This shift gives rice companies opportunities to move beyond traditional sales, build differentiated portfolios, and reach consumers through new retail channels.
Rice feeds more than half of the world’s population and provides about 20 percent of total human caloric intake worldwide. More than 90 percent of the world's rice is produced and consumed in Asia, with China, India, Indonesia and Bangladesh among the leading producers.
Mordor Intelligence’s Rice Industry in India – Market Size & Demand report states that the rice market in India is estimated to be valued at USD 49.32 billion in 2026 and is expected to reach USD 62.09 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.72 percent during 2026–2031.
Also read: How GRM Foods Is Growing 921 Basmati Rice Globally
With the competition getting tougher, companies are now betting on product consistency and consumer trust to stand out in the branded rice segment.
Aman Gupta, Managing Director of SSIEL (the parent company of Leysha), said the company's international experience provides a foundation for its domestic brand-building efforts.
"SSIEL has been in the rice business for several decades, and our journey began in 1967 as a rice mill. Over the years, we have evolved into an established Basmati rice exporter, reaching more than 70 countries and working with over 228 brands globally," Gupta said.
SSIEL has an annual processing capacity of approx 300,000 metric tonnes, exports exceeding 450,000 metric tonnes and manufacturing facilities spanning 85 acres across Taraori and Nissing in Haryana.
Explaining the opportunity in the domestic market, Gupta said, "We identified one of the biggest challenges in the Basmati rice category: maintaining purity, authenticity and consistent quality from sourcing to the consumer's plate."
The company is building Leysha as a premium Basmati brand, with plans to expand distribution across general trade, modern retail, e-commerce and HoReCa. Its FY27 ambition is to approach Rs 350 crore in domestic business and secure a double-digit share of the branded Basmati segment.
Also read: From Premium Perfumes to Pocket-Friendly Scents
Premiumisation is opening up opportunities but rice brands need to also appeal to households looking for pocket-friendly options for everyday meals.
"Indian consumers are increasingly moving towards branded packaged rice, prioritising grain quality, aroma, consistency and cooking performance. This shift is creating opportunities for brands like 921 to differentiate themselves through quality and products tailored to specific consumption occasions," said Yanshil Garg, Managing Director of GRM Foods.
The company's portfolio includes premium varieties such as Biryani, Classic, Super and Pulav under 921 Basmati Rice, daily-use options such as Rozana and Everyday Long Grain, and speciality varieties such as Sticky Rice and Sushi Rice. Rehaan Basmati Rice extends its offerings across additional consumer segments.
Garg said the company has observed an approximately 25 percent seasonal increase in premium and super-premium sales during festive periods, indicating greater spending on quality rice for special occasions.
Meanwhile, KRBL is expanding its offerings beyond Basmati to address changing food preferences.
Kunal Sharma, Vice President – Marketing and Organized Trade at KRBL Ltd, said, "We are expanding beyond Basmati into a multi-category food organisation, with offerings spanning biryani masala, Poha, regional cuisine mixes, blended oils, brown rice and low-GI rice under India Gate Uplife."
The diversification is a way to serve consumers in different food categories as well as having a position in the main rice business.
Also read: Retail Sales Grow 8 Pc in September 2026 Ahead of Festive Season: Report
Quick Commerce Creates New Opportunities
Distribution plays a role in the industry’s growth with traditional retail, organized grocery chains, and digital platforms.
GRM Foods reaches more than 25,000 retail outlets through over 400 distributors in India. Its products are also available on Swiggy Instamart, Zepto, BigBasket, Amazon and Flipkart.
"Quick commerce has emerged as a particularly strong growth engine, recording approximately 30 percent month-on-month growth and contributing around Rs 50 crore in annual sales. The channel currently accounts for roughly 10 percent of our revenue," Garg said.
The company has reported a customer repeat rate of approximately 30 percent, while its distribution strategy continues to combine physical retail with online channels.
General trade continues to be a key distribution pillar for KRBL, with digital platforms being a part of product discovery and convenience.
“Our omnichannel strategy blends the reach of general trade with modern retail, e-commerce and quick commerce,” Sharma said. General trade continues to be a key pillar of distribution, but digital channels are gaining importance for discovery and convenience.
Also read: Premiumization Reshapes India’s Home Appliance Retail Market
International business is another big growth driver for Indian rice companies.
SSIEL is targeting export sales of Rs 2,400 crore in FY27 compared to Rs 2,134.76 crore in FY26, a growth of around 12.4 per cent. Beyond rice, the group is pursuing diversification into hospitality and beauty and personal care, with a five-year ambition to achieve a business scale of Rs 10,000 crore.
GRM Foods reported revenue of Rs 350 crore in FY25 and Rs 500 crore in FY26. It is targeting Rs 700 crore in FY27, with a longer-term goal of crossing Rs 3,000 crore by 2030.
"Our priority for FY27 is to accelerate growth by strengthening our domestic business, expanding exports and building a larger consumer franchise," Garg said.
The company currently exports to approximately 50 countries and aims to expand its presence to more than 100 countries by 2030. Domestic sales account for approximately 80 percent of its revenue, while exports contribute 20 percent. Its long-term objective is to move towards a 50:50 domestic-to-export revenue mix.
KRBL is also focusing on distribution expansion, household penetration and international growth.
Sharma said, "We will continue to build India Gate's brand equity, explore opportunities across consumer segments and strengthen our export business."
Also read: Diwali Dressing Gets a Retail Makeover
India’s rice market is moving into a phase where traditional consumption patterns are being supplemented by demand for premium varieties, convenient buying options and wider product choices. Exports offer scaling opportunities but domestic growth will depend on reaching more households without sacrificing affordability.
The challenge for rice companies is to translate the shift in consumer preferences into sustainable development through consistent quality, relevant product portfolios, and stronger distribution networks.
Also read: How Indian Fashion Brands Are Building the Next Premium Retail Market
India’s jewellery market is witnessing a shift towards designs that reflect both culture, relevance, and everyday aesthetics. Tribe Amrapali is one such brand that fits into this space as it introduces customers to India’s heritage-influenced jewellery. Starting as an e-store in March 2013, Tribe Amrapali is now a multi-city retail brand that has a total of 42 stores in India.
Akanksha Arora, CEO, Tribe Amrapali, said, "India’s jewellery retail market is evolving rapidly, driven by premiumisation, organised retail and consumers seeking greater design and cultural value."
Arora claims that the use of jewelry is also expanding beyond customary events. "We see significant room for growth as jewelry moves beyond occasion-led purchases to becoming part of everyday self-expression."
The brand preserves its cultural identity, creative flair, and timeless appeal while fusing modern luxury with Indian crafts, symbolism, and storytelling to create contemporary jewelry pieces.
Tribe Amrapali’s journey began with a digital-first model. What started as a small team has since developed into a multi-city retail brand.
Arora said, "Tribe Amrapali began in 2013 as an e-store, born from a simple vision to make India’s rich jewellery heritage more accessible, contemporary and relevant to an evolving generation."
Its physical network currently includes 42 locations, enhancing its market presence. The company appeals to customers looking for unique jewelry, modern fashion, and cultural connections by striking a balance between innovation and its heritage-led identity.
Retail remains an important part of Tribe Amrapali’s strategy, supported by its digital platform and select airport retail touchpoints.
Arora explained, "Our retail strategy entails an omnichannel approach, combining our own stores with select airport retail touchpoints alongside our digital platform."
The physical stores play an important role in creating the brand experience, while digital channels help Tribe Amrapali reach consumers beyond its store network.
"Our 42 stores across the country provide an immersive brand experience, while our e-commerce platform offers convenience and access beyond our physical footprint," Arora stated.
She added, "We see digital not as a separate channel, but as an extension of our retail experience, helping customers discover, explore and purchase our designs wherever they are."
Tribe Amrapali's brand development has also been aided by partnerships. Through collaborations with designers and creative experts, the brand has been able to reach a broader audience for fashion and lifestyle while introducing fresh viewpoints.
Arora mentioned, "Collaborations have been an important way for us to expand Tribe Amrapali’s creative vocabulary and connect with new and growing audiences."
Along with its Manikarnika and Baahubali collections, the firm has also leveraged film ties to link its craftsmanship with broader cultural storylines.
Tribe Amrapali intends to grow carefully throughout high-potential locations and travel retail over the next two years in order to increase its relevance among contemporary Indian customers.
Arora stated, "Our focus will be on expanding selectively across high-potential cities and travel retail, strengthening our digital presence, and creating distinctive retail experiences that bring our heritage and craftsmanship to newer audiences."
As Indian consumers increasingly seek jewelry that reflects personal identity, cultural roots, and contemporary living, Tribe Amrapali aims to bridge traditional artistry with modern retail. Its strategy centers on digital engagement, strategic physical growth, and reinforcing the link between India’s legacy and today’s evolving jewelry preferences.
The history of jewellery shopping in India has now become a story of innovation rather than one based only on traditional practices. This has been possible due to the advent of a new range of jewellery brands. These have revolutionised the interaction between consumers and jewellery. One such brand is that of GIVA, founded in 2019 by Ishendra Agarwal.
The jewellery industry in India is gradually undergoing change with the growth in disposable income levels and changes in consumer behavior. As per Agarwal's observation on this development, he said, “The consumers today want jewellery that fits easily in their lifestyle, combining design, quality, credibility, and accessibility.”
GIVA was founded on the premise of affordable aspiration. What started as a sterling silver jewellery brand has gradually expanded into gold and fine jewellery, catering to different stages of a customer’s journey. “We started by making high-quality silver jewellery more accessible and have since expanded into gold jewellery and Heer by GIVA,” he explained.
Founded with a clear gap in mind, GIVA focused on design-led, affordable jewellery backed by trust. Over the years, the brand diversified into multiple categories, including men’s and kids’ jewellery, while also strengthening its product portfolio.
“Our journey has been marked by strong digital-first growth, rapid retail expansion, and the launch of over 370 exclusive stores nationwide,” said Agarwal. This expansion reflects not just scale but also a response to growing consumer demand for accessibility and convenience.
One of the important factors behind the success of GIVA is its strategy of being omnichannel. The company is operational via both offline shops and online mediums.
“Our retail strategy is built around accessibility and convenience,” Agarwal shared. “Rather than viewing online and offline separately, we see them as complementary channels.”
With over 370 stores in India, physical stores become experience centres while digital mediums facilitate discovery and repurchasing. In this way, the customer can switch from one medium to another effortlessly.
Apart from being an effective retail brand, GIVA has concentrated its efforts on achieving cultural relevance through collaboration and storytelling. “We believe every collaboration should feel authentic and add value to our customers,” Agarwal explained.
Linking personality and brand has been instrumental for the company to relate to different audience groups without affecting its positioning strategy. Events-based campaigns further reinforce emotional connect with the consumer.
Looking Ahead
As the Indian jewellery industry grows, the emphasis is now on organised retail and tech-based experiences. Agarwal sees strong growth potential in emerging categories and markets.
“The next phase of growth will be shaped by omnichannel experiences and evolving consumer aspirations,” he said.
GIVA hopes to leverage these strategies to further build on its existing platform. “Ultimately, we aim to make GIVA one of the most trusted and accessible brands of jewellery in India,” added Agarwal, as they have been on a similar path as the entire Indian jewellery retail industry.
Facts:
Scroll through any week of retail headlines in India and a pattern jumps out. A snack brand closes a Series B. A beauty label raises growth capital. A footwear chain files its draft papers. Consumer names such as Lenskart and Meesho have already made the leap from startup decks to the stock-market ticker, and a long line of D2C brands is watching closely.
For decades, retail success in India was built on reading the customer: what sells in Ludhiana versus Kochi, how festive demand shifts year to year, which SKU deserves the eye-level shelf. That instinct still matters. But a new layer of literacy is now being demanded of everyone in the business, from the founder pitching investors to the store manager who has just been handed ESOPs. They need to understand how markets price a business.
Three shifts are pushing capital-market fluency down the retail org chart.
Listed peers have become the benchmark. When Avenue Supermarts or Trent publishes quarterly numbers, the market's reaction tells every private retailer what investors value right now, whether that is same-store sales growth, margin discipline or store expansion pace. Founders who can read that reaction negotiate better in their own funding rounds.
Equity is reaching the shop floor. ESOP pools at funded D2C brands increasingly extend beyond the head office to category managers, regional leads and senior store staff. An employee who holds stock options but has never seen a share price move is holding something they do not fully understand.
Treasury decisions are getting sharper. Mid-sized retailers and franchise owners sitting on seasonal cash surpluses are asking where that money should sit between peaks. Making that call well requires a basic grasp of risk, liquidity and volatility.
The problem is that most retail professionals learned business on the floor, not on a trading screen. And the market is an expensive classroom when lessons are paid for with real money.
Here is the irony: retail is one of the industries most comfortable with rehearsal. Brands open pilot stores before a national rollout. They soft-launch a product in two cities before committing to a full production run. Merchandisers test planograms in a handful of outlets and watch the sell-through before redesigning every shelf in the chain.
The same logic applies to markets. Before putting capital at risk, it makes sense to run a pilot, and that is exactly what trading simulators offer: a live-like market environment where orders, price swings and losses are real in every sense except the financial one.
A good practice environment teaches lessons that no explainer video can.
How orders behave. The difference between a market order and a limit order feels academic until you watch one fill at a price you did not expect.
The barrier to starting has also dropped sharply. Many tools now run straight in the browser, and some go as far as offering demo trading without account registration, so there is no sign-up form, no KYC and no personal data to hand over. For a busy store manager, that means a fifteen-minute session during a lunch break rather than an afternoon of onboarding. For a training team, it means an entire batch of employees can try the same exercise in a workshop without anyone creating a login.
Low friction is useful, but the practice ground still matters, because habits formed in a simulator tend to follow people to the platform they eventually trade on. A few principles help.
Stay inside the regulated ecosystem. India offers solid practice options built around SEBI-regulated markets, including NSE's own learning and virtual-trading initiatives and the paper-trading modes that many SEBI-registered brokers provide inside their apps. Practising on instruments and rules you will actually use is far more valuable than practising on something you never should.
Check before you click. The Reserve Bank of India maintains a public Alert List of platforms that are not authorised to offer forex trading to Indian residents, and SEBI publishes registers of authorised intermediaries. A two-minute check is the retail equivalent of verifying a new supplier's GST number.
Be wary of practice tools built to convert. A simulator that constantly nudges you towards depositing money, promises guaranteed returns, or pushes leveraged forex and binary-style bets is a sales funnel, not a classroom.
Treat it as training, not a game. The point is to build judgement. Keeping a simple log of each trade, the reason behind it and the outcome turns play into learning.
For founders and HR leads who want to build market literacy into their teams, a simple monthly structure works well.
The cost is close to zero. The payoff is a team that understands its own ESOPs, reads competitor results with sharper eyes, and speaks the same language as the investors funding the next stage of growth.
Every experienced retailer knows the rule: test small, learn fast, then scale. It is how winning formats are born and how costly mistakes are avoided. As Indian consumer businesses move deeper into the world of capital markets, the people who build them would do well to apply that same rule to their own financial learning.
The next big retail listing will be celebrated on the floor of the stock exchange. The people best placed to benefit from it will be the ones who rehearsed long before the bell rang.
Changing consumer habits, higher-value orders and the need for convenience are changing the face of India’s retail landscape. Quick commerce is now moving beyond groceries to medicines, beauty products, smartphones, apparel and home appliances. What started as a convenient way to restock groceries is evolving into a wider retail channel for beauty, healthcare, fashion and electronics.
According to Ashutosh Goyal, CEO of Hyyzo, a report by Google and Redseer projects India’s quick commerce market to be USD 13 billion in FY2026 and USD 90 billion by FY2031. Beauty, home, and electronics in quick commerce are expected to grow from USD 3 billion to USD 21–27 billion over the same period.
Also read: Retail Sales Grow 8 Pc in September 2026 Ahead of Festive Season
Quick commerce is expanding beyond groceries into personal care, medicines, fashion, and electronics, catering to immediate consumer needs while adapting fulfilment models to category-specific requirements.
“Quick commerce is evolving from being a grocery convenience model into a broader on-demand retail infrastructure,” said Saquib Ali, Co-founder of DocPharma.
Ali said healthcare requires more than fast delivery. “A medicine cannot simply be treated like another SKU in a grocery basket,” he said, highlighting the importance of prescription validation, pharmacist intervention, inventory accuracy, compliance, and appropriate storage.
He added that consumer adoption depends on more than delivery speed. “What is driving adoption is not speed alone. It is the combination of availability, convenience and reliability.”
For healthcare, this shift matters because medical needs can be urgent and unplanned. “The opportunity is therefore not simply to make delivery faster, but to build the infrastructure that makes faster fulfilment possible,” Ali said.
Also read: How India’s Fragrance Retail Is Evolving
Quick commerce is also changing shopping frequency and purchase occasions. Consumers increasingly place smaller, immediate orders instead of waiting for their next planned shopping trip.
“The biggest change is the shift from ‘I need to shop’ to ‘I need this now,’” Ali said.
He noted that expectations now extend beyond delivery time to include real-time inventory visibility, easy ordering, accurate fulfilment and transparent tracking. In healthcare, he said, “A customer may want a medicine quickly, but they also expect the system to get the right medicine to them.”
Hyyzo's data for October 1–13, compared with September, reflects the expansion of shopping occasions. Orders placed between midnight and 6 AM increased from 1.3 percent to 15.1 percent of total quick commerce orders, while the share of orders between 6 AM and noon rose from 21 percent to 29 percent.
“Quick commerce is changing not just what people buy, but when and how,” Goyal said.
The data also shows a shift towards higher-value purchases. Orders exceeding Rs 2,000 increased from 6.7 percent to 19.2 percent of total orders, while the average non-electronics order value rose approximately 74 percent, from Rs 544 to Rs 946.
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Beauty and personal care are emerging as important categories in quick commerce, supported by immediate consumption needs and repeat purchases.
Dhruv Sayani, Founder and Managing Director of KT Professional and Ccigmaa Lifestyle, said the channel has changed when consumers purchase personal care products. “People now order more often, and more of those orders are on impulse, because quick commerce has become part of everyday retail,” he said.
Brands are also using product recommendations to encourage complementary purchases. Sayani explained that consumers purchasing hair colour may also need specialised shampoo and conditioner, creating an opportunity to introduce related products during checkout.
He said the company's shampoo and conditioner lines under KT Professional are growing month on month, with repeat purchases remaining strong.
“After that, retention is easy, because the whole game is product quality,” Sayani said, explaining the importance of product performance in encouraging customers to return.
Seasonality also influences demand. According to Sayani, winter sales of the brand's haircare products can increase threefold to fivefold compared with off-peak months. To meet demand, the company adjusts production schedules, stock buffers, and dark-store allocation in advance.
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Higher-Value Orders Reshape Retail EconomicsElectronics is contributing to the increase in quick commerce order values, particularly during festive sales. According to Hyyzo, mobiles accounted for approximately 30 percent of Flipkart sales value through its platform in early October, compared with 14 percent in September.
The average Flipkart order value through Hyyzo rose approximately 75 percent, from Rs 2,786 in September to Rs 4,886 in early October, driven by purchases of mobiles, laptops and televisions.
Goyal said that although higher-value categories increase order sizes, their profitability varies. “Electronics drives scale but carries much thinner margins than fashion, footwear, watches and beauty, which remain the margin engine,” he said.
He added that consumers continue to compare prices and look for cashback and bank offers, particularly when purchasing expensive products. As quick commerce expands, balancing speed with value will remain important.
Sayani, meanwhile, reported an average selling price of Rs 550 and an average order value of Rs 2,350 across his brand. He said higher basket values can help cover picking, packing and last-mile delivery costs more effectively than smaller grocery orders.
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As quick commerce expands into specialised categories, inventory management, fulfilment infrastructure and retail partnerships will become increasingly important.
DocPharma recently raised USD 2 million in Pre-Series A funding led by Equentis. The company plans to expand its healthcare fulfilment network from more than 12 cities towards 50-plus cities, including the addition of 100 licensed dark stores. It has fulfilled more than 800,000 orders and works with over 30 healthcare and wellness platforms.
Ali said the company's focus is on creating a connected network that integrates inventory, technology, pharmacists, dark stores, pharmacies and delivery infrastructure.
“We see quick commerce moving from a delivery proposition to an infrastructure proposition,” he said, adding that healthcare fulfilment must be built around accuracy, compliance, availability and trust.
For Hyyzo, expansion will focus on reaching more shoppers through retail partnerships rather than building its own warehouses or delivery network. Goyal said the company is targeting 20 million active users and more than Rs 1,000 crore in gross merchandise value over the next 18 months.
Sayani said his company's plans include strengthening its presence in core cities while entering additional urban markets, supported by consumer marketing and product availability on quick commerce platforms.
As more retail categories move to faster delivery models, the opportunity will depend on whether platforms and brands can combine convenience with reliable fulfilment, competitive pricing and sustainable economics. Quick commerce is no longer limited to replenishing household essentials; it is becoming another route through which consumers discover, purchase and replenish products across India's retail market.
Baggy jeans have become a popular choice for fashion enthusiasts looking to combine comfort with contemporary streetwear style. With their relaxed silhouettes, loose leg openings and versatile designs, baggy-fit denim works across casual outfits, oversized T-shirts, hoodies, crop tops and sneakers.
From established denim labels to trend-led fashion brands, shoppers in India can choose from a wide ranger of baggy jeans in different washes, fits and price segments. Whether you prefer a minimalist look, vintage-inspired denim or bold streetwear styling, the right brand can help you build a versatile wardrobe.
Here are six baggy jeans brands in India worth exploring for your streetwear wardrobe.

Levi's is a well-established denim brand offering a range of fits, including baggy and relaxed silhouettes. Its baggy jeans are an option for shoppers who want a streetwear-inspired look while prioritising classic denim styling.
The brand's loose-fit designs can be paired with oversized graphic T-shirts, sweatshirts, sneakers and casual jackets. Blue, black and faded denim washes offer flexibility for everyday styling.
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H&M offers trend-led denim styles for shoppers who want to experiment with contemporary silhouettes. Its baggy and ultra-baggy jeans can work well for relaxed streetwear outfits, particularly when paired with oversized tops and chunky sneakers.
The brand is worth considering for shoppers who like to update their wardrobes with changing fashion trends. Depending on the collection, shoppers can find different washes, rises and leg shapes.

Zara is an option for shoppers who prefer fashion-forward denim with a contemporary, more polished streetwear aesthetic. Its denim collections feature relaxed and wide-leg silhouettes, offering alternatives to traditional slim and straight-fit jeans.
For a balanced outfit, baggy jeans can be styled with a fitted T-shirt, a cropped jacket or a structured shirt. Minimal accessories and clean sneakers can help create a more refined streetwear look.

Freakins is a homegrown fashion brand known for its denim-focused range and trend-led women's styles. It is worth exploring for shoppers looking for baggy jeans, wide-leg fits and distressed designs that complement contemporary streetwear.
Its fashion-led approach makes it relevant for those who want denim to be a statement piece rather than simply an everyday wardrobe essential. Depending on the style, baggy jeans can be paired with crop tops, oversized shirts, fitted tanks or graphic tees.

Urbanic caters to shoppers interested in trend-driven fashion, including relaxed silhouettes and contemporary denim styling. Its fashion offering makes it an option for those looking to experiment with baggy jeans as part of a youthful, social-media-influenced wardrobe.
Baggy denim can be styled with fitted tops, oversized sweatshirts, statement belts and platform shoes. Light-wash denim works well for laid-back daytime looks, while darker washes can create a more understated streetwear outfit.

Snitch is an Indian menswear brand offering contemporary casualwear, including loose and baggy denim styles. It is worth considering for shoppers who want to build relaxed outfits around oversized T-shirts, shirts, sneakers and other streetwear staples.
Washed denim, distressed detailing and loose silhouettes can help create a casual, urban look. Shoppers should compare the individual product's cut, rise and length to find the fit that suits their preferred styling.
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Choosing the right pair is only part of creating a streetwear look. Styling, proportions and footwear also influence the overall appearance.
Baggy jeans have become a versatile option for building a contemporary streetwear wardrobe, offering an alternative to conventional slim and straight-fit denim. Brands such as Levi's, H&M, Zara, Freakins, Urbanic and Snitch provide different approaches to relaxed denim, from established denim styling to trend-focused designs.
The best baggy jeans brand in India ultimately depends on individual preferences, budget, fit and styling requirements. Before purchasing, compare waist measurements, rise, leg width, fabric composition and length to find a pair that delivers both comfort and the desired streetwear aesthetic.
Levi's, H&M, Zara, Freakins, Urbanic and Snitch are six brands worth exploring for baggy jeans. Their offerings vary by fit, style, price and target audience.
Baggy jeans generally feature a loose fit through the waist, hips and legs, depending on the design. Wide-leg jeans primarily have a wider leg opening and may fit more closely around the waist and hips.
Pair baggy jeans with oversized graphic T-shirts, hoodies, crop tops or casual jackets. Sneakers, belts and simple accessories can complete the outfit.
Yes. Baggy jeans can be suitable for everyday wear because their relaxed fit allows freedom of movement. Comfort also depends on the fabric, waistband, rise and overall cut.
Blue and light-wash denim are versatile choices for casual outfits. Black and dark blue jeans work well for understated styling, while grey and distressed washes can add a more statement-driven streetwear element.
Karwa Chauth is a celebration of love, thoughtful gestures and the little things that make a relationship special. While jewellery, clothing and beauty hampers remain popular gifting choices, perfumes offer a more personal alternative. A fragrance can become part of someone's everyday routine, evoke memories and add a special touch to festive occasions.
From affordable perfume gift sets to curated fragrance discoveries and traditional Indian perfumery, several brands offer options for different tastes and budgets. Whether you're looking for a collection of scents to explore or a distinctive fragrance for your partner, here are five perfume brands to consider for Karwa Chauth gifting.

For those looking for an affordable yet thoughtful Karwa Chauth gift, Vanesa's perfume gift sets offer variety in one package. Its Divine, Luxury and Intense collections each feature four 20 ml fragrances, allowing the recipient to experiment with different scents depending on the occasion, outfit or mood.
Priced at ₹559 each, the sets offer an accessible gifting option for those who want to go beyond a single perfume. The Divine set includes Scarlet, Babe, Caper and Oud Arabica, bringing together different fragrance profiles, from floral and fruity notes to warmer, deeper accords. The Luxury set features Enigma, Magic Pearl, Babe and Caper, while the Intense set includes Shero, Magic Pearl, Mystique and Oud Love.
The compact bottles are convenient for travel and everyday use, making these sets suitable for someone who enjoys switching fragrances. Available through Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra and VanesaStore.com, they offer a practical way to make festive gifting more personal.

For those who appreciate traditional Indian perfumery alongside contemporary fragrances, Kastoori offers a gifting option rooted in Kannauj's fragrance-making heritage. Established in 2019 as a home-based fragrance experiment, the Indian fragrance and lifestyle brand has expanded its portfolio to include personal fragrances, traditional attars, solid perfumes, fragrance oils and home-fragrance products.
Its gifting range includes curated fragrance sets, festive hampers, wedding and return gifts, and customised fragrance combinations. The brand has also introduced an Inspired Fragrance range designed for everyday wear and special occasions, combining affordability with its handmade approach.
Beyond personal perfumes, Kastoori offers products such as room fresheners, car perfumes, handmade soaps, gulabjal and dhoop batti, providing options for those who enjoy fragrance across different aspects of daily life.
With its roots in Kannauj, a city known for its traditional perfumery, and a presence in Kanpur and Bengaluru, Kastoori brings an Indian fragrance perspective to festive gifting. Its assortment is worth exploring for someone who appreciates attars, fragrance-based lifestyle products or a customised gifting combination.

For fragrance enthusiasts who enjoy exploring different scent profiles, L'eau Maliz offers a discovery kit featuring five distinct French fragrances. Curated by perfumista Vanesha Majithia, the L'eau Maliz Discovery Kit is designed to take the wearer through different olfactory experiences, making it a distinctive option for festive gifting.
Priced at ₹4,451, the kit brings together fragrances ranging from rich boozy leather and smoky woods to crisp ozonic aquatic notes and warm Mediterranean accords. Each scent offers a different character, giving the recipient the flexibility to choose a fragrance according to their mood, personal style or occasion.
The discovery format makes the kit particularly suitable for someone who enjoys experimenting with perfumes rather than sticking to one signature scent. The variety also allows the wearer to explore different fragrance families, from deeper, warmer compositions to fresher, lighter profiles.
For Karwa Chauth, the set can be a considered choice for someone who appreciates fragrance as a personal interest and enjoys discovering new scents. It is available through Luvih for ₹4,451.

For those who prefer a polished presentation and a premium fragrance experience, Skinn by Titan is another brand to consider. Its fragrance portfolio includes options across different scent profiles, along with miniature perfume sets and coffrets that allow recipients to explore more than one fragrance.
The brand's gifting assortment includes options for women as well as men, with different formats suited to varied preferences and budgets. Miniature sets can be particularly useful for someone who enjoys experimenting with fragrances, while larger fragrance combinations may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial gift.
For Karwa Chauth, a perfume set offers an opportunity to choose fragrances for different occasions, from everyday wear to festive evenings. With floral, fruity, woody and other fragrance profiles available across its collection, Skinn by Titan provides options for those looking for a contemporary perfume gift.
Explore the available options on the official Skinn by Titan website.

For someone who prefers fragrances with depth and character, Ajmal Perfumes offers a range of options spanning floral, musky, woody and oud-based compositions. The brand's collection includes individual perfumes, discovery formats and gifting options, making it worth exploring for those who enjoy distinctive fragrance profiles.
Ajmal's range caters to different preferences, from fragrances suited to everyday wear to richer compositions for evening occasions. Its gifting assortment includes options such as the Unisex Royal Series Giftpack and other fragrance sets, subject to current availability.
For Karwa Chauth, Ajmal can be a suitable choice for a partner who enjoys warm, woody or oriental-inspired scents. A fragrance set can also make the experience more personal by allowing the recipient to discover different compositions and choose a favourite.
A perfume can be more than an accessory; it can become a small but meaningful part of someone's everyday life. From Vanesa's affordable multi-fragrance sets and Kastoori's Indian perfumery-inspired offerings to L'eau Maliz's French fragrance discovery kit, Skinn by Titan's contemporary collections and Ajmal's distinctive scent profiles, there are options for different tastes and budgets.
The best perfume gift is ultimately one that reflects the recipient's personality. Whether they prefer fresh florals, warm woods, traditional attars or the opportunity to experiment with different fragrances, choosing a scent around their preferences can make Karwa Chauth gifting feel more thoughtful and personal.
1. Which perfume brands are good for Karwa Chauth gifting?
Vanesa, Kastoori, L'eau Maliz, Skinn by Titan and Ajmal Perfumes are five brands to consider for Karwa Chauth gifting. They offer a range of options, from affordable multi-fragrance sets and traditional attars to premium perfume collections and discovery kits.
2. What is a good affordable perfume gift for Karwa Chauth?
Vanesa's Divine, Luxury and Intense perfume gift sets are affordable options, priced at ₹559 each. Each set includes four 20 ml fragrances, allowing the recipient to explore different scents for everyday wear and special occasions.
3. What makes Kastoori a distinctive fragrance gifting option?
Kastoori draws inspiration from Kannauj's traditional perfumery heritage. Its portfolio includes attars, inspired perfumes, solid perfumes, fragrance oils and curated gifting hampers, making it an option for those who appreciate Indian fragrance traditions and customised gifts.
4. Which perfume gift set is suitable for someone who enjoys trying different fragrances?
The L'eau Maliz Discovery Kit is worth considering. Priced at ₹4,451, it features five French fragrances curated by perfumista Vanesha Majithia, with scent profiles ranging from smoky woods and boozy leather to fresh aquatic notes and warm Mediterranean accords.
5. How do you choose the right perfume for Karwa Chauth gifting?
Consider the recipient's fragrance preferences and lifestyle. Floral and fresh scents can work well for everyday wear, while woody, musky and oriental fragrances may appeal to those who prefer richer compositions. Discovery kits and multi-fragrance gift sets are useful choices when you want to offer variety without committing to a single scent.
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