Retail India News: Redken Makes Highly Anticipated Retail Debut in India

Livspace, a leading home and consumer appliance brand in India, has announced the launch of "Vinciago," a premium interior design brand. This new offering aims to cater to the increasing demand for unique and personalized home designs by blending scientific design principles with artistic flair, creating spaces that tell individual stories.

Recent trends in the Indian real estate market show a 31 percent growth in residential home sales in 2023 compared to 2022, with luxury homes seeing a remarkable 96 percent increase in the same period. This rise in demand for premium homes, which now account for 9 percent of overall units, presents a significant opportunity for Vinciago to enhance the premium home experience nationwide. Vinciago will be showcased at Livspace Experience Centres and will be available in major metro cities such as Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, as well as key non-metro cities including Surat, Vadodara, Jaipur, Lucknow, Goa, Kochi, Nashik, Coimbatore, Nagpur, Bhopal, and Indore.

Saurabh Jain, Co-Founder and CEO of India Operations at Livspace stated, “The launch of Vinciago comes at a perfect time to tap into India's surging premium housing market. We're not just building premium homes; we're redefining interior design for those seeking a personalized experience. The opportunity that lies ahead is immense in growth and size and we are excited to be able to broaden our spectrum of offerings and cater to the premium homes segment. Vinciago stands out with its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to customizable designs. Our belief that homes should reflect individual tastes drives our team to collaborate closely with buyers, transforming their visions into personalized masterpieces. Each Vinciago home is a unique blend of our expertise and the homeowner's personality, perfectly aligning with the growing demand for bespoke living spaces.”

Livspace is committed to redefining home interiors and renovations in India. The company plans to consolidate its leadership in the organized home interiors sector by establishing over 100 Design Experience Centres while strengthening its presence in existing markets. Livspace currently operates over 52 stores in both metro and non-metro cities, including Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Kochi. With a diverse range of home interior and renovation solutions, Livspace has become the go-to destination for residents seeking top-notch designs, quality products, and expert guidance, positioning itself to capture the demand for modular solutions in tier II and tier III markets.

Miraj Cinemas, India's fastest-growing and third-largest national multiplex chain, has launched a new four-screen multiplex at Sekaran Mall in Chennai. This expansion marks Miraj’s second property in Tamil Nadu, bringing its total to nine screens in the state. The multiplex is located on the 4th floor of the mall at Sholinganallur, Medavakkam Main Road, Perumbakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600100.

The new multiplex features 555 seats across four auditoriums: Screen 1 with 179 seats, Screen 2 with 133 seats, Screen 3 with 133 seats, and Screen 4 with 110 seats. Each auditorium has advanced projection technology and high-quality sound systems, providing a top-tier cinematic experience. The architecture of the multiplex combines contemporary design with subtle grandeur, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The grand lobby and ambient lighting enhance the overall movie-going experience.

Amit Sharma, MD of Miraj Entertainment Ltd, stated, “We are delighted to introduce our new multiplex in Chennai, which is a testament to our dedication to luxury and innovation in cinematic experiences. With its vibrant cultural heritage and passion for cinema, Tamil Nadu deserves an unmatched entertainment destination. Our multiplex showcases a blend of contemporary design and cultural elements unique to Tamil Nadu, creating an immersive environment. We’ve crafted an exceptional customer experience with ergonomic seating, ambient lighting, and cutting-edge sound systems. In addition to regular film screenings, we offer a diverse range of curated content, including live shows and sports matches, to cater to diverse preferences. By combining advanced technology, comfort, and top-notch service, we aim to celebrate the enchantment of movies and honor Tamil Nadu’s cultural diversity. We eagerly look forward to welcoming patrons to a world-class cinematic journey in a setting embodying this remarkable region's spirit.”

With this new multiplex, Miraj Cinemas now operates 219 screens across 67 properties in 49 cities and 16 states throughout India. The company continues to expand its reach with plans to open more cinemas in key locations, solidifying its position as a leading entertainment provider in the retail and cinema industry.

Columbia Sportswear, globally renowned for its outdoor apparel and gear, has announced the grand opening of its newest outlet in the heart of Delhi, Connaught Place. This new store represents a significant milestone in Columbia's commitment to providing high-quality outdoor gear and apparel to adventure enthusiasts in India.

Established in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear has long embodied the spirit of adventure and exploration. The launch of the New Delhi outlet not only introduces world-class outdoor gear to the capital but also underscores Columbia's dedication to empowering enthusiasts to embrace the great outdoors. Whether scaling mountain peaks or navigating urban landscapes, Columbia equips adventurers with the gear they need to thrive in any environment.

The Delhi store offers an extensive array of products, including accessories such as beanies, belts, gloves, sunglasses, socks, caps, hip packs, wallets, and tubular items. Essential equipment like headlamps, backpacks, lighting, and trekking poles are also available. Additionally, the store features a diverse selection of trekking and lifestyle footwear, as well as a wide range of sportswear and outdoor apparel.

Ankur Bhatia, CEO of Chogori India Retail Ltd stated, “Establishing our presence in New Delhi marks a pivotal move toward our vision of making outdoor adventure accessible to all. Our mission is not only about opening stores but also to cultivate a culture of trekking and hiking in India. Through this cultural promotion, we aspire to inspire more people to discover the natural beauty of our country and integrate outdoor adventure into their daily lives.”

Columbia's expansion plan is ambitious and purposeful, aiming to open 50 stores nationwide by the end of this year. The goal is to ensure that people across the country have access to high-quality outdoor gear and apparel. Additionally, Columbia is committed to fostering a culture of adventure and exploration throughout India by identifying and nurturing the potential of cities and communities with growing outdoor interests.

Adventure enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the new Columbia Sportswear outlet in Delhi and embark on their next adventure with confidence and style.

Baggit, India's leading eco-friendly handbag and accessory brand, announces the opening of its 100th store in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. This new 400 sq. ft. store aims to cater to the growing demand for sustainable products in the region. With this milestone, Baggit now operates in 52 cities across 20 states in India, strengthening its market presence. The brand plans to open 60 more stores over the next year, aligning with its mission to establish a successful international fashion brand from India and lead the global eco-conscious fashion industry.

Vijayawada, recognized as one of the fastest-growing urban areas in India and ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing cities by the Oxford Economics report, is becoming a hub for international IT firms. Baggit aims to leverage this growth by attracting a diverse clientele, including local residents and tourists, to its new store.

Baggit’s retail concept, developed since its inception in 1985, has proven to be profitable and scalable, serving diverse markets with a wide range of products from affordable to premium. By managing inventory risks, Baggit offers an attractive and low-risk franchise opportunity, particularly for women who can manage the business part-time with strong support from the company. Many of the 60+ new Exclusive Brand Outlets planned for this year are being launched by existing franchisees, highlighting the proven success and profitability of Baggit's model.

Nina Lekhi, MD and Chief Design Curator, Baggit said, “Opening our 100th store is not just a milestone for Baggit, but a testament to the loyalty and trust our customers have placed in us over the years. We are thrilled to bring our unique blend of style, sustainability, and Indian craftsmanship to the vibrant city of Vijayawada. This new store represents our commitment to expanding our footprint and continuing to provide high-quality, eco-friendly fashion to our valued customers.”

Multi-brand fashion retailer Shoppers Stop has announced plans to open 60 new stores under its affordable retail format INTUNE in the current fiscal year. This move aims to capitalize on mass premium opportunities and disrupt India’s value fashion landscape, according to the latest annual report of the K Raheja Corp group firm.

Shoppers Stop, competing with similar value formats like Trent’s Zudio and Landmark’s Max Fashion, is leveraging real-time insights for frequent product drops and assortment refinements to maintain a competitive edge.

“We are targeting 60 new stores in FY2024-25 backed by strategic investments in merchandising, store operations, and customer analytics capabilities,” the company stated.

Since launching INTUNE, Shoppers Stop has opened 22 stores within nine months, highlighting the rapid growth in the Indian value fashion segment driven by the aspirations of the burgeoning middle class. Managing Director and CEO Kavindra Mishra noted the “higher-than-expected results” in INTUNE's initial months.

In addition to expanding INTUNE, Shoppers Stop is growing its private labels to balance aspirations and affordability. “Our Private Apparel Brands account for approximately 19 percent of our total apparel business, with even higher contributions in non-metro areas and newer stores. In our online channels, private brands make up over 50 percent of the apparel business,” the report revealed.

Shoppers Stop's beauty brand Arcelia has also grown into a full-line beauty brand valued at over Rs 20 crore, offering a range of products from fragrances to skincare. “Together with HomeStop, we continue to meet all the fashion and lifestyle needs of young families,” the company added.

Overall, Shoppers Stop operates 112 stores across the country, along with 7 HomeStop stores, 22 beauty doors, 21 airport stores, and 22 INTUNE stores in 62 cities.

The Indian retail landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by increasing disposable incomes, evolving aspirations, and a demand for luxury and personalized experiences. The demographic landscape, dominated by a youthful population, is characterized by a growing brand consciousness influenced by global exposure and social media.

“Indian consumers have developed a refined palate for brands, seeking out established and premium labels, elevating the retail experience to an art form,” the report noted. This brand consciousness has led to increased demand for curated assortments of international and luxury brands.

Shoppers Stop is also expanding its beauty business through premium selections and personalized experiences. With exclusive partnerships with brands like Estée Lauder and Armani Beauty, it is strengthening its presence in the beauty segment as part of its premiumization strategy.

“Our strategic expansions included new partnerships and shop-in-shops such as Bath and Body Works, Dyson, Kiehl’s, Lancôme, Laura Mercier, and an expanded Clean Beauty section with Vanity Wagon,” the company stated, adding that in FY24, the beauty business reported a “Highest-Ever Annual Sale” of Rs 887 crore.

Shoppers Stop’s revenue from operations in FY24 stood at Rs 4,213.16 crore.

In a grand unveiling, celebrated fashion designer Richa Ahluwalia has introduced her flagship store in the prestigious Defence Colony area of the national capital. This luxurious boutique is set to redefine the landscape of bridal fashion, offering an extensive array of opulent bridal lehengas and occasion wear.

“I am thrilled to unveil our flagship store in Defence Colony, which will redefine the way bridal fashion is perceived in the city. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our brand, and I look forward to welcoming patrons to experience the epitome of luxury and elegance,” said Richa Ahluwalia, Designer.

Renowned for her impeccable craftsmanship and exquisite designs, Richa Ahluwalia's bridal couture house is synonymous with unparalleled beauty and sophistication. The store will showcase an exclusive range of wedding ensembles, including intricately crafted lehengas, resplendent sarees, majestic anarkalis, elegant kurta sets, regal jalabiyas, and dashing suits for brides. Grooms can also explore a curated selection of achkans, bandgalas, and waistcoats, ensuring a comprehensive offering for every bridal need.

With a prestigious clientele comprising celebrities and esteemed socialites from across the country, Richa Ahluwalia has firmly established herself as a beacon of luxury in the world of Indian fashion.

Looking ahead, the designer envisions an ambitious expansion strategy, with plans to venture into new territories and establish a presence in several other cities in the near future. This strategic move is poised to further elevate the brand's stature and solidify its position as a frontrunner in the realm of bridal couture.

The launch of the flagship store in Defence Colony represents a significant milestone in Richa Ahluwalia's illustrious journey, marking the beginning of an exciting new phase characterized by creativity, innovation, and unparalleled elegance.

Snitch has opened its 10th exclusive store in Hyderabad at Sarath City Capital Mall. This new store spans 3,400 square feet of retail space, aiming to provide an engaging shopping experience for fashion enthusiasts in the city.

Focusing on expanding its footprint in the southern markets, Snitch is dedicated to bringing its trendy collections closer to customers. The Hyderabad store features a variety of fashionable clothing, suits, accessories, and sunglasses, tailored to the tastes of Gen Z shoppers.

Siddharth Dungarwal, Founder and CEO of Snitch said, "With the opening of our new store, we are redefining men's fashion in Hyderabad by offering not just clothing, but a lifestyle that reflects sophistication and style. Our store is designed to provide customers with a personalized shopping experience, where they can explore our collection and discover pieces that resonate with their style and preferences."

The new Snitch store aims to enhance the city's fashion retail sector, offering a range of stylish, high-quality products that reflect the brand's values of innovation, originality, and affordability. Customers can expect an exceptional shopping experience that combines fashion, comfort, and convenience.

The store's launch marks a new era of elevated fashion experiences in Hyderabad, inviting men to embrace timeless elegance and contemporary trends in menswear.

DriveX, India's leading fully integrated pre-owned two-wheeler platform, has announced the opening of six new stores across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This expansion represents a significant milestone in their efforts to offer high-quality automotive solutions to more customers in Southern India.

The new stores include a mix of company-owned and franchise-owned locations strategically positioned to enhance accessibility and customer convenience:

• DriveX Company Owned Store, Whitefield (Karnataka)
• Villipuram Motors, Villupuram (Tamil Nadu)
• NNL, Karaikudi (Tamil Nadu)
• Greenage Motors, Electronic City (Karnataka)
• Niax Motors, Koramangala (Karnataka)
• Vansh Motors, Bidar (Karnataka)

Narain Karthikeyan, Founder and MD of DriveX said, "This is a significant step forward in our mission to transform the pre-owned two-wheeler market in India. We are excited to expand our presence in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, ensuring more customers can access our top-quality, refurbished vehicles and exceptional service."

The newly launched facilities are designed to provide a superior customer experience, offering a wide range of vehicles and comprehensive services. DriveX emphasizes delivering an OEM-like experience, which is core to its innovative approach in the sector. This commitment not only sets DriveX apart but also builds trust and reliability among its customer base. The company prides itself on its 3S approach – Sell, Service, Spare – aiming to deliver a holistic and satisfying experience to consumers.

Titan Company Ltd has announced a significant expansion of its retail presence in Chennai, India, with the opening of new brand outlets across its diverse product portfolio. The expansion includes the launch of Titan’s first-ever luxury Helios store in the country, the 59th Tanishq store, and the 7th Taneira store in Tamil Nadu. The grand openings were inaugurated by C K Venkataraman, Managing Director of Titan Company Limited, along with dignitaries from the company and other distinguished guests at Pondy Bazaar, T. Nagar.

This expansion is part of Titan's aggressive retail growth strategy for FY24-25, targeting Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III geographies. With these new openings, Titan now boasts 98 exclusive brand retail touchpoints in Tamil Nadu. The company aims to further strengthen its presence in the region, planning to launch over 100 stores across all divisions in the coming years.

C K Venkataraman commented, “We are thrilled to expand our retail footprint in Chennai, a city that is both a cultural hub and a key growth market for us. The vibrant and fast-growing customer base in Chennai has shown a strong affinity for our brands, which has driven us to deepen our presence in the region. Our new stores in Pondy Bazaar reflect our commitment to curate high-quality products and exceptional shopping experiences for our customers in the region. Moving forward, we plan to continue our expansion in the Southern region, with additional store openings and innovative offerings tailored to meet the evolving needs of the customers.”

The new Helios store spans 2,500 sq. ft. and introduces seven new brands to the city: Milus, Earnest Borel, Charriol, U-Boat, Versace, Herbelin, and Seven Friday. This luxury store increases Helios's presence in Tamil Nadu to 32 exclusive stores. Chennai has emerged as one of the biggest growth markets for Helios in the Southern region. The expansion plans include three additional Helios stores in Chennai, contributing to the overall growth strategy in the Southern region.

Additionally, Tanishq has launched its 59th store in the state. Covering 8,000 sq. ft., the store features an extensive selection of Tanishq’s iconic designs, including plain gold, antique jewelry, stunning diamonds, kundan, polki, and chozha coins. The store also showcases Tanishq's festive collection, ‘Dharohar’, inspired by heirloom artifacts, and ‘Kakatiya’, celebrating the legacy of the Kakatiya dynasty. Customers can explore the contemporary ‘GlamDays’ collection, the lightweight ‘String It’ collection, and the exquisite ‘Tales of Mystique’ featuring rare diamonds and colored gemstones. The store also houses ‘Rivaah’, Tanishq’s dedicated wedding jewelry sub-brand.

Meanwhile, Taneira has opened its fourth store in Chennai and seventh in Tamil Nadu. Spanning 5,000 sq. ft., this store offers a range of handcrafted sarees, ready-to-wear blouses, kurtas, short tops, and more. The store also features a dedicated wedding zone with Kanjeevaram sarees and regional weaves such as South Silks, Narayanpet, South Cottons, Banarasis, and Chanderis, catering to the varied needs of its customers.

To celebrate the grand openings, Tanishq is offering a special promotion where customers can receive a free gold coin with every purchase from June 19th to 21st, 2024. Additionally, Taneira is offering a gold coin with purchases of Rs 20,000 or more, along with other promotions from June 19th to 24th, 2024.

Fashion designer Richa Ahluwalia has opened her flagship store in Defence Colony, New Delhi, according to a press release. This new venture aims to strengthen her presence in the retail market in India. The store will feature a range of Indian bridal fashion wear, including luxurious bridal lehengas and occasion wear.

"I am thrilled to unveil our flagship store in Defence Colony, which will redefine the way bridal fashion is perceived in the city. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our brand, and I look forward to welcoming patrons to experience the epitome of luxury and elegance," said Ahluwalia.

Richa Ahluwalia's bridal couture house offers a variety of wedding outfits, including lehengas, sarees, anarkalis, kurta sets, jalabiyas, and suits for brides, as well as achkans, bandgalas, and waistcoats for grooms. The designer's clientele includes celebrities and socialites across India.

The press release also mentioned plans for further expansion into new territories and additional cities shortly.

Levi Strauss and Co. has launched its newest Levi’s store in Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, New Delhi. This 9,150 square feet (approximately 850 square meters) store stands as the largest Levi’s outlet in India and the biggest within a mall globally. This opening reflects Levi’s commitment to the Indian retail market and aligns with its direct-to-consumer strategy and expansion plans in Asia.

The store features Levi’s Icon concept, promising an enhanced shopping experience. It boasts a three-dimensional façade with a broken ombre effect at the entrance, indigo ceilings, and ombre pillars, creating a contemporary look that is characteristic of Levi’s style. LED displays with visual animations throughout the day add to the modern appeal. Additionally, the store includes the renowned Levi’s® Tailor Shop, offering personalized services such as custom embroidery and distressing for unique, tailored products.

Situated in the popular Pacific Mall, which sees approximately 1 million visitors monthly, the store aims to be a key destination for denim enthusiasts and fashion-forward shoppers. Its spacious layout, diverse product offerings, and enhanced services are set to redefine the shopping experience, making it convenient and enjoyable for customers.

Hiren Gor, General Manager, South Asia at Levi Strauss and Co said, “As we continue to expand our footprint in India, this opening underscores Levi Strauss and Co.’s commitment to a direct-to-consumer approach complemented by elevated shopping experiences for consumers at our stores. With the expanded floor space, fashion seekers and style curators alike visiting our Pacific Mall store can also expect to find a wide assortment of products to achieve their desired top-to-bottom denim lifestyle looks."

The store offers a comprehensive range of men’s and women’s apparel, featuring iconic Levi’s fits such as the classic 501 and Trucker Jacket in various colors. New trend-focused offerings include women’s fits with flare, straight, and loose styles, alongside tops, color-blocked denim, corset styles, and cropped designs. For men, the collection includes advanced stretch denim for all-day comfort and an expanded range of loose jeans and versatile options like button-down shirts, polos, and signature graphic and logo tees.

With the launch of its largest mall store in Delhi, Levi Strauss and Co. reaffirms its dedication to brand expansion and its direct-to-consumer strategy. The larger footprint allows for an extensive display of Levi’s products, ensuring customers can easily find their favorite styles and explore new offerings.

Balenzia Socks, India's leading socks brand, has opened its latest retail store at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Located in the newly launched terminal, the store aims to meet the diverse needs of both travelers and locals.

Jolly Grant Airport, located in the picturesque city of Dehradun, is a major gateway to Uttarakhand’s scenic hill stations and spiritual destinations. With a constant influx of tourists, business travelers, and a significant student population from renowned educational institutions, Dehradun presents an ideal opportunity for Balenzia to establish its retail presence.

Shruti Gupta, Head of Strategy at Balenzia, stated, "The opening of our store at Jolly Grant Airport aligns perfectly with our brand's objectives of enhancing visibility and connecting with new customer segments. With its high foot traffic and visibility, the airport provides an excellent platform for us to showcase our offerings and expand our reach to a broader audience, from adventure seekers to corporate travelers. We are excited about the opportunity to engage with the vibrant community of Dehradun and beyond."

The new Balenzia store at Jolly Grant Airport offers a wide range of premium socks, including casual wear, formal wear, and athletic wear, catering to the diverse preferences of travelers and locals. The store's convenient location within the airport terminal ensures easy access for passengers looking to enhance their travel experience with stylish and comfortable socks.

With this latest expansion, Balenzia reaffirms its commitment to providing quality products and exceptional customer service to customers across India.

SoulTree, recognized as the world’s FIRST Ayurvedic brand certified ‘Organic’ by BDIH, Germany, proudly unveils its inaugural Soul Sanctum Store in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion journey. This new sanctuary embodies SoulTree's commitment to providing authentic, organic, and ethical Ayurvedic products to discerning consumers worldwide.

After the resounding success of India’s First Solar-Powered Soul Sanctum at DLF Galleria Market, Gurugram, in January 2021, SoulTree has extended its presence to key cities across India, including Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Trivandrum, and now Mumbai. The overwhelming demand for its products has fueled this exclusive expansion, positioning Mumbai as the next destination for Soul Sanctum's immersive experience.

Spanning 195 square feet, the Soul Sanctum exudes Rooted Luxury, embracing the principles of Wabi-Sabi. Crafted from reclaimed wood, the sanctuary embodies sustainable circularity and offers a serene escape from bustling city chaos.

Stepping into the soul sanctum, customers can indulge in a variety of skincare, bath care, body care products, and curated gifting options. SoulTree's luxurious signature services, such as Alankrita, Anahita, Amrita, and Ananda, are designed to enhance the customer experience, making each visit truly special. Adding to the store's mindful ambiance are curated scents from Uttarakhand and soothing Nada Yoga tunes, creating an atmosphere that rejuvenates the senses. This serene environment is further enriched by the presence of highly informed Soul Mitras, who guide visitors through a personalized and enlightening shopping journey.

As the pioneer Indian brand to offer European-certified Ayurvedic beauty and wellness products, SoulTree proudly upholds the Triple Seal of Truth: Ayurvedic, Organic, and Ethical. Moreover, SoulTree has the world's first LEED-Platinum Certified Ayurvedic Beauty & Wellness Manufacturing Plant, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability through solar-powered green energy, waste management, water conservation, and environmentally friendly practices.

The product range at SoulTree is both luxurious and accessible, with skincare items priced from Rs. 1,695 to Rs. 4,995, makeup from Rs. 895 to Rs.1,295, and hair care from Rs. 995 to Rs. 1,695. Available on its website, www.soultree.in, and through prominent marketplaces. It also has an extensive global presence spanning 28 Countries; its products are within reach for Ayurveda enthusiasts everywhere. 

"Our Mumbai soul sanctum epitomizes Rooted luxury and sustainability, showcasing our unwavering dedication to holistic Ayurvedic well-being. As the global demand for natural beauty surges, we're determined to captivate discerning consumers both locally and internationally,” said Nitin Passi, Chairman,  SoulTree.

Amidst the urban chaos, SoulTree's newest soul sanctum in Mumbai stands as a sanctuary of luxury, tradition, and sustainability, inviting visitors to experience the essence of Rooted Luxury.

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) marked a significant milestone today as it inaugurated three new dealer showrooms in Pune, Maharashtra, aligning with Hyundai Motor Company’s Global Dealership Space Identity (GDSI) 2.0 guidelines. Embracing the pillars of Modernity, Experience, Comfort, and Technology, the GDSI 2.0 brand identity sets international standards, aiming to provide customers at HMIL dealer showrooms with a digitally advanced, friendly, and comfortable environment. The objective of these new showrooms is to leverage technology and offer customers an enhanced car buying experience.

The newly inaugurated dealer showrooms, namely Kundan Hyundai, Modi Hyundai, and Kothari Hyundai in Pune, Maharashtra, have all implemented GDSI 2.0 norms. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Mr. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, HMIL, Mr. Tarun Garg, Chief Operating Officer, HMIL, and Mr. J T Park, Executive Director, Sales and Marketing, HMIL.

The GDSI 2.0 concept incorporates several key features to enrich the customer experience. A distinctive and inviting welcome space to make customers feel special upon entering the showroom, A centrally located consultation space for personalized interactions, An exclusive zone for themed cars, allowing customers to explore and engage with vehicles, and more.

Unsoo Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) said, “We at HMIL, are proud to be able to provide global standards of dealership experience to our customers. Aligned with our Global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’, the Global Dealership Space Identity 2.0, represents HMIL’s commitment to bring forth a valuablecustomer experience with the integration of technology and innovative practices. We are confident these new dealerships will create a lasting relationship with our customers and set new benchmarks in the automotive retail space.” 

Tarun Garg, COO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) shared, “We are thrilled to unveil three newdealer showrooms in Pune today with GDSI 2.0 guidelines.This innovative showroom concept reflects our understanding of customer needs and our dedication to exceeding their expectations. The new GDSI 2.0 showrooms will enhance transparency and delight customers with an exciting purchase experience, seamlessly from the digital space to physical showrooms. We further aim to upgrade more Hyundai showrooms to GDSI 2.0 brand identity as we move forward. We are confident that the new dealerships will further enhance customer engagement with our brand and our products."

The GDSI 2.0 concept introduces several key features aimed at enhancing the customer experience, including a distinctive welcome space, personalized consultation areas, and themed car zones. Additionally, customers can enjoy customized product experiences through a state-of-the-art 3D configurator.

Zoreko - Original Gamers, the newly launched family entertainment center (FEC) situated at the flagship spot in Elan Town Centre on Sohna Road, Sector 67 Gurugram, is revolutionizing the gaming scene with its latest outlet. Adding to the excitement, the inauguration ceremony was graced by the esteemed Bollywood actor Arbaaz Khan, making the event truly memorable.

The new hub is set to completely overhaul Gurugram's gaming landscape with its expansive layout and unparalleled selection of games. It aims to be the ultimate gaming destination for enthusiasts of all ages, catering to their diverse interests and preferences. Boasting cutting-edge amenities and a wide array of games, the outlet aims to redefine the gaming experience, offering guests an exhilarating and immersive journey like never before.

Elan Town Centre offers a range of amenities including high-street retail, a state-of-the-art multiplex by PVR, a delightful food court, multi-level basement parking, and more. Situated on Sohna Road, it enjoys excellent connectivity via the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway and NH-248A. Surrounded by numerous residential and commercial developments, it has become a prime destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Other renowned brands housed at Elan Town Centre include Castle Barbeque, Dominos, Khadim, Gianis, among others. The launch of Zoreko has further cemented Elan Town Centre's status as the premier family entertainment destination

Neeraj Raheja, CEO, Zoreko said, “In order to meet the constantly changing needs of today's enthusiastic gamers, Zoreko - Original Gamers represents a brave new phase. This rebranding effort is a strategic move towards aligning the brand more closely with its target audience and its core offerings. The name Zoreko - Original Gamers, conveys our company’s unwavering commitment to providing an authentic and immersive gaming experience for all. That stated, at our newest location, we aim to provide our valued guests with a cutting-edge gaming experience that suits their diverse demands and preferences. Elan Town Centre will be the prime location for everyone searching for an engaging experience. Adding to this, we also have a restaurant that will add value to all social events, as well as provide a new dining experience. Its vibrant ambiance and diverse offerings perfectly complement our project's ethos, enhancing the overall experience for all visitors. Moreover, the luxurious and distinctive architecture further enhances the allure, making it a standout destination.”

Venika Kapoor, Senior VP, CRM, Elan Group shared, “Zoreko's expansive layout and diverse range of games perfectly complement the lively ambiance of Elan Town Centre, creating an immersive destination for families and gamers alike. We are confident that Zoreko's innovative approach to gaming and entertainment will be a major draw for our visitors, enhancing their overall experience at Elan Town Centre. The strategic location of Elan Town Centre makes it the ideal setting for such a pioneering entertainment hub and we look forward to seeing our visitors enjoy this latest facility and the dynamic energy it brings.”

Featuring a vast array of captivating attractions suitable for all ages, the expansive approximately 30,000 sq. ft. venue boasts a contemporary design aesthetic. From an enticing selection of in-house games to immersive virtual reality experiences and timeless favorites like virtual cricket and bowling, Zoreko offers something for everyone. What sets it apart from competitors is its third level, one of Gurgaon's largest play spaces exclusively designed for children. Understanding that a fulfilling gaming experience goes beyond mere excitement, Zoreko - Original Gamers offers a high-tech dining experience with a range of delectable food and beverage options. Alongside providing entertaining activities for all age groups, Zoreko strives to be a one-stop destination where friends and families can relax and enjoy themselves.

NY Cinemas, owned by Ajay Devgn, has opened its first multiplex in the Delhi NCR region at Elan Epic Mall, Sector 70, Gurugram. Elan Epic is a prime location in modern retail, strategically situated on the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) with easy access to the entire city. The mall's proximity to NH-8 and Golf Course Extension Road ensures smooth connectivity.

Ajay Devgn, a four-time National Award-winning actor and director, founded NY Cinemas in 2017. The multiplex chain is known for integrating Indian ethos and values into its cinemas, aiming to revive the charm of single screens in a multiplex setting. NY Cinemas strives to bring audiences closer to their favorite films and stars.

The new cinema offers more than just movie screenings. Covering 46,000 square feet, it features a five-screen multiplex with 890 seats, each equipped with Dolby Atmos sound systems for an immersive experience. The cinema is divided into three parts: the pre-lobby area, the main lobby, and the luxurious AMOR lounge. Patrons can enjoy the elegant lounge, a mocktail bar, and live cooking stations designed by in-house chefs. The unique open box office adds to the convenience and ambiance for moviegoers. The Amor Auditorium, a highlight of the multiplex, features plush recliners for VIP comfort.

Ajay Devgn, Founder of NY Cinemas said, “NY Cinemas is expanding and making its
way to Gurugram, Delhi NCR. Our endeavour is to create an impeccable experience for
audiences watching films at the theatre. I have received a lot of love from my audiences there,
and this is my way of giving them the best entertainment experience.”

Rajeev Sharma, CEO of NY Cinemas added, “NY Cinemas and Elan Group is bringing to Gurgaon the most visual, hatke, and filmy experience like no other. Both companies put their best minds to use, and the result is for everyone to witness. Being a differentiating player, I am confident that Delhi/NCR would not have experienced a classical and filmy theater like us till now. Not only the interiors but the audio and video experience too will win the hearts of everyone. ‘For the Love of Cinema,’ Ajay’s vision is truly delivered with NY Cinemas Elan Epic.”

Ravish Kapoor, MD of Elan Group stated, “Elan Epic is a premier destination in Gurugram for luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment. The arrival of Delhi NCR's first NY Cinemas at Elan Epic marks a pivotal moment in our journey to curate an unparalleled lifestyle experience. We are confident that NY Cinemas will seamlessly integrate world-class moviegoing with our existing offerings of luxury retail and fine dining, creating a truly one-stop destination for discerning patrons in Gurugram.”

Elan Epic spans four acres in Gurugram's Sector 70, redefining luxury retail. Located off the Extended Golf Course Extension Road, it offers easy access via Sohna Road and NH-8. The central atrium features a unique water body, designed by UHA London and ACPL, housing brands like Anytime Fitness, Adidas, Bicameral, Intune, and Molecule. Elan Epic combines luxury, entertainment, and convenience under one roof.

With this launch, NY Cinemas expands its presence to 14 cities, with plans to add 20 more screens this year, reinforcing its commitment to providing top-tier entertainment across India.

Leading beauty and wellness brand Cut and Style Salon has announced the opening of its newest outlet in Lucknow. Located in the bustling Vishal Khand area of Gomti Nagar, the new salon aims to cater to both beauty enthusiasts and wellness seekers in India’s retail market.

Cut and Style Salon in Lucknow offers more than just haircuts and facials. The salon follows a holistic approach that focuses on empowering clients to feel good about themselves, both inside and out. It provides a wide range of services, from basic grooming essentials to luxurious spa treatments, all at accessible prices. The salon is committed to delivering exceptional experiences without compromising on affordability.

The new outlet's interior design blends modern aesthetics with comforting elements, creating a relaxing environment. Inspired by Lucknow's rich heritage, the interiors include subtle references to the city's culture, offering a unique and inviting atmosphere. Every detail, from curated furnishings to a serene ambiance, is carefully designed to welcome and pamper clients of all ages.

The grand opening of the Lucknow salon was a significant success. Esteemed guest Smt. Namrata Pathak, Purv Mahila Ayog Upadaksh UP Sarkar, and wife of Deputy CM Brijesh Pathak, attended the event, adding a touch of glamour. Renowned models and influential personalities also joined the celebration, creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement. This event marks a promising new chapter for Cut and Style Salon in the retail and beauty industry in India.

"We are thrilled to bring our exceptional beauty and wellness services to the heart of Lucknow. Our new salon is a testament to our commitment to excellence and accessibility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a premium salon experience," said Aditya Sharma, CEO of Cut and Style Salon.

Jewels by Preeti, a leading diamond manufacturer in India, has announced an ambitious plan to open 15 retail stores across major cities in India by the end of this year. This strategic move aims to capture a significant share of the offline market and meet the growing demand for trendy and timeless diamonds in India.

In the first phase of its expansion, Jewels by Preeti plans to open seven stores in metropolitan hubs including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata, as well as Ahmedabad. This initiative aims to reach last-mile customers by establishing physical outlets in these key locations.

Preeti Jain, Founder of Jewels by Preeti stated, "We are poised to make a significant impact on the diamond jewelry industry with our store launch plan. It is a pivotal step for us to reach a wider audience, offering astute customers of both the upper and middle classes an abundance of access to purchase top-notch quality diamond jewelry. We strongly believe that there is substantial untapped potential waiting to be unlocked, and this is just the beginning. Lab-grown diamond markets have gained significant momentum in recent years, offering customers an eco-friendly alternative to mined diamonds. Jewels by Preeti's retail stores will showcase a stunning array of natural and lab-grown diamond jewelry, from classic solitaires to contemporary designs, catering to diverse tastes and preferences."

Over the past 14 years, Jewels by Preeti has sold around 8,000 units of diamond jewelry and established a customer base of approximately 3,000 clients. To support its growth strategy, the company also plans to expand its workforce by hiring 300 new employees. This expansion underscores Jewels by Preeti's commitment to enhancing its retail presence in India and providing customers with high-quality diamond jewelry options, both natural and lab-grown.

The renowned brand, The Baby Atelier, has inaugurated its flagship retail outlet in Bangalore, introducing a wide array of organic, toddler, and kids' products along with comprehensive design services for children's rooms. Departing from traditional approaches, The Baby Atelier aims to revolutionize children's spaces by providing seamless solutions that combine trends and interactive designs while ensuring maximum functionality, longevity, and enjoyment.

From infancy to adolescence, The Baby Atelier acknowledges the changing needs and preferences of children and provides tailored solutions for every stage of development. With a focus on design, the brand offers customized home design and furnishing solutions for children aged 0-15 years. These innovative spaces blend timeless designs, modern functionality, and eco-friendly materials to create safe, fun, and highly practical environments for children. The brand's holistic services encompass space design, including composition, color schemes, furniture, accessories, and furnishings, to achieve a cohesive look.

Payal Karumbiah, Design Director at The Baby Atelier said, "Our mission at The Baby Atelier is to redefine the aesthetics of children's rooms. We understand the significance of this space in nurturing creativity and fostering learning from an early age. Our aim is not only to design rooms but to comprehend the multifaceted role a child's bedroom plays throughout their developmental journey. Childhood is a crucial phase where minds are receptive to exploration and education. At The Baby Atelier, we are committed to creating an environment that not only stimulates but also supports every child's developmental path."

The Baby Atelier is committed to providing eco-friendly solutions for children, prioritizing organic fabrics and sustainability. Their product range extends beyond bed and bath linen to encompass furniture, interactive play items, rugs, lamps, and nightwear, all designed with simplicity, durability, and a neutral or minimalist aesthetic. This minimalist approach ensures easy adaptability as children grow, allowing for effortless updates to their spaces. Overall, The Baby Atelier's decor adds a stylish flair to any room, offering parents a plethora of options to choose from.

Discover the diverse range of offerings at The Baby Atelier's Bangalore retail store, where design, sustainability, and children's essentials converge.

US-based sports footwear and apparel giant New Balance has widened its footprint in Mumbai with the inauguration of a new store situated at Infiniti Mall, Malad. This marks the brand's second outlet in Mumbai, unveiled less than a month after the launch of its maiden store on Linking Road.

“It has been an exciting month for us in Mumbai. Following the successful launch of our first store, we are thrilled to announce the opening of a second store within a month. This marks a major step forward in our expansion journey in India,” said Radeshwer Davar, country manager, New Balance India.

The newly opened store offers a meticulously curated assortment of performance and lifestyle products, showcasing proprietary technologies like Fresh Foam X and FuelCell. Founded in 1906 by William J. Riley as the New Balance Arch Support Company, New Balance initially specialized in manufacturing arch supports and other accessories aimed at enhancing shoe fit.

While the American footwear manufacturer ventured into India during the early 2000s, operations were halted shortly thereafter. However, in 2016, New Balance made a triumphant return by forging a distribution agreement with Mumbai-based The Major Brands Group, leading to the inauguration of its first store in India at DLF Mall of India, Noida. The subsequent establishment of its India subsidiary followed suit in 2022.

In February, the Boston-headquartered brand marked a significant milestone by unveiling its first company-owned store in the country in Hyderabad, swiftly followed by another opening in Pune in March. In 2023, New Balance reported global sales totaling $6.5 billion.

Swiss watchmaker OMEGA has opened a newly renovated boutique in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, marking a significant milestone in its retail journey in India. This redesigned high street boutique offers watch enthusiasts a spacious 703 sq. ft. area to explore the latest OMEGA collections.

The boutique features OMEGA’s new design concept, which enhances the store experience with its open spaces and modern aesthetics. The design includes warm lighting, textured furniture, and golden accents, creating an inviting atmosphere that showcases the brand's dedication to refinement. A standout feature of the boutique is an exclusive lounge area with a library, allowing customers to enjoy a coffee while exploring OMEGA’s fine artistry and history.

Currently highlighted at the boutique are the latest Constellation Meteorite watches. The OMEGA Constellation collection, inspired by the movement of the stars, now includes models with unique dials made from the Muonionalusta meteorite, one of the oldest known meteorites on Earth at over 4.5 billion years old. Each watch dial, with its natural pattern, is distinct, ensuring that no two dials are the same.

OMEGA has also applied advanced color treatment technologies to these watches, offering a variety of captivating options. The full collection includes 20 models, with five choices in each size category: 41mm Co-Axial Master Chronometers, 29mm Co-Axial Master Chronometers, as well as 28mm and 25mm selections.

This boutique not only represents OMEGA’s commitment to providing exceptional retail experiences in India but also reflects the brand's passion for innovation and quality in watchmaking.

Reebok, a global leader in sports footwear and apparel, has reached a new milestone in its Indian retail journey by opening two new stores in Chennai, located in Anna Nagar and Phoenix Marketcity. The inauguration was marked by a grand event featuring Taapsee Pannu, versatile actress and Reebok Brand ambassador, who officially opened the stores, highlighting the brand’s fitness and style ethos.

These new Reebok stores represent a strategic initiative by Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL) to address the increasing demand for premium sportswear in Chennai. The stores feature a modern, welcoming design and showcase Reebok's key collections in Running, Training, Walking, and Lifestyle categories. Shoppers can enjoy an immersive retail experience with a broad selection of high-performance athletic footwear, stylish activewear, and essential accessories to enhance their fitness journeys.

Manoj Juneja, CEO of Reebok India said, "The opening of these new stores in Chennai represents more than just an expansion for Reebok; it symbolizes our deep-rooted commitment to fostering a thriving sports and fitness culture in this vibrant city. With its dynamic spirit and evolving fitness ethos, Chennai presents an opportune landscape for us to further our mission of enabling individuals to lead healthier, more active lives. By establishing these new stores, we aim to not only provide easy access to Reebok's innovative products but also to serve as catalysts for inspiration and transformation within the community."

One of Reebok’s innovative products, DMX Comfort+, is designed to revolutionize the walking experience with its moving air technology, offering unparalleled comfort. Reebok’s latest launch, the Spacefoam shoe, also features max stack height cushioning to reduce impact and provide a smooth walking experience, powered by the Memory Tech Massage (MTM) Sock liner for luxurious cushioning.

In the running category, Reebok introduces Maxfoam+, which features dynamic response midsole technology for exceptional energy return. Its lightweight construction makes it an ideal running shoe for everyday runners. Reebok’s continued growth in India emphasizes its commitment to supporting the fitness and wellness aspirations of its customers. The launch of these new stores further solidifies Reebok’s position as a leading provider of sportswear and fitness solutions in the country.

Easybuy, the value fashion brand under the Landmark Group umbrella, has expanded its footprint in Hyderabad with the inauguration of its ninth store. The company announced the opening highlighting its commitment to providing customers with an enhanced shopping experience. Situated in Old Bowenpally, Secunderabad, this newest addition marks Easybuy's 12th outlet in Telangana, reinforcing its presence in the region.

“Our new stores, now ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 sq. ft., reflect our commitment to providing customers with a better shopping experience. With a sharper value proposition, the brand has pivoted to a more contemporary and aspirational format. We have reoriented our supply chain to offer something new for our customers with every visit. We are entering new markets with this revamped format,” said Karan Mehta, chief executive officer of EasyBuy.

Easybuy stores are renowned for their diverse range of affordable fashion options, catering to men, women, and children. With over 1,000 styles priced under Rs 499, the brand ensures that customers have access to trendy apparel at accessible price points. Moreover, Easybuy regularly introduces new collections every two weeks, ensuring that its offerings remain dynamic and in line with the latest fashion trends.

Established in 2014, Easybuy has swiftly grown its presence across India, currently operating more than 140 stores nationwide. This expansion aligns with the brand's vision to provide stylish and affordable fashion choices to customers across the country.

In addition to Easybuy, the Landmark Group has successfully introduced Lifestyle and Max to the Indian market, further solidifying its position as a leading retail conglomerate. From its humble beginnings with a single store in Bahrain, the Landmark Group has expanded its retail empire to encompass over 2,200 stores across more than 20 countries, showcasing its remarkable growth and global footprint.

Fashion brand Rare and Basics (R&B), part of the retail giant Apparel Group, has opened its 22nd store in India, located in Palarivattom, Kochi, Kerala. This new standalone store marks the brand's sixth outlet in Kerala and offers a variety of Western wear for men, women, and children.

“We are excited to announce the opening of Apparel Group brand R&B’s newest store at Palarivattom. This marks the brand’s sixth store in Kerala and the 22nd store in India,” Apparel Group posted in a LinkedIn post while sharing images of the new store.

Kochi's first R&B store, located at Centre Square Mall, Rajaji Junction, opened in August 2023.

In India, R&B is present in cities including Kozhikode, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mangalore, and Mysore.

Apparel Group launched R&B in October 2012, with its first store at Muscat Grand Mall in Oman. The large-format store chain now operates over 135 outlets across eight countries, covering more than 20 lakh square feet of retail space.

R&B plans to expand its presence by launching 200 new stores across India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region by the end of fiscal year 2025.

The brand has already opened over 12 new stores in the first quarter of FY25 in both India and GCC countries.

Based in the UAE, Apparel Group operates over 2,200 retail stores and markets more than 85 brands across all platforms, employing over 22,000 multicultural staff. Its brands include Aldo, Bath & Body Works, Tim Hortons, Tommy Hilfiger, Nine West, Charles & Keith, Inglot, La Senza, Beverly Hills Polo Club, and Victoria’s Secret.

Kosmoderma Skin Hair & Body Clinic, a renowned aesthetic dermatology chain, is now welcoming beauty and skincare enthusiasts in the City of Dreams with the launch of its 10th clinic. Continuing its mission to deliver exceptional skin and hair solutions across Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and now Mumbai, Kosmoderma is dedicated to promoting timeless beauty inside and out.

Offering a comprehensive range of skincare services tailored to meet aesthetic needs in skin, body, and hair, Kosmoderma embraces cutting-edge advancements in cosmetic dermatology. Services include popular procedures such as Botox, fillers, wart removal, thread lifts, body sculpting, skin tightening, laser hair removal, and specialized express treatments like HydraFacial. Moreover, Kosmoderma provides advanced solutions for acne scar remodeling, ensuring a holistic approach to skincare, all conveniently available under one roof.

Dr Chytra V Anand, Founder & CEO, Kosmoderma said, “We, at Kosmoderma, work tirelessly to ensure we provide only the best and the finest of treatments to our clients. The launch of Kosmoderma’s tenth clinic is a new milestone in promising efficacious solutions with the best of technology in aesthetics and cosmetic dermatology."

The newly inaugurated clinic in Mumbai is under the leadership of Dr. Manisha P. Kothari, a seasoned professional in aesthetic medicine and cosmetology with over two decades of experience. Dr. Kothari's expertise combines medical proficiency with a commitment to client satisfaction, ensuring tailored care with the latest advancements.

The expansion of Kosmoderma's presence in Mumbai represents a milestone in redefining beauty norms in India. 

Bonito Designs, India's exclusive full-home interior design company, has unveiled the country's first immersive flagship experience center in Andheri, Mumbai. Spanning 12,000 sq. ft., this innovative center sets a new benchmark in the industry, offering a cutting-edge, technology-driven, and immersive design experience.

The opening weekend was a huge success, with over 200 bookings, reinforcing Bonito Designs' leadership in Mumbai. The center was inaugurated by celebrated designers Gauri Khan and Manish Malhotra, whose partnership with Bonito Designs brings exclusive design themes to the masses, making high-end designer homes more accessible.

The experience center, designed to be both immersive and intuitive, employs advanced technology to deliver design excellence. This initiative aligns with Bonito Designs' Vision 2025, aiming to establish the brand as India's leading choice for branded interior design.

Targeting first-time home buyers, where decisions are typically made by both partners, the center also appeals to children, women, designers, investors, and potential team members. With 12,000 products showcased, it provides a comprehensive and immersive customer experience, reinforcing Bonito Designs' position as the top choice for branded interior design in India.

Innovation is key to Bonito Designs' offerings. The company has launched an intuitive mobile app to enhance customer satisfaction by digitally mapping the customer journey with complete transparency. The app also leverages data science to provide personalized design suggestions, aimed at increasing revenue per customer.

Amit Parsuramka, Chief Executive Officer, Bonito Designs said, "The interior design industry in India is experiencing a remarkable growth trajectory with a CAGR of approximately 18%. Recognizing this trend, we believe that now is the perfect opportunity to expand our offerings and introduce new products, as well as extend our presence to additional cities across India. The increasing number of branded housing projects is significantly boosting the growth of the interior design sector.

We have observed a significant shift in consumer behavior, particularly among the younger demographic. They are moving away from the cookie-cutter builder finish approach and have a clear vision of what they desire for their homes. This shift places a greater emphasis on personalized services like ours, where customization is the focal point.

The variety of materials and advancements in finish technologies, both in base and final soft finishes, have also improved, enabling us to deliver stylish and long-lasting products.

Moreover, our innovation in offering celebrity-designed homes has democratized this process, making it accessible for everyone in Bangalore, Mumbai, and soon, many other cities across India. Our collaboration with Gauri Khan and Manish Malhotra ensures that anyone can achieve a celebrity-designed home, aligning perfectly with our mission to provide personalized and premium interior design solutions."

Gauri Khan expressed,"Bonito Designs has consistently been at the forefront of design innovation, making smart, usable, and futuristic designs accessible to everyone. Their new 12,000 sq. ft. flagship experience center is a testament to their commitment to excellence. This state-of-the-art facility seamlessly integrates the best of design and technology, offering an unparalleled experience to customers.

Over the past two years of our collaboration, we have successfully created over 1,000 beautiful homes in Bangalore and Mumbai. It has been a rewarding journey, and I am excited to see how this new center will further enhance our ability to bring stunning, personalized designs to even more homes."

Manish Malhotra said, "Interior design is a deeply personal endeavor; you want your home to be warm, welcoming, and a true reflection of your personality. Bonito Designs excels in making every space about you and your family. Their approach ensures that your home is not just beautiful but also uniquely yours.

Design must be intricate and detailed, yet functional and chic. With over 12 years of expertise, Bonito has consistently delivered the perfect blend of couture and intellectual design for homes. This commitment to excellence is evident in their new flagship experience center in Western Mumbai, where they have brought together the finest elements of design and technology to create a truly exceptional experience."

Bonito Designs is revolutionizing the industry with its innovative fusion of technology and celebrity partnerships, making luxury design attainable for everyone.

'Style Up', a prominent youth shopping destination under Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. (ABFRL), has opened its seventh store in Hyderabad. The new store is situated in the recently launched Aparna Neo Mall at Nallagandla.

Targeting young customers looking for fashionable yet affordable clothing, the store spans 8,800 sq. ft. and features a diverse range of trendy apparel and accessories.

Sangeeta, CEO of Pantaloons, Style Up and Marigold Lane said, “With the unveiling of our seventh store in Hyderabad, we now proudly count 30 ‘Style Up’ stores across India, uniquely catering to the youth. Our other stores at Sarath City Capital Mall, Kompally, and LB Nagar have seen tremendous success from the very beginning, and we hope to continue this momentum with our new stores in the city. At ‘Style Up’, we recognize that Gen-Z and Gen Alpha have redefined fashion. Our trend-driven designs, competitive pricing, exceptional quality, and world-class store experience enable us to elevate their style journey.” 

Renowned Japanese athletic footwear and apparel retailer, ASICS, has officially opened its latest store at the vibrant Amanora Mall in Pune, as announced by the shopping center. This exciting addition to Amanora Mall's retail landscape brings forth an extensive array of sports gear, specifically tailored to meet the needs of fitness enthusiasts and athletes who prioritize both performance and style.

“We’re thrilled to announce the latest addition to Amanora’s retail landscape: Asics. Their designs prioritize both performance and comfort, effortlessly merging innovation with style. The hype is real, and yesAmanora Mall, Pune is experiencing an exciting transformation, with a series of new openings and an impressive lineup of aspirational tenants joining the mix,” said Surjit Singh Rajpurohit, chief executive officer, Amanora Mall.

The unveiling of ASICS' new store aligns with Amanora Mall's commitment to providing its patrons with unparalleled shopping experiences, further solidifying its position as a premier destination for fashion, lifestyle, and wellness offerings.

In addition to the ASICS launch, Amanora Mall has recently welcomed a host of other exciting outlets, including Nykd by Nykaa, Meena Bazaar, Burger Singh, Yousta, and Gap Inc., enriching the mall's diverse retail portfolio and catering to the varied preferences of its discerning clientele.

Founded in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka, ASICS has established itself as a global leader in athletic footwear and apparel. Offering a comprehensive range of products, including running shoes, athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories, ASICS remains dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their fitness goals and lead an active lifestyle.

The launch of the new ASICS store at Amanora Mall underscores the brand's commitment to expanding its presence in key markets across India while reaffirming its mission to inspire and enable people to move and live better through the power of sport and wellness.

Consumer electronics retail giant Croma, a subsidiary of the Tata Group, has proudly inaugurated its largest store in Bhiwadi, located within the esteemed Legend Centra Mall.

“We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Croma’s latest store at Legend Centra in Bhiwadi. This store marks a significant milestone as the first and largest of its kind in Bhiwadi,” said Tarun V Jain, MD, Legend Malls.

Spanning an impressive 1,000 square feet, this store promises to deliver an unparalleled shopping experience to the residents of Bhiwadi. Customers can explore a vast array of electronics and home appliances, showcasing the latest gadgets, top-of-the-line appliances, and cutting-edge technology, all conveniently housed under one roof.

Croma's latest expansion comes hot on the heels of the company achieving a remarkable milestone of opening 500 stores nationwide. The recent store launch in Chennai last week further solidifies Croma's commitment to expanding its footprint across India. In FY 2024 alone, the company unveiled 149 stores in 50 new cities, including 13 exclusive Apple-only stores under the brand name Tribe by Croma.

Situated across a sprawling area of 200,000 square feet, Legend Centra Mall stands as a beloved shopping destination for the residents of Bhiwadi and Dharuhera. As a sub-venture of Legend Group, founded by Tarun V Jain in 2002, the mall boasts grandeur, high energy, and a 5-star ambiance with its G+4 structure. It offers premium retail outlets at affordable prices, fostering lasting relationships with loyal customers.

The Legend Group's global network, spanning India, USA, Australia, and New Zealand, caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from small, medium, and large corporations to individual consumers.

WellBe Foods, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand under the Nimida Group, has achieved a significant milestone by reaching 1000 stores in FY 2023-24. This Bengaluru-based brand, known for offering clean food choices to Indian consumers, is now set to expand further by exploring the General Trade (GT) route. By the end of FY 24-25, WellBe Foods aims to launch its snacks and snack bars in 25,000 GT stores across South India, making it the first brand with a “No Nasties” promise to achieve such a broad presence in GT stores.

General Trade stores, which include the traditional mom-and-pop or kirana stores, are vital to the Indian retail system. With around 12 to 13 million of these stores nationwide, they account for about four-fifths of the total FMCG retail sales in India. Despite the growth of e-commerce, these general retail stores remain dominant, representing nearly 90 percent of India’s $1.3 trillion retail market.

WellBe Foods started its journey in 2020 with a modest presence in 13 stores of The Organic World in Bengaluru. Today, its healthy snacks and snack bars are available in 1000 stores across five cities: Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Vizag, and Vijayawada. The brand’s strategic expansion has been driven through Modern Trade (MT), Stand Alone Modern Trade (SAMT), and Regional Chains, with prominent retail partners including Lulu, Spar, Spencer’s, More, Ratnadeep, and Natures’ Basket.

Gaurav Manchanda, Founder of Nimida Group and MD of WellBe Foods said, “FY 2023-24 has been a deeply fulfilling year for WellBe Foods. Hitting the 1000-store mark is no mean feat! What inspires us the most is the abundant consumer love that WellBe products have garnered across markets. Whether it’s health-conscious professionals or millennial moms, Indian consumers today demand healthy snacks made from wholesome ingredients, sans chemically refined oils and artificial colours. They are reading food labels before making informed choices that align with their health goals. At Nimida Group, we are excited to continue this positive momentum and offer Deliciously Good, Honestly Made food with No Nasties Ever!”

WellBe Foods offers a variety of traditional Indian snacks such as kodbale, ribbon pakoda, murukku, khara chakli, cornflakes mixture, and khara sev, all reimagined in a healthier form. The brand emphasizes using all-natural, wholesome ingredients like red rice flour, rice bran oil, and flaxseeds with zero maida. In line with its No Nasties promise, all WellBe products are free from chemically refined oils, artificial colours, artificial flavours, artificial sweeteners, synthetic antioxidants, synthetic preservatives, and high fructose syrups.

For the inaugural time in India, Range Rover House welcomes visitors, presenting meticulously crafted modern luxury encounters alongside the exploration of locally assembled Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models. India stands as the initial country beyond the UK to produce the iconic Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, tailored specifically for the local market.

Range Rover House epitomizes the brand's essence and design supremacy by offering a spectrum of experiences and engagements within a setting thoughtfully curated to embody Range Rover's sophistication and its resonance with local culture.

Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, JLR, said: “Creativity is best expressed in an enriching, immersive space. Range Rover House is a literal embodiment of Range Rover - an opportunity for our clients to explore our modern luxury vision, transcending the traditional exchange within a showroom. Our ambition is to ignite our clients' passions, building emotional connections via unique, intimate and memorable experiences. We are taking Range Rover House to India for the first time, where clients will be able to immerse themselves in our story in a space which combines breath-taking modernity and refinement with local flair."

Nestled along India's breathtaking coastline, Range Rover House invites guests into a luxurious villa nestled amidst verdant foliage, serving as an idyllic setting to showcase the locally crafted Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models. Offering a bespoke journey, every aspect—from the private luxury yacht journey to the venue to the experiences within Range Rover House—immerses guests in the essence of contemporary luxury, engaging all five senses.

Heritage Experience: Upon arrival, guests are greeted with Range Rover's storied legacy, meticulously curated within this modern space, highlighting the brand's timeless elegance and innovation from its inception to the present day.

Personalization Studio: Reflecting Range Rover's commitment to refined design and bespoke craftsmanship, the Personalization Studio offers guests a hands-on opportunity to customize and commission their next Range Rover alongside experts from Special Vehicle Operations.

Design Masterclass: Led by Range Rover's expert design team, guests delve into the intricate process of luxury vehicle curation, gaining insights into the aesthetic considerations that define the Range Rover experience and even sketching their own designs.

Luxury Fashion Showcase: Collaborating with SS Homme, a contemporary bespoke design house, the Luxe Atelier offers guests an insider's view of reductive luxury fashion trends while providing personalized consultations to meet their unique style needs.

Fragrance Creation: In the Fragrance Lab, guests embark on an olfactory journey guided by a master perfumer, crafting bespoke scents using meticulously sourced ingredients from iconic regions like Darjeeling, Kashmir, and Assam.

Wellness Retreat: Led by a leading sound therapist, the Wellness Sanctuary provides a serene space for guests to unwind and rejuvenate with sound and crystal healing sessions, escaping the chaos of daily life.

Artisanal Tasting Experience: The Tasting Vault presents an artisanal exploration of fine spirits paired with gourmet chocolate and cheese, offering a sophisticated sensory journey.

Culinary Excellence: Renowned restaurant Masque crafts a unique tasting menu inspired by seasonal ingredients and global influences, celebrating India's culinary heritage through the lens of Range Rover House. Each experience at Range Rover House echoes the tranquility of a journey in a Range Rover, providing a sanctuary of calm.

Smartsters, known for its innovative children's furniture, has ventured into the infant category with its latest product launch. This new collection includes the Cocoon Crib with Wheels and the Snuggles - Height Adjustable Crib and Cot Bed, both designed to support the holistic development of infants. This expansion highlights Smartsters' commitment to addressing the needs of young families in the retail sector in India.

Bikram Mittra, Head Of Design at Smartsters said, "Our new collection fosters not only physical comfort but also cognitive growth and a sense of security. We believe a child's environment plays a crucial role in their development. Additionally, we are providing stylish yet functional solutions that grow with your child, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and enduring quality."

The Cocoon Crib with Wheels is designed for newborns and younger babies, prioritizing safety with soft, rounded edges and creating a serene space for infants to thrive. It features adjustable mattress heights, allowing parents to easily reach their infants, and wheels for effortless movement throughout the home. This flexibility enables parents to keep a watchful eye on their sleeping child and stimulate curiosity by introducing new environments.

The Snuggles - Height Adjustable Crib and Cot Bed is designed to grow with the child, seamlessly transitioning to accommodate their changing needs. It includes adjustable mattress heights for optimal comfort and safety. The visually stimulating design and rounded corners create a nurturing environment as infants become more aware of their surroundings. This crib, crafted with engineered wood and non-toxic paint, easily converts to a stationary cot for older infants, ensuring continued safety and comfort throughout their first year.

Both cribs are built with engineered wood, feature a safe and durable PU coating, and adhere to high international safety standards. Smartsters' "Lovable Minimalism" design language is evident through the serene colors that enhance modern rooms. The flat pack efficiency of these cribs also minimizes environmental impact.

These cribs blend comfort, functionality, and style, ensuring a seamless transition as children grow and explore the world. The launch reflects Smartsters' dedication to providing high-quality infant furniture in the retail market in India, catering to the evolving needs of modern families.

Play 'N' Learn, a premier destination offering Active Edu Fun for children, is excited to announce the grand debut of its latest venue in India, situated at R City Mall, Ghatkopar, Mumbai. Nestled on the first floor, this new establishment marks a significant expansion for the Play 'N' Learn brand, underscoring its commitment to delivering outstanding edutainment experiences for children and families.

Building on the success of recent launches across various states in India, the opening in Mumbai underscores the brand's dedication to nurturing creativity and inquisitiveness through innovative play areas and interactive engagements. Spanning an expansive 8,000 sq. ft., the new venue features carefully crafted play areas designed to stimulate individuality and promote holistic development. From Sally’s Water Play Lab to Carly’s Giant Ball Pool and Play 'N' Learn’s distinctive Role Play Town, the innovative environment offers a diverse range of engaging experiences. 

“We are excited to further expand our presence in Mumbai with the opening of our new Play ‘N’ Learn venue at R City Mall, Ghatkopar. This expansion allows us to enhance our commitment to fostering creativity and curiosity in children through a safe, nurturing, and fun environment. Our goal is to inspire learning, creativity, and critical thinking in young minds, and we are dedicated to providing spaces that encourage this," said Abbas Jabalpurwala, CEO, TEEG India.

The new venue boasts cutting-edge facilities, interactive activities, and distinctive experiences designed to seamlessly blend learning with play. It offers an ideal setting for birthday parties, school outings, or casual play dates, ensuring each visit is memorable for all guests. With an unwavering dedication to excellence and safety, Play ‘N’ Learn excels in event hosting; its seasoned party hosts meticulously manage every aspect from setup to cleanup, guaranteeing a seamless and unforgettable celebration.

Adding to the venue's appeal is the renowned Rockstar Café, where families can savor delicious and nutritious treats together or where parents can relax while their children explore the play areas.

Discover the wonders of Play 'N' Learn at R City, Ghatkopar, where the realms of learning and enjoyment converge, and imagination knows no bounds. Embark on an unforgettable journey filled with creativity, education, and endless fun for both children and parents alike.

Dadu's, a well-known brand in retail and india for its traditional and contemporary Indian sweets and snacks, has opened its latest outlet in Kompally, Hyderabad. This new store is one of their largest establishments and marks their tenth location in the city, offering a wide range of products under one roof. A key feature of this new outlet is the introduction of Banquets, a spacious convention area for hosting events and social gatherings. The five-floor building spans a total of ten thousand square feet and houses both Dadu’s Sweets and Masala Republic.

Masala Republic, the award-winning restaurant on the first floor, has quickly become a favorite among Hyderabad's food enthusiasts. Known for its all-vegetarian menu, Masala Republic caters to young, urban individuals who enjoy exceptional food and desserts. The menu features a variety of Fusion Chaat, Modern Indian, Continental, Chinese dishes, and more. The restaurant's commitment to vegetarianism is encapsulated in its tagline, #thevegetarian.

Residents of Kompally can now enjoy a wide selection of authentic and high-quality mithais, including South Indian sweets like Bobbatlu, Bellam Ariselu, Putharekulus, and Kaju Pakam. The store also offers various namkeens such as Chekkalus, Chekodis, Murrukkus, and Sakinalus.

Dadu's provides a diverse array of treats, ranging from Pan-Indian Mithai and traditional South Indian Sweets and Savories to Modern Mithai suitable for gifting, Turkish Delicacies, Dry Fruits, and high-quality gelato in fusion flavors like motichoor gelato and rose kheer gelato. Additionally, the Kompally branch features an Interactive Gifting Station, allowing customers to create personalized gift hampers for any occasion. These hampers and gift boxes can be fully customized and assembled on the spot.

Rajesh Dadu, Owner of Dadu's said, “We are extremely excited and pleased with the opening of our newest outlet at Kompally, Hyderabad. We are confident about this new location and our latest banquet space, and we anticipate great success from here. Our brand has been expanding rapidly in recent years and is now ready for exponential growth with the upcoming establishment of a cutting-edge factory this year. This new outlet will enrich the overall portfolio of Dadu's Group. We have plans to unveil several more branches in the near future and are poised to make a mark in the city's hospitality industry.”

Muskaan Dadu, Managing Partner said, “We are thrilled to announce the addition of another exceptional store to our collection. Without a doubt, our latest services will ensure complete satisfaction for our customers. In the near future, we have plans to open two more stores at the airport and one in the city. Our vision is to see the esteemed traditions of our mithai craftsmanship go beyond borders with our upcoming export plans. Our main objective is to prioritize excellence in quality, exceed customer expectations, immerse them in our cultural knowledge, and enhance celebrations with the unique Dadu's touch.”

Heads Up for Tails, India's leading premium pet care brand, has successfully opened its first international store in Singapore, marking the brand's global expansion. This milestone reflects the brand's commitment to delivering exceptional pet care products and services to pet owners worldwide.

Following its opening in Q1 of FY2024, the new 500 sqft Singapore outlet has received a positive response from the local community. The store offers over 1000 premium products, including designer pet accessories, gourmet treats, organic grooming essentials, daily nibbles, and personalized merchandise.

Rashi Sanon Narang, Founder and CEO stated, "Our expansion into Singapore represents a major step forward for Heads Up for Tails. We are thrilled to offer pet parents in Singapore a unique and enriching shopping experience with our best-in-class products. Our new store features an extensive range of pet accessories, toys, bedding, treats, walk products, as well as top food products in the country. From essential supplies to stylish lifestyle products and expert advice, we are dedicated to providing a seamless shopping experience for you and your beloved companions. We look forward to serving the Singaporean market with the same commitment to excellence that has defined our brand in India."

The Singapore store's product portfolio is curated to meet the aesthetic and functional needs of local pet owners. Special features include a range of cooling products tailored for Singapore’s climate, such as cooling mats, bowls, and raincoats. Additionally, Heads Up for Tails is developing a special edition line for Singapore in the lifestyle and treats categories. Many soft goods, including bedding, accessories, and bowls, are made in India, ensuring high standards of quality and craftsmanship.

The grand opening celebration featured special offers and showcased the store’s high-quality products, setting a vibrant tone for the brand's presence in Singapore.

TimeVallée, the Swiss luxury multi-brand watch concept, has partnered with Art of Time to announce its entry into the Indian retail market with the opening of TimeVallée boutiques in Mumbai. These boutiques will offer an immersive experience into the world of watchmaking, featuring a curated selection of timepieces for both men and women from renowned brands such as Baume and Mercier, Bulgari, Cartier, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, and Zenith.

Michael Guenoun, CEO of TimeVallée, stated, "India holds immense significance in TimeVallée's expansion strategy. As a country with a rich heritage and a growing appreciation for luxury craftsmanship, India presents a compelling opportunity for TimeVallée to establish its presence and cater to the discerning tastes of Indian lifelong watch enthusiasts and newcomers who want to explore, learn, and experience the fascinating world of luxury watches.”

The boutiques are designed to offer a unique and personalized client experience, featuring emblematic elements of the multi-brand concept such as the watchband-inspired marquee, elegant displays, open areas, and for the first time, a TimeCafé in Mumbai. “Our vision is to disrupt traditional luxury watch retailing. We preserve hundreds of years of watchmaking knowledge fused with cutting-edge experiential innovation,” added Michael Guenoun.

Gaurav Bhatia and Bharat Kapoor, Co-Founders and Directors of Art of Time said, "We are thrilled to join forces with TimeVallée to introduce the finest selection of luxury watches to the Indian market. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing our clientele with access to the world's most prestigious and exceptional timepieces."

The partnership between Art of Time and TimeVallée aims to set new standards for luxury watch retail in India by combining expertise and passion for horology. As TimeVallée expands into the Indian market, it remains dedicated to upholding its legacy of excellence and innovation, looking forward to shaping the future of luxury watch retail in India and beyond.

BSH Home Appliances Pvt. Ltd a subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, has announced the grand opening of its latest Bosch Brand Store in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Located at Valluvar Kottam High Road in Nungambakkam, this flagship store underscores BSH's commitment to enhancing customer experiences and marks the launch of the Retail Excellence program in India. The store was inaugurated in the presence of Saif Khan, MD and CEO, Rakesh Desai, CTO and Chairman of the Board from BSH Home Appliances India, Dr. Joerg Ulrich, Head of Production, Hans-Joachim Gast, Head of Corporate Operations Steering from BSH Home Appliances Group, and Jithender Tatia, Dealer Partner from Shiron Atelier.

Covering 2,500 square feet, the new Bosch Brand Store in Chennai showcases BSH's commitment to advancing the retail landscape in India. The store features over 100 major domestic appliances, including coffee machines, vacuum cleaners, ovens, the largest built-in range display, and a comprehensive selection of dishwashers, offering customers an immersive Bosch innovation experience.

At the core of this initiative is BSH's vision to redefine premium customer experiences in India. The Retail Excellence program aims to set a new standard in premium retail by providing personalized product demonstrations, expert advice, and an engaging environment that reflects Bosch's ethos. The store focuses on enhancing customer interaction, ensuring high-quality sales, and offering after-sales support to inspire and delight customers.

BSH aims to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu and solidify its position as a trusted brand for modern Indian households. The launch of this brand store in Chennai highlights the city's growing demand for premium home appliances and demonstrates Bosch's dedication to meeting evolving consumer needs. With 14 Bosch stores in Chennai, this new addition aligns with the brand's mission of providing a distinctive Bosch experience to residents.

Saif Khan, MD and CEO of BSH Home Appliances India stated, "We are delighted to unveil our new Bosch Brand Store in Chennai, further solidifying our commitment to delivering exceptional products and experiences to our valued customers. We are always exploring partnerships with top retailers to expand our presence across markets and elevate customer interactions. This launch isn't just about opening another store—it's about raising the bar for premium retail in India, building confidence in our customers with innovative products and personalized service. We invite our customers to embark on an immersive journey at our new Bosch Brand Store in Chennai, where they can explore our extensive range of cutting-edge appliances and experience firsthand the hallmark of Bosch innovation and excellence."

Tamil Nadu has a strong distribution network with more than 1,000 Bosch and Siemens touchpoints, including 31 brand stores (28 Bosch and 3 Siemens). BSH maintains a robust retail network across India, with 115 brand shops, including 94 Bosch and 21 Siemens stores. The company ensures excellent service support through two customer contact centers, 16 branch service offices, over 350 authorized service partners, and more than 1,500 trained service technicians nationwide.

Dayal Opticals, a prominent name in the luxury eyewear industry, announces its expansion into Punjab with the opening of its first physical store in Chandigarh. This new venture is a significant milestone in the brand's strategic growth beyond the Delhi NCR region. Situated in the bustling Sector 8, the Chandigarh showroom boasts a sleek and modern design, offering a luxurious shopping experience with personalized service and a wide selection of high-end eyewear to suit diverse tastes and styles.

Sarvash Kalra, Director, Dayal Opticals shared, “Chandigarh had always been on my mind when it came to expanding outside Delhi NCR. We have a large number of clients coming in from Punjab to our Delhi stores, which made our entry into Chandigarh a very natural next move. Punjab's fashion scene has exploded in the past decade, and fashion enthusiasts in the state are defining the style of new, modern India. I felt like they deserved the best brands in their city without having to travel hundreds of kilometres for the same."

Dedicated to bringing the world's finest eyewear to Chandigarh, Dayal Opticals ensures both quality and style. The new showroom features an extensive range of boutique and fashion house brands, providing a glimpse into the comprehensive portfolio now available in the city. Among the boutique brands are Akoni, VAVA, Capote, Anna Karin Karlsson, Rigards, Valentino, and Off White, while the fashion house brands include Celine, Gucci, Prada, Tom Ford, Versace, and Burberry, among others.

Dayal Opticals' new showroom showcases a diverse array of eyewear from globally renowned brands. The company invites all fashion enthusiasts and eyewear aficionados in Chandigarh to visit the new store and explore the exclusive collections.

Big Hello, a specialty fashion brand for plus-sized individuals, has launched four new retail experience stores in Hyderabad. Located in Kukatpally, Upperpally, Miyapur, and Panjagutta, these stores offer stylish, high-quality clothing and accessories for plus-sized men and women in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

The new Hyderabad stores are designed as 'Experience Stores,' featuring vibrant interiors, dancing mannequins, and excellent customer service, reflecting the brand's lively and inclusive spirit. Big Hello is the first brand in India to provide a dedicated lounge for customers to sit and shop comfortably, enhancing their retail shopping experience.

With this launch, Big Hello now operates 11 physical retail stores across Bangalore, Chennai, Vijayawada, and Hyderabad. The brand also has an e-commerce presence and plans to open eight more stores in Hyderabad by the end of this financial year. Big Hello is owned by Absolute Brands and Retail Private Limited (ABRPL), a growing fashion retail company founded by Vishnu Prasad.

“Hyderabadis love to express their personality through truly stylish and well-fitting clothes, but for a large number of plus-sized people, finding such clothes has always been an uphill battle. Big Hello’s launch in Hyderabad solves this problem and brings local people ready access to world-class fashion and fits without compromise,” said Vishnu Prasad, Founder and CEO of Absolute Brands and Retail Pvt Ltd (ABRPL).

Big Hello offers a range of Western and Indian ethnic wear for men and women, including shirts, t-shirts, trousers, jeans, chinos, shorts, blazers, kurtas, ethnic bottomwear, and bandhgalas. The brand also provides accessories such as belts, tummy tuckers, scarves, ties, pocket squares, and suspenders, all crafted to fit the unique curves of plus-sized bodies.

Prasad added that Big Hello will continue to expand in Telangana and other southern states. “We are establishing Big Hello to be the go-to destination for plus-size fashion across India. The brand offers stylish, high-quality garments that are exquisitely crafted to fit the unique curves and contours of plus-sized bodies.” 

The Big Hello stores in Hyderabad are located at Vasavi Sri Sri Signature in Kukatpally, Mantra Mall, Upperpally, GSM Mall, Miyapur, and Uma Plaza, Nagarjuna Circle, Panjagutta.

The Indian plus-size fashion apparel market, valued at Rs Rs 88,000 crore, holds a 12 percent share in the overall fashion market. Of this, the organized market accounts for about Rs 29,000 crore. This market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 25 percent over the next five years.

Landcraft Retail, founded by Lalit Jhawar and Mayank Gupta, has announced an undisclosed funding round with notable investors such as supermodels Ujjwala Raut, Vartika Singh, designer Payal Singhal, digital creator and mom blogger Simone Khambatta, and luxury fashion house Purple Style Labs. This move marks a significant step for Landcraft Retail in India’s retail sector.

The company’s first store, Food Square, has opened in Bandra West, Mumbai. This 25,000 square foot, four-story establishment aims to be a premier destination for food enthusiasts. Food Square features an in-house bakery, a dedicated truffle section, a selection of over 350 cheese varieties, and a café. Additional amenities include a spice mill, salad bar, and a specialty pet store, all designed to offer a world-class shopping experience in the offline retail market.

Ujjwala Raut commented, “Food Square epitomizes culinary excellence at par with global standards, offering an unparalleled shopping experience reminiscent of the finest establishments in the UK or US. From its diverse array of offerings to its impeccable availability, every facet of this unique store exudes sophistication. It's a gem in its own right, and I see tremendous merit in its vision.”

Lalit Jhawar and Mayank Gupta, Co-Founders of Landcraft Retail said, “Landcraft Retail is an extension of our farming business, Trueganic by Landcraft Agro. Through Trueganic, we've supplied fresh vegetables and fruits to over 200 supermarkets and gourmet stores across West and South India. Expanding into retail was a natural progression for us. With our sights set on amassing more than 200,000 customers, we aim to reach an annual revenue milestone of 300 Crores in the next three years and add over 20,000 SKUs across the store. This is just the beginning, and we remain committed to bringing global food experiences to India. These investments underscore our dedication to advancing and excelling in the retail landscape.”

Abhishek Agarwal, Founder of Purple Style Labs added, “We have always believed in the luxury growth story of Indian consumers over the next 2-3 decades and have proven the same by scaling Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop by 100x in the last 6 years. Combining the untapped potential of gourmet offerings in luxury retail and the founding team's expertise of bringing global food experiences to India, we are confident that Food Square will soar to great heights. With our investment, we aspire to leverage our experience to support Food Square and play a pivotal role in establishing the brand as the premier luxury gourmet shopping destination across India.”

Since its launch, Food Square has served over 30,000 customers in its first quarter and is poised for further growth. With plans to expand its presence in Mumbai and other regions, the brand is focused on reaching more customers and enhancing its offerings.

Reliance Retail's youth-focused fashion brand, Yousta, has launched its first store in North India, located in Prayagraj at SP Marg, Civil Lines. This significant retail expansion was marked by the presence of Bollywood actor Rajkumar Rao, who inaugurated the store, adding a touch of celebrity to the event.

During the launch, Rajkumar Rao explored the extensive collection, noting the stylish and affordable fashion options Yousta offers. His presence underscored Yousta’s dedication to delivering trendy and budget-friendly clothing aimed at fashion-conscious youth.

Since its inception in August 2023, Yousta has rapidly grown across India, opening stores in Maharashtra, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and now Uttar Pradesh. Yousta aims to attract young shoppers with a diverse range of top-to-bottom ensembles, unisex and character merchandise, and weekly fashion updates through its "Starring Now" collection, all priced below Rs 999, with most items under Rs 499.

The new Prayagraj store features a modern, tech-enabled shopping environment with self-checkout counters and charging stations, ensuring a seamless shopping experience. Yousta also focuses on community engagement and sustainability. The store collaborates with local non-profit organizations, encouraging customers to donate old clothes as part of their commitment to community support and sustainability.

Customers in Prayagraj are invited to visit the new Yousta store to experience the vibrant collection in person or shop online via AJIO and JioMart. For the latest updates and fashion releases, follow Yousta on Instagram at @youstafashion.

Soch, a prominent name in Indian retail, has opened its first international store in Canada. The new store, located on North Park Drive in Brampton, will offer a wide range of exclusive designs and ethnic wear, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s expansion beyond India.

Opening on May 18, the new store will feature Soch’s latest collection, including sarees, salwar suits, kurtas, tunics, kurta sets, lehengas, and kaftans. To celebrate the grand opening, Soch has planned various events and promotions that highlight Indian culture and heritage. With nearly 20 years in the industry, Soch has grown to over 175 stores across 68 cities in India. This expansion into Canada aligns with Soch’s vision of reaching the global Indian diaspora. 

Vinay Chatlani, CEO and Co-Founder of Soch stated, "Expanding into Canada is a decisive moment for the brand. This step signifies the brand’s growth beyond borders, increasing the stakes and expectations of our consumers. Our strategy is to extend our presence into overseas markets with significant Indian-origin populations, and Canada aligns perfectly with that vision. It speaks of the accessibility we promise to deliver to our customers."

The launch in Canada is the first step in Soch's global expansion plans, with future stores planned in the USA, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Mauritius, the Middle East, and the UK. This move aims to solidify Soch’s position as a global leader in ethnic fashion.

The Brampton store promises an exceptional shopping experience, maintaining Soch’s in-store look and feel along with tech initiatives like Endless Aisle and omnichannel functionality. Additionally, an exclusive website for Canada has been launched to showcase Soch’s collections. Soch remains committed to comfort, quality, and style as it expands globally, celebrating tradition while embracing innovation.

Ilem Japan, a Japanese skincare brand has announced the opening of its first retail store in Chennai at Phoenix Palladium Mall, Velachery. This newly launched store is marked as the brand’s second standalone store in the country. Previously, the company launched its first full-fledged store at Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, Pune in January this year.

“As we open our doors to the vibrant community of Chennai, we are excited to share the essence of Japanese wellness with you all. With the launch of our store in Chennai, we invite you to embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the time-honoured traditions and premium products that embody the spirit of Japan,” said Ishvani Patel, founder, Ilem Japan.

The store will feature an assortment of products, spanning from facial and body care to hair care essentials. Making its debut in the Indian market in February 2023, the retailer initially established its online presence through the website in.ilemjapan.com. Presently, Ilem operates over eight kiosks across different malls in India.

Founded in April 2021, Ilem Japan began as an Internet-focused startup offering a variety of skincare products across multiple categories. Presently, the company has established itself in Japan, India, and the United States.

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd in partnership with renowned designer Tarun Tahiliani, has introduced the first TASVA store in Mumbai's Oberoi Mall. The store's grand debut was marked by a surprise flash mob and Puneri dhol performance, captivating the audience. Ananya Panday, Bollywood star and brand ambassador, made an unexpected entrance during the flash mob and inaugurated the store alongside Tarun Tahiliani.

Situated in Oberoi Mall, the store spans 1746 sq. ft., offering a lavish shopping environment. It presents an extensive selection of designer ethnic and wedding wear for the modern Indian man. The new Art Deco-inspired Dinner Jacket collection, featuring geometric patterns and intricate embroidery techniques like appliqué and hot-fix, is a highlight. The wedding and festive attire assortment includes kurta sets, achkans, sherwanis, and Indo-western outfits, complemented by accessories such as safas, sarpeches, brooches, pocket squares, buttons, sehras, stoles, shawls, and footwear.

Reflecting Tarun Tahiliani's 'India Modern' design philosophy, the store's design and decor resonate with Indian consumers' evolving preferences, emphasizing meaning and expressiveness in their choices. Utilizing luxurious materials like wood and brass, alongside designs inspired by India's rich cultural heritage, the ambiance transports customers to a new realm of Indian apparel, in line with TASVA's brand ethos.

Tarun Tahiliani, Chief Design Officer, TASVA said, “It’s an honour to bring our vision to life with the grand opening of our store in Oberoi Mall, Mumbai. At TASVA, each garment is meticulously crafted to celebrate our heritage while embracing contemporary style. Our new Mumbai store is a perfect space to experience the confluence of timeless techniques and modern designs that define TASVA.”

Ashish Mukul, Brand Head, TASVA shared, “At TASVA, we're strategically expanding our retail footprint, and the grand opening of our first mall store in Mumbai at the Oberoi Mall, is a major milestone in this direction. This store is a beacon of our commitment to accessibility and top-notch quality in designer wedding wear.” 

Homegrown coffee chain Barista Coffee has announced the opening of its largest outlet in the country, Srinagar. Covering an expansive area of over 4,000 sq. ft., the newest outlet is situated by Dal Lake and marks the fifth addition to the Barista Diner chain in the city. With seating available for over 100 customers, it promises ample space for customers to enjoy their dining experience.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of Barista Diner, our newest and largest cafe at Dal Lake, Srinagar. With its strategic location, grand outdoors overlooking The Dal, enabled with great culinary experience, we are confident that Barista Diner at Dal Lake will become a preferred go-to place for locals as well as for tourists visiting Kashmir,” said Rajat Agrawal, CEO, Barista Coffee.

Barista Diner serves as the leading establishment among Barista's locations, spanning across Noida, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, and Kapurthala. Established in 2000, Barista Coffee Company Ltd has expanded its presence beyond India to include Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Beyoung, a leading everyday fashion brand in India, is expanding its retail footprint with the launch of a new store in Bhilwara. This move is part of Beyoung’s strategy to strengthen its omnichannel presence and tap into the growing retail market in India's tier II, III, and IV cities.

Founded in 2018 and based in Udaipur, Beyoung has captured a significant share of the online market in smaller cities. The direct-to-consumer brand aims to open over 300 stores in the next three years, with over 100 new stores planned for the current fiscal year.

Shivam Soni, Beyoung’s Founder, commented, “This is a significant step in our journey of offline expansion in tier II, III, and IV cities. We are excited to offer quality products in many more locations and plan to introduce more categories in the year ahead.”

The Bhilwara store will feature Beyoung’s wide range of products, including plain t-shirts, joggers, cargo pants, urban shirts, and other trendy fashion wear for men and women. The Indian fast fashion market is projected to grow rapidly, reaching $28.84 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5 percent from 2023 to 2030. Beyoung aims to capitalize on this growth and expand its reach to the global market.

Recent investments will help Beyoung focus on offline expansion in its key markets, enhancing its omnichannel presence and offering a tech-driven shopping experience. By the end of December 2024, Beyoung plans to launch over 30 new stores in tier II, III, and IV cities across states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The company is also scaling up its marketing efforts, technology, and logistics to improve the overall customer buying experience.

Additionally, Beyoung is expanding its "SHOP THE LOOK" category, which features curated outfits (top and bottom wear) tailored to customer preferences. With a current Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of Rs 200 crore and a target GMV of Rs 650 crore in the next three years, Beyoung’s customer base stands at 3 million and continues to grow.

Embarking on a journey of cultural enrichment and holistic wellness, ILEM JAPAN has announced the opening of its new store in Chennai. Situated in the bustling Palladium Mall, this new location marks a significant step in the brand's commitment to bringing Japanese wellness traditions to the Indian retail market. This store is ILEM JAPAN's second standalone location in India, following its successful debut in Pune and various kiosks across the country.

ILEM, which stands for Improve Longevity, Enhance Mindfulness, aims to offer an exceptional shopping experience by blending modern elegance with authentic Japanese aesthetics. The Chennai store will feature a diverse product line, including Japanese tea and J-beauty face, body, and hair care essentials. All products are cruelty-free, clean, and made with natural ingredients, reflecting ILEM JAPAN's dedication to ethical and sustainable practices.

With this new store, ILEM JAPAN continues to expand its presence in the Indian market, offering consumers a unique opportunity to experience the rich traditions of Japanese wellness and beauty.

Ishvani Patel - Founder of ILEM JAPAN said, “As we open our doors to the vibrant community of Chennai, we are excited to share the essence of Japanese wellness with you all. At ILEM JAPAN, we believe in the transformative power of holistic living, and our mission is to empower individuals to embrace a lifestyle rooted in mindfulness and longevity. With the launch of our store in Chennai, we invite you to embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the time-honored traditions and premium products that embody the spirit of Japan.”

DLF Mall of India in Noida has announced the opening of Delhi-NCR’s first Game Palacio, providing a comprehensive retail and entertainment experience for visitors of all ages, from children as young as three to seniors aged 60 and above.

Game Palacio offers an array of activities including a state-of-the-art arcade, boutique bowling, and immersive virtual reality experiences. Additionally, visitors can enjoy upscale dining options and live music performances. The facility spans 56,000 square feet within DLF Mall of India and includes a bowling alley, arcade and video games, and two distinct restaurants: Kamikaze, a cocktail bar, and Verde, an Italian restaurant.

Shibli Khan, Centre Head, DLF Mall of India said, “We are thrilled to welcome the Game Palacio to DLF Mall of India as a one-stop destination for unparalleled entertainment. With its gamut offerings and immersive game experiences, the Game Palacio underscores our commitment to providing world-class leisure options within DLF Mall of India.”

“We are excited to welcome the Game Palacio at DLF Mall of India, Noida. It is more than just a gaming destination; it is an experience tailored for every generation. From arcade thrills to VR experience, the Game Palacio fosters our commitment to offering our patrons cherished memories and boundless joy,” said Manish Mehrotra, Senior VP, Head of Operations, DLF Shopping Malls.

Prasuk R Jain, Owner of the Game Palacio added, “In the next decade, we anticipate the trend of Game Palacio to increase in India rapidly. This year, we are thrilled to announce multiple openings back to back, including locations at Connaught Place (Regal Building) in Delhi, Pitampura in West Delhi, Saket in South Delhi and Golf Course Road in Gurugram. The Game Palacio has already established itself as a leading brand in Mumbai, Thane, Pune and Chandigarh.”

Namaskara, the latest addition to India's bustling street food scene, has launched its operations in Gurgaon with six locations, aiming to redefine the everyday dining experience. With the mantra "The day begins," Namaskara seeks to change how office workers view their daily meals, offering tasty, nutritious, and hygienic options at budget-friendly prices. Operating through a food truck and food container model, Namaskara has introduced its services across six different spots in Gurgaon, with plans to expand to 20 locations in FY 24-25.

Riya Satti, Namaskara's COO said, "It's a concept we've been developing for years, and we're excited to announce our debut." Anchored at one of Gurgaon's largest base kitchens, spanning 5000 square feet and capable of serving 15,000 meals daily, Namaskara boasts a wide range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, all priced between 50 and 150 rupees. The brand promises quality, accessibility, and affordability as its cornerstones of hospitality.

Founder and CEO of Building Brands for Tomorrow (BBFT), Rohit Singh, emphasized the significance of Namaskara's entry into the $41 billion market. "Namaskara fills a void in the industry, addressing issues of hygiene, efficiency, and disorganization," he noted. In addition to its regular menu, Namaskara provides catering services for corporate events, ensuring a seamless dining experience for its customers. With its capacity to serve over 15,000 individuals daily, Namaskara is well-equipped to meet the growing demand for wholesome and hygienic meals in the corporate sector.

Ospree has announced the inauguration of two new retail outlets at Mumbai International Airport Terminal 2: The Bharat Story, a luxury Indian destination store, and Bon Voyage, the airport's inaugural duty-free convenience store.

The Bharat Story seeks to redefine the Indian destination shopping experience, targeting international travelers seeking luxury and elegance. With a curated selection of indigenous luxury brands, the store features an array of Indian liquor, sweets, souvenirs, marble handicrafts, and exclusive spice and tea gift boxes. Moreover, customers can explore unique Ospree offerings like Indian paintings and toys.

Bon Voyage, the airport's premier duty-free convenience store, provides a diverse range of products across categories such as chocolates, beverages, travel essentials, books, digital accessories, toys, and souvenirs. Notable brands available include Rhine Valley, Lindt, Venchi, Marshall, and JBL.

The launch of these upscale retail destinations coincides strategically with the summer season, capitalizing on the surge of travelers passing through Mumbai International Airport. With Mumbai's increasing passenger traffic, Ospree aims to tap into the flourishing travel shopping market, introducing an exciting addition to its existing premium duty-free offerings.

Avishek Bambi Das, CEO of MTRPL said, “We are thrilled to introduce The Bharat Story and Bon Voyage to Mumbai International Airport. Bharat Story is our endeavor to bring indigenous luxury products to global forefront. We aim to establish Bon Voyage as the epitome of convenient travel retail in the country. These launches also reaffirm our commitment to enhance the travel experience for our esteemed customers at every step of the journey. Customer satisfaction remains our foremost priority, and this endeavor attests to that commitment.”

Limelight Diamonds, a renowned CVD diamond jewelry brand expanded its retail presence with their new store in Lucknow. This latest addition is located in Lucknow’s Lulu Mall. 

Spanning over an area of 400 sq ft, the store is another significant milestone in the brand’s journey of expanding its presence nationwide. Over the past two years, the company has experienced significant growth and now boasts the largest presence nationwide for LGD jewelry, with over 10 stores and 40 shop-in-shops spanning across more than 25 cities, including Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. Quickly emerging as the go-to destination for solitaire jewelry, the brand offers an impressive array of solitaire necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, showcasing a seamless fusion of cutting-edge technology and timeless craftsmanship.

“We have been receiving such a fantastic customer response for our brand and it brings me great joy and pride to open up our latest store in Lucknow. With our strong growing presence, we aim to strengthen our consumer base, offering them an exceptional opportunity to engage with our exquisite lab-grown CVD diamond jewelry. And I believe that Limelight’s jewel y will serve as the perfect adornment for all the people here who would love to upgrade to diamond solitaires from very small diamond studded jewelry as well as choose to spend their money wisely,” said Pooja Sheth Madhavan, Founder & MD, Limelight Diamonds. 

The design of the store is meticulously crafted to align with the brand's values of elegance, modernity, sustainability, and luxury. The store features a clean and minimalistic ambiance that perfectly showcases the beauty of lab-grown diamond jewelry. Upon entering, customers are treated to a remarkable experience with a hologram display and captivating 3D visuals, ensuring a memorable visit. Furthermore, the brand offers additional customer services such as design customization, Lifetime Buyback, and a 100 percent exchange guarantee.

“This is our very first association with Limelight Diamonds and we cannot wait to provide our customers best of designs in lab grown diamond jewelry in Lucknow,” said Nitish Kumar, ANJ Jewelers.

In the financial year 2024, Limelight Diamonds recorded gross sales of Rs 80 cr nationwide. The brand sales have tripled year-on-year, emboldening the company to directly interact with customers and broaden its retail footprint. With an expanding market presence, the brand remains dedicated to fortifying its customer base, presenting them with an unparalleled selection of solitaire diamond jewelry.

ASUS India, a Taiwanese technology giant, has opened ASUS Exclusive Service Centre in Anna Salai Road, Chennai. The centre remains an important endeavor to bolster the brand’s after-sales support and seamlessly troubleshoot any product-related challenges.

The opening of an ASUS Exclusive Service Centre in Anna Salai Road marks a strategic decision by ASUS India to cater to the growing IT Hub in the nearby area. ASUS customers can now avail support and maintenance-related services for ASUS products that are delivered by highly trained representatives. The centre specializes in repairing and servicing specific types of products while offering tailored solutions to its customers. The Exclusive Service Centre also houses skilled technicians who undergo an exhaustive training and certification process to ensure the services and experience delivered are at par with ASUS standards while sticking to the company's vision, mission, and values. 

Commenting on the opening of the ASUS Exclusive Service Centre in Chennai, Arnold Su, Vice President- Gaming and Consumer Segment, ASUS India shared, “We at ASUS believe that in addition to launching solutions laden with state-of-the-art technology, a strong after-sales solution and network played a pivotal role in making ASUS a reliable option for customers in India. I am elated to announce the opening of the ASUS Exclusive Service Centre in Chennai. The launch marks another feat from the brand to ensure a seamless after-sales experience for ASUS customers for end-to-end solutions, thus reiterating the brand’s commitment towards its people’s first approach.” 

The Anna Salai Exclusive Service Centre specializes in repairing and servicing the NoteBook series, Gaming NoteBook Series, Commercial NoteBook Series, Desktop, AIO, Monitors, and Accessories and assists with warranty extension packages. The Exclusive Service Centre in partnership with Oasis Soft Solutions also boasts of value-added services like sales, walk-ins, and onsite services supported by quick turnaround time to make the experience as hassle-free and convenient as possible for customers.

Avira Diamonds, India’s Lab-Grown Diamonds brand, has expanded its footprint across India. The brand has unveiled an exclusive boutique store in Bengaluru, its fourth store in South India after Chennai and upcoming in Pondicherry, and it’s looking to further strengthen its presence by adding 10 more stores across South India over the next 12 months. Avira Diamonds is all set to revolutionize the jewelry industry by making world-class diamonds attainable for every Indian family.

Avira Diamonds is India's finest lab-grown and conflict-free diamond jewelry brand, founded by Suresh Jain. Developed in cutting-edge technology labs and grown under strict ethical requirements, these diamonds continue to be a powerful symbol of love passed on from one generation to the next. Handcrafted by award-winning designers and craftsmen at Avira, every piece of jewelry is a true masterpiece. The jewelry is designed and manufactured at a meticulous and technologically advanced manufacturing facility located in Chennai.

Lab-grown diamonds completely eliminate the environmental and ethical consequences of mined diamonds and are treasures that do not tarnish the planet. They are environmentally friendly, have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as a mined diamond, and cost roughly 70 percent less than a mined diamond, making sustainable luxury accessible to all. Every single diamond from Avira is graded as per the 4Cs, certified, and hallmarked with gold. The company also offers 100 percent lifetime exchanges & 95 percent buyback as per the prevailing price.

Avira Diamonds also specializes in custom jewelry, which can be delivered in 10 working days.

The brand's mission is to make sustainable luxury accessible to every woman. They also have an exclusive collection for men. Avira offers an extensive range of handcrafted diamond jewelry starting at just Rs 5,000. The exclusive selection includes earrings, bangles, bracelets, neckpieces, solitaire, and colored diamonds. 

“The concept of earth-friendly diamonds instantly captivated me with its promise of sustainability and ethical sourcing. As I immersed myself in understanding this innovative approach, I discovered its profound potential to revolutionize the industry,” said Suresh Jain, Founder, Avira Diamonds.

RAK Ceramics, a global leader in ceramics, has unveiled its cutting-edge, spacious 8500-square-foot Experience Centre in Bengaluru, which makes it one of the biggest spaces in Karnataka. This unique space, inaugurated by Anil K Beejawat, CEO of RAK Ceramics India, is not just a showroom but a hub of innovation and inspiration. It redefines how customers interact with premium design solutions, offering a truly immersive experience.

The Experience Centre is a complete tile lifestyle center and a testament to RAK Ceramics' unwavering commitment to innovation and quality craftsmanship. It follows the aesthetic look and guidelines of international standards and proudly showcases RAK's flagship offering, Luce, a translucent tile masterpiece meticulously crafted using unique and high-quality clays and feldspars. Its exceptional features, including a pure white body and advanced ink development, set it apart in the market.

Spanning 8500 square feet, the Experience Centre in Bangalore's prime locality offers visitors proper parking facilities and a comprehensive journey through RAK Ceramics' extensive product range. The showroom showcases the brand's offerings, from Barefoot tiles to Sanitary ware, an extensive product range of SUT tiles (Super utility tiles), faucets, and kitchen sinks. It also features a display center for German-made KLUDI and UAE-made KLUDI RAK products, enhancing the customer experience with world-class fittings.

Speaking about this, Anil K Beejawat, CEO of RAK Ceramics India said, "With this one-of-a-kind Experience Centre in Bengaluru, we are showcasing products and inviting customers into a world of innovation and inspiration. At RAK Ceramics, we believe in pushing boundaries, and this Centre is a testament to our commitment to revolutionizing interior design. We look forward to welcoming visitors and empowering them to realize their design dreams."

RAK Ceramics' rich legacy of excellence extends beyond its products to its involvement in prestigious projects across India and beyond. The brand’s recent endeavors include the Ayodhya project's pilgrim facility, further solidifying the brand's reputation for quality and reliability. From iconic landmarks like the Kashi Vishwanath temple complex to vital infrastructure such as airports and educational institutions, RAK Ceramics has been a trusted partner in shaping India's landscape.

With cutting-edge manufacturing facilities in Samalkot, Andhra Pradesh, and joint venture plants in Morbi, Gujarat, RAK Ceramics is poised for continued growth and innovation. The company's global footprint encompasses renowned projects such as Wembley Stadium, Atlantis—The Palm, and the Burj Khalifa, underscoring its status as one of the largest ceramic brands worldwide.

Looking ahead, RAK Ceramics remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering excellence and forging new partnerships that redefine interior design standards and architectural innovation. Its unwavering dedication to quality and innovation is what sets it apart in the industry.

Voltas Limited unveiled two brand new stores in Western UP’s Loni and Greater Noida. With this latest opening, the total number of stores in UP goes up to 47. This opening leads to the company’s online expansion.

The newly opened stores in these cities will serve as both experience centers and retail outlets for the company, featuring a wide range of products including air conditioners, air purifiers, air coolers, commercial refrigerators, water dispensers, water coolers, water heaters, refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, and dishwashers.

The new store in Loni is located at A-Block, Laxmi Garden, Loni Road, Ghaziabad. M/s SHREE JI ENTERPRISES will be responsible for operating the store. Meanwhile, the store opened in Greater Noida is situated in A K Plaza, Jagat Farm in the heart of the city. 

“An important part of our brand's growth strategy is about omnichannel outreach and engaging with customers at a place convenient to them. Through these brand stores, we aim to bring our innovative product range to our consumers and boost our visibility in mini metros. With our strong presence in Uttar Pradesh, we are confident of delivering and fulfilling the needs of our customers in Loni and Greater Noida,” said Pradeep Bakshi, Managing Director & CEO, Voltas Limited.

Voltas introduced its SmartAir Inverter AC series this summer, presenting a range of intelligent features and IoT functionalities. This new collection promises reduced noise levels, seamless temperature control, and advanced options accessible via the Voltas Smart Mobile App, downloadable from both the Google Play Store and the iOS App Store. The IoT-enabled unit swiftly connects to the user's network and integrates with smart speakers. Furthermore, the SmartAir AC is compatible with Alexa and Google Home. Consumers can conveniently monitor and analyze their energy consumption using the Energy Consumption Trend graph feature.
 

AMRPL (April Moon Retail Pvt. Ltd) recently launched Meridiem, a luxurious watch concept store at Terminal 3 at Chaudhary Charan Singh (CCS) International Airport in Lucknow, Departure area. Meridiem is the second concept store at Lucknow Airport after the launch of Bon Voyage. 

Meridiem stands as the premier destination for luxury fashion and Swiss watches in the area, boasting a cutting-edge design that enchants travelers with its visual appeal. The newly launched store offers an assorted collection that caters to the diverse preferences of millennials and Gen Z audiences. Featuring both quartz and automatic movements, the store offers a range of watches for both men and women. 

The second concept store has a curated collection of renowned international brands such as Tissot, Movado, Victorinox, Boss, CK, Olivia Burton, Fossil, Michael Kors, Armani Exchange, Emporio Armani, Versace, Guess Collection, and Guess.

Gaurav Singh, CEO, AMRPL commented, “The newly inaugurated Lucknow Airport is a passenger convenient terminal and quickly emerging as the busiest airport of North India. Concept watch stores are a segment less tapped into in travel retail. Meridiem is curated keeping in mind the premium needs of travellers. This also affirms our commitment to ensure the best-of-the-best to our customers.”  

Crafted with seamless convenience in mind, the store incorporates a dual-entry system, guaranteeing effortless accessibility for customers. To elevate its charm, Meridiem presents brand videos and communications on an expansive digital screen, enriching the shopping experience. 
 

Baby Forest Ayurveda Pvt Ltd. has unveiled its dazzling flagship store in Delhi's Select City Walk Mall. Promising a one-of-a-kind sensory journey, the store epitomizes the brand's fusion of opulence, eco-consciousness, and traditional Indian wellness traditions.

Upon stepping into the store, customers are greeted with a calming ambiance. Warm earthy hues and tactile textures harmonize, complemented by artisanal accents and thoughtfully arranged product showcases. The serene settings of the store serves as a testament to Baby Forest's profound ties to Ayurveda, the age-old Indian holistic health system.

Showcasing an extensive array of baby care essentials, each product is meticulously formulated in adherence to Ayurvedic tenets and natural ingredients. From gentle cleansers and nourishing hair oils to soothing face creams and Ayurvedic skincare, even specially crafted BPA-free patented feeding bottles, every item embodies the transformative essence of Ayurveda.

Gagan Agarwal, Founder, Baby Forest stated, “We are thrilled to bring the enchanting world of Baby Forest to the heart of New Delhi. The new store is a reflection of our dedication to providing a nurturing environment for both babies and new mothers. With the Delhi flagship store as a launchpad, Baby Forest plans to open 10 additional stores in major metro cities across India. This expansion signifies the brand’s commitment to making its unique blend of Ayurvedic baby care accessible to parents nationwide.”

The store layout is ingeniously crafted to lead customers on an exploratory voyage. Informative displays illuminate the virtues of each offering, empowering parents to make enlightened decisions in accordance with their child's individual requirements and Ayurvedic principles. Knowledgeable staff stand ready to provide insights and expert advice. 

The opening of Baby Forest's flagship store represents a significant milestone for the brand as it continues to redefine the landscape of baby care. With its unwavering commitment to luxury, sustainability, and holistic wellness, Baby Forest is poised to become a trusted destination for parents seeking the very best for their little ones.

Glow, the versatile diamond jewelry line by Kirtilals, has announced the inauguration of its latest showroom in Thrissur. The grand opening, held on May 6th, featured the presence of popular actress Anaswara Rajan, marking a significant milestone for the esteemed jewelry brand as it extends its premium diamond collection to discerning customers in Thrissur and beyond. Situated at the Asset Galleria building near Aswini Junction, the new showroom aims to bring Kirtilals' unparalleled diamond jewelry closer to its customers in Thrissur.

Glow by Kirtilals offers a wide range of world-class diamond jewelry designs, drawing from over eight decades of experience in crafting premium diamond pieces. Celebrating empowered women, Glow's designs are tailored to suit their dynamic lifestyles and individuality. The newly opened Glow showroom in Thrissur showcases versatile and lightweight diamond jewelry that complements the elegance, confidence, and achievements of the modern woman.

Suraj Shantakumar, Director Business Strategy, Kirtilals said, "We are proud to unveil our latest showroom in the vibrant city of Thrissur. From a business perspective, this expansion not only signifies our commitment to reaching new markets but also reflects our strategic vision for growth and innovation. As we open our doors in Thrissur, we are poised to offer our exceptional collection of jewelry to a wider audience, further solidifying our position as a leader in the industry."

Seema Mehta, Director-Creative, Kirtilals said, "Our focus at Glow is to redefine the jewelry experience for the modern woman by offering versatile and lightweight pieces that effortlessly complement her dynamic lifestyle. We understand the importance of jewelry that seamlessly transitions from day to night, from casual to formal, pro  viding both style and comfort. Our collection embodies this ethos, offering a range of exquisitely crafted pieces that empower women to express their individuality with ease and grace."

Kirtilals boasts a state-of-the-art Diamond Jewelry manufacturing unit established in 1992 in Coimbatore, engaging over 500 professionals. Additionally, the company has set up an exclusive manufacturing unit dedicated to Glow, symbolizing Glow's commitment to excellence through advanced technology and artisanal craftsmanship in bringing each piece to life.

Royal Canin has announced the opening of its New Packaging Center in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. This launch is a significant milestone that solidifies the company’s commitment to the Indian pet care market.  Leading the purpose, A Better World for Pets, Royal Canin has invested around Rs 100 crore and facilitated local employment and capabilities to strengthen a resilient manufacturing network to serve “millions of cats and dogs. 

The new packaging center is Royal Canin’s first facility in India featuring an automatic packing machine and associated utilities, installed to ensure efficient conversion of bulk products into retail packs tailored for the Indian pet owners’ requirements.

“India is one of the fastest-growing Petcare market with CAGR of 15 percent. Today, pet owners are becoming increasingly attentive to their pets' health and well-being and wish to provide the highest quality of nutrition and care. At Royal Canin, we believe that precise nutrition is one of the best and easiest ways to ensure pets’ well-being. The opening of our new Packaging Center Operations in Bhiwandi will enable us to support pet owners in India further, helping them provide precise “Health Through Nutrition” solutions for their beloved pets,” said Cecile Coutens, Global President, Royal Canin.

Royal Canin is all set to make its way to the next phase of its operations in India and will be offering health-through nutrition solutions to more cats and dogs in the market. 

“We are pleased to announce that our new facility in Maharashtra, is now fully operational. At Royal Canin, everything we do is in service of our Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. The new setup is part of our consumer experience, enabling us to bring our high-quality nutrition to serve more cats and dogs. Equipped with cutting-edge facilities, the new Packaging Center operations reflects our commitment to providing Indian pet parents with premium products that meet the unique nutritional needs of their beloved pets. The latest facility also aligns with the government's “Make in India” initiative to support the Indian economy. We are proud to expand our presence in India and remain dedicated to developing innovative solutions that prioritize the well-being of cats and dogs. At Royal Canin, we believe that pets make our world better and in return we make A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS by offering them the best possible nutrition. Because from our beginnings, and still to this day, health is our North Star,” said Satinder Singh, General Manager, Royal Canin India. 

Currently, Royal Canin is operating in more than 120 countries and runs 16 factories, and 2 pet centers around the globe. Additionally, 1 Research and Development Center and 7 laboratories from the Mars network is also operated by the company. India Packaging Center is counted as the 17th facility that has been added to its manufacturing network. 

Amidst the lively streets and bustling atmosphere of Mohali, Masti Zone arrives to usher in a new era of amusement for locals. With its launch in Mohali, Masti Zone Mohali became the third outlet in Punjab, joining the ranks of two existing outlets in Ludhiana, located at Palm Walk Mall and Wave Mall. Masti Zone is committed to raising the bar with each new endeavor, continuously redefining the concepts of leisure and amusement for the modern generation.

The inauguration of the Mohali outlet signifies another significant milestone in Masti Zone's ambitious expansion strategy. With substantial investment and plans to establish over 100 new outlets nationwide, Masti Zone aims to make high-quality entertainment accessible to communities across India. The Mohali outlet marks the beginning of this exciting venture, promising a world of fun and excitement for residents and visitors alike.

The buzz surrounding Masti Zone's arrival in Mohali is undeniable. Families and thrill-seekers are invited to join the festivities and indulge in the diverse range of experiences offered at Masti Zone. With a focus on delivering boundless amusement and adventure, the Mohali establishment is poised to become the preferred destination for entertainment enthusiasts in the area.

At the core of the Mohali outlet lies an enchanting world of adventure waiting to be explored. Visitors can engage in exhilarating activities such as laser tag, bumper cars, Slider VR, Bike VR, and classic arcade games like Air Hockey, Batman, and Super Bike 3. From immersive rides to virtual reality experiences, Masti Zone offers attractions designed to thrill guests of all ages.

Going beyond traditional gaming spaces, Masti Zone serves as a hub for families to bond and create lasting memories. With its diverse array of attractions including a trampoline park, soft play area, and bowling alley, the Mohali outlet provides the ideal setting for family outings, birthday celebrations, group gatherings, and friends' day-outs. Masti Zone's offerings cater to individuals of all ages, promising fun and excitement for everyone.

As Masti Zone expands its presence across India, the launch of the new outlet in Mohali marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the brand. With its focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, Masti Zone aims to redefine the entertainment landscape and spread joy to communities nationwide. So come one, come all, and join the fun at Masti Zone Mohali – where every moment is an adventure!

Ospree reveals the opening of Vue De Lux, a high-end sunglass boutique, situated in the Departure Section of Terminal 2 at Mumbai International Airport. Vue De Lux aims to redefine the exclusive sunglass shopping experience, specifically targeting international travelers seeking luxury and sophistication.

Vue De Lux boasts an impressive array of international luxury brands, showcasing a curated collection that includes esteemed names such as Tom Ford, Versace, Fendi, Loewe, Prada, Burberry, Givenchy, Ray-Ban, among others. Moreover, customers have the unique opportunity to explore brands exclusively available at Ospree, including renowned labels like Vava, Dita, Akila, and Dior.

The debut of this upscale store strategically coincides with the advent of summer, perfectly catering to the surge of travelers passing through Mumbai International Airport en route to their holiday destinations. With the continual growth in passenger traffic in Mumbai, Ospree capitalizes on the thriving travel retail market, introducing a fresh dimension to its existing premium duty-free store.

Avishek Bambi Das, CEO of MTRPL shared, “With summer seeping in, sunglasses are a vibrant and essential accessory for travellers. Vue De Lux reflects our commitment to infusing style and individuality into the travel experience. Customer satisfaction remains our foremost priority, and this endeavour attests to that commitment.”

Carrier Midea Pvt. Ltd recently announced the grand opening of its very first store in Gurugram. The new store launched by the air-conditioner seller showcases a variety of split air conditioners, alongside ducted units, cassette units, tower units, and a complete range of VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems, catering to residential as well as commercial purposes. 

Sanjay Mahajan, Chairman and Managing Director of Carrier Midea India Pvt Ltd, said, “As a first, we are thrilled to launch Midea Cooling Solutions ProShop, bringing Midea’s advanced air-conditioning technology together in one place to create a unique comfort solution experience for today’s discerning customers seeking high technology and quality.”

Carrier Midea India Pvt Ltd is formed by a joint venture between Carrier and Midea Group Co. Ltd. It has the exclusive right to manufacture and sell Carrier residential air conditioners and residential and light commercial range of Midea air conditioners in India.

Carrier, which is a well-established brand acts as a part of Carrier Global Corporation, is present in 160 countries. More than 53,000 employees are a part of it and has more than 14000 active patents. On the other hand, the Midea group specializes in HVAC, home appliances, robotics and automation, smart home and IoT, as well as smart logistics and components.

Typsy Beauty, an innovative Indian makeup brand has announced the launch of its flagship store at IGI Airport in New Delhi. This launch is a significant milestone for the brand aiming to revolutionize the beauty industry.

Typsy Beauty offers a range of makeup products that inspire customers to embrace their unique beauty. From expertly crafted formulas to charming packaging, every detail of the brand showcases its dedication to providing customers with an exceptional beauty adventure.

The latest flagship store located at IGI Airport’s Terminal 3 serves as a gateway to a world where customers can experience beauty and glamour. From everyday essentials to statement-making products, Typsy Beauty is home to all exclusive makeup products. While stepping into the Typsy Beauty flagship store, the customers are greeted by a space that reflects warmth, creativity, and inspiration. The store’s welcoming ambiance encourages visitors to discover new products and lets them experiment with different looks. 

With the latest launch by Typsy Beauty brand at IGI Airport, the brand has not only expanded its presence but it has elevated beauty retail in India. The brand is all set to become a destination of choice for beauty enthusiasts as it offers a makeup range for eyes, face, and lips. To celebrate the grand opening, the brand is offering its products at a special 10 percent discount. 

Vita Moderna, a leading retailer renowned for bringing prestigious luxury Italian furniture brands to Indian customers since 2008, is delighted to showcase the ELIE SAAB Maison Collection. ELIE SAAB Maison, celebrated for his timeless grace and impeccable artistry, infuses each product with meticulous craftsmanship and sophistication, epitomizing the pinnacle of luxury living.

Crafted in collaboration with esteemed Italian architect and designer Carlo Colombo, the ELIE SAAB Maison Low Tables Collection seamlessly blends the brand's distinctive essence with the exceptional craftsmanship of Made in Italy. Each piece reflects ELIE SAAB Maison's commitment to breathtaking elegance, seamlessly integrating contemporary design elements with traditional craftsmanship.

The Palace low tables, adorned with sculptural brass bases and exquisite finishes, evoke the grandeur of Middle Eastern palaces, showcasing the brand's meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. These statement pieces elevate the ambiance of any space with their exquisite detailing and captivating aesthetics.

ELIE SAAB Maison Monogram Tables serve as captivating conversation starters. The delicate intertwining design transforms these low tables into striking focal points with a contemporary flair. Featuring intricately designed bronzed metal bases with precious stone and marble tops, these tables exemplify expert craftsmanship and become prized possessions for discerning homeowners.

New Balance, one of the leading sports brands introduces its latest retail concept at Linking Road, Mumbai. The launch event was graced by the presence of celebrated Cricketer Pat Cummins. 

The launch event showcased the brand’s strategic expansion plans, under the newly launched India subsidiary, of broadening its global presence and making significant strides within India. The new retail concept reflects the New Balance at the intersection of sports and culture and caters to both the fashion influencers and the athletes. 

“We are delighted to open our first ever store in Mumbai; at Linking Road, along with one of the best athletes in the world, Pat Cummins. At New Balance, we see ourselves at the intersection of Sports and Culture, and Mumbai as a city, truly embodies this belief, making it a great fit for our expansion journey in India. We believe that New Balance will not only be a destination for those seeking the latest in fashion and performance footwear but also a space for community engagement and inspiration. We would like to thank Pat Cummins for being an integral part of our brand launch in India and we would love to invite the people of Mumbai to experience New Balance,” stated Radeshwer Davar, Country Manager, New Balance India

The newly launched store offers a dynamic retail experience showcasing the brand’s quality craftsmanship and its consistent strive for innovation. During the launch event, Pat Cummins participated in several media interactions, giving viewers a glimpse into his life outside of Cricket. 

"I'm thrilled to be part of the launch celebrations of New Balance's Mumbai store. It's exciting to see New Balance growing in India, a move that should excite all sports enthusiasts. We both believe in using the power of sport to make a positive impact in the world and that has been the driving force in our long-standing relationship. I wish the team here at New Balance, the absolute best, and I know the brand will inspire the next generation of sports talent in India,” stated Pat Cummins, Australian Cricketer and New Balance Ambassador. 

The newly launched New Balance’s store is located at Linking Road, Mumbai. 

Being Human, an iconic clothing line has recently announced the opening of its 100th store in the vibrant Pink City of Rajasthan, Jaipur. With the store launch marking a significant moment in the brand’s journey, the event was graced by celebrities such as Sohail Khan, Alvira Khan Agnihotri (Managing Director of Being Human Clothing, Beena Kak, Awez Darbar, and Sanjeev Rao (CEO of Being Human Clothing), Vivek Sandhwar (COO of Being Human Clothing) and leadership team of the brand.

The 2100-square-foot flagship store is located in Jaipur’s most premium and accessible shopping district and showcases an extensive range of Being Human clothing and accessories.  

"The warmth of the welcome we've received from the people of Jaipur has been truly overwhelming. Their enthusiasm and support reaffirm that Jaipur is indeed a perfect fit for Being Human. As we embark on this journey in Jaipur, we are not just opening a store; we are extending our hand in friendship and solidarity with the people of this beautiful city," saidSohail Khan, Bollywood Actor.

"At Being Human, we are thrilled to bring our iconic brand closer to the people of Jaipur. The opening of our 100th store in this historic city underscores our commitment to expanding our footprint across India and offering our discerning customers access to our latest collections in a captivating retail environment," stated Sanjeev Rao, CEO of Being Human. 

With the opening of the brand’s flagship store in Jaipur, Being Human continues to expand its presence across India. The company has plans to open many stores throughout Rajasthan soon. 

Bhima Jewellers, a prominent name in the jewellery industry, has announced the expansion of its store located in HBR Layout, Bangalore. The newly revamped showroom, spanning three floors and covering over 6,500 square feet of retail space, was inaugurated by Smt. Adishree Bhat, CTO of Bhima Jewellers, along with actress Sapthami Gowda from Kantara fame. As part of the grand opening, six scooters will be given away to lucky Bhima customers in a special draw, along with other exciting offers.

With a focus on meeting the evolving preferences of its discerning clientele, Bhima Jewellers aims to offer a diverse range of designs under one roof at its HBR store. From specially curated kids' jewellery to exquisite diamonds valued at Rs 1 lakh, and temple designs perfect for bridal occasions, the expanded store caters to all jewellery needs.

Vishnusharan Bhatt, MD of Bhima Gold Pvt Ltd said, "The expansion of our HBR Layout store is driven by the increasing demand and reflects our dedication to meeting the changing requirements of our valued customers. We have observed a significant rise in the average ticket size per customer during festive seasons and witnessed remarkable growth in wedding-related purchases from October to December 2023. With consistent year-on-year growth of 22-25 percent over the past five years and profitability across all our stores, this expansion underscores the strong bond our customers share with our offerings. By enhancing our capacity and creating a more spacious and inviting environment, we aim to elevate the shopping experience for customers seeking the latest and unique jewellery collections."

This expansion follows Bhima Jewellers' recent capacity enhancement at its Koramangala store, where a dedicated floor for silver jewellery and artifacts was introduced to meet the increasing demand for contemporary designs. Additionally, the brand has opened a new showroom in Hubballi since January 2024, further expanding its presence. The revamped HBR store is now open to customers, showcasing the latest trends and timeless classics in jewellery, promising an experience of elegance and exquisite craftsmanship.

Mia, a jewelry brand of Tanishq has announced the opening of 4 new retail stores in the South Indian region of Tamil Nadu, considering the location as an important growth market. With the addition of the new stores across Kellys, Adyar, and Velachery in Chennai and another in Tiruppur district, the company has further solidified its presence in the state. 

Spanning over a total area of 3,550 sq ft, the stores offer a wide range of jewelry pieces in color stones, gold, diamond, and silver. The brand is also offering discounts of up to 20 percent on the jewelry range till May 5. 

"Mia understands the needs of the women of today and how they are looking at jewelry that is an extension of their personality. Our products are lightweight with trendy, fashionable designs keeping their preferences in mind. Last year, we unveiled 12 new Mia by Tanishq standalone stores in Tamil Nadu and were delighted by the overwhelming response. We are opening four new stores between yesterday and today in Chennai, and Tiruppur,” said Business Head, Shyamala Ramanan, Mia by Tanishq. 

Mia by Tanishq is currently operating 180 exclusive stores and has an online presence on its website and e-commerce platforms.  

Go Fashion India Ltd, owning the popular women’s wear brand “Go Colour” indicates its plan to add 120-150 net new stores in FY25, a top official has confirmed. The company launched a total of 94 stores last financial year taking the overall count to 714.

The brand was also going through the ‘omnichannel strategies’  leveraging technology to offer physical and online shopping experiences, to boost its reach in various cities. 

In the January-March 2024 quarter, the city-based company recorded a profit after tax of Rs 13.1 crore, down from Rs 14.8 crore in the corresponding period last year. For the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2024, the PAT held steady at Rs. 82.8 crore, mirroring the figure from the previous year. 

“During FY24, our company achieved a growth of 15 percent year-on-year in revenues to Rs 763 Cr. EBITDA stood at Rs. 242 crores witnessing a growth of 14 percent year-on-year. Our PAT for FY24, stood at Rs 83 Cr which was flat on a year-on-year basis,” Said Saraogi. 

"We have added a net total of 84 stores to our portfolio bringing our total store count to 714 stores. While these net additions are slightly lower than anticipated, it reflects our strategic decision to close stores that did not rebound post the COVID-19 Pandemic. Looking ahead, we aspire to add 120-150 net new stores in FY25,” he added. 

About the retail industry, Saraogi disclosed that the sector experienced a temporary decline in demand due to higher inflation and changing spending patterns among consumers. With the price rise, consumers have now become more cautious with their purchases, which has led several retailers to struggle with reduced footfall.

Malabar Gold and Diamonds, the esteemed global jewellery retailer, reopened its Ludhiana store on May 4th, 2024. The revamped store, situated at Rani Jhansi Road, Ghumar Mandi, Ludhiana, was inaugurated by Gurupreet Bassi Gogi, MLA of Ludhiana West, in the presence of Jishad NK (Region head-North), Anees( zonal head), Vivek Saran Mathur (ABM), Management Team Members, and well-wishers.

The rejuvenated store offers an elevated jewellery shopping experience, featuring expanded space and a wider array of collections. Customers can explore the latest offerings from Malabar's exclusive brands, including Mine Diamonds, Era Uncut Diamonds, Divine Heritage Jewellery, Ethnix Handcrafted Jewellery, Precia Gemstone Jewellery, and Viraaz Polki Jewellery. With diverse designs in gold, diamonds, precious gemstones, and platinum, the store caters to diverse customer preferences, from traditional to contemporary and lightweight to everyday wear.

In celebration of the Akshaya Tritiya season, customers can avail themselves of enticing offers, including up to 25 percent off on making charges for gold jewellery, a flat 25 percent off on making charges on the purchase of Precia/Era studded jewellery, and up to 25 percent off on the diamond value on diamond jewellery purchases, valid until May 12th. Additionally, to safeguard against gold price fluctuations, Malabar offers an Advance Booking opportunity, allowing customers to book jewellery by paying just a minimum of 10 percent and purchase it at the booked rate or prevailing rate, whichever is lower. Furthermore, customers receive a free* silver coin with their purchase and enjoy a 0 percent deduction on exchange and a 1 percent deduction on gold buyback.

M. P. Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group remarked, "We are overjoyed by the reopening of our Ludhiana store. I extend heartfelt thanks to our loyal customers in Ludhiana for their unwavering support. With a wide range of designs for all occasions and an enhanced atmosphere, we believe the renovated store will offer unparalleled comfort and convenience to our esteemed patrons."

Malabar Gold and Diamonds is renowned for its Fair Price Promise, ensuring transparent and fair pricing for customers. The brand also implements the One India One Gold Rate scheme, maintaining uniform gold pricing across its nationwide stores.

Reaffirming its commitment to customers, Malabar Gold and Diamonds offers ten promises, including transparent pricing, lifetime free maintenance for jewellery, 100 percent value for old gold jewellery, compliance with global standards for gold and diamonds, buyback guarantee, complimentary jewellery insurance, responsible sourcing, and fair labour practices.

Powerlook, the renowned menswear brand has proudly announced the opening of its new store in Pune, Maharashtra. The newly opened store is located at Phoenix Mall, Viman Nagar, Pune. This is the seventh store opening marking a momentous milestone for the brand.  

Powerlook is further planning to launch 50 outlets nationwide by the culmination of 2027. The brand has a robust presence in locations including Bandra West, Vashi East, Thane, and others. It is all set to serve today’s youth across India, covering cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Indore, and Surat.

"The opening of our flagship store in Pune signifies a significant step forward in our journey of expanding Powerlook's reach across India. We are thrilled to bring our unique blend of fashion-forward apparel to the vibrant city of Pune," said Raghav Pawar, co-founder of Powerlook.

The Indian menswear market is currently experiencing an unprecedented surge and will attain a valuation of Rs. 330,000 crores by 2028. As estimated, with half of the population under 30, the youths in the nation in particular are taking forward this thriving trend with their growing hunger for smart fashion wear. 

“Powerlook's latest collection embodies the essence of smart casual fashion, capturing the pulse of the youth. Our designs are a testament to our commitment to offering trendsetting apparel that empowers individuals to express their unique style," commented Amar Pawar, co-founder of Powerlook. 

The launching of Powerlook’s flagship store in Pune reaches a resounding success, marking over 50 percent of its inventory flying off the shelves on its inaugural day. The event was honored by the presence of over 100 influencers, along with esteemed guest Danny Pandit. 

BNC Motors has presently inaugurated its first COCO (Company Owned, Company Operated) showroom in Pune, Maharashtra.

Spanning over an area of 1200 sq. ft, the newly launched showroom is located at Primrose Mall, Baner – Mahalunge Road, Baner. It will not only serve potential customers but will also be the West Zone regional head office. 

The launch was done on the 27th of April 2024 and was honored by Mr. Hari Nair, a Board Member at Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co. Ltd, Japan, along with other senior officials from BNC Motors. 

“Pune is one of the great automotive hubs of India and we are very happy to be opening our first dealership in the West Zone here. This is such a vibrant and entrepreneurial city, a city whose spirit very much resonates with us, which is why we decided to open a Regional Sales Office here. The idea behind the COCO showroom is just an extension of this – if we are going to have a regional office we might as well also make it a showroom,” commented Mr. Anirudh Ravi Narayanan, CEO and Co-Founder of BNC Motors. 

The newly launched showroom will be showcasing sleek Challenger S110 and S125 e-bikes for enthusiasts of electric two-wheelers. And very soon, the company is planning to roll out the Perfetto Scooter, and The Boss NR 150 e-bike in the market. 

The pricing of the Challenger S110 and S125 models starts at Rs 1.09L and Rs 1.57L respectively, and are now available at the showroom. 

BNC Motors has plans to inaugurate additional COCO showrooms/Regional Sales offices in key major regions across India this year only.

The Body Shop, a British-based personal care brand has unveiled its new Activist Workshop store in Bengaluru. Spanning over nearly 584 sq. ft. of retail space, the newly launched store is located at Phoenix Mall of Asia, South Bengaluru. This is the brand’s second full-fledged workshop store in the city. At present, The Body Shop operates 23 stores in Bengaluru, of which 19 are standalone outlets. Dedicated to sustainability, The store invites customers to recycle packaging, by returning the product empties to the store. Over 70 percent of the brand's product packaging is fully recyclable.

“We’re thrilled to unveil our second Activist Workshop store in Bengaluru, a pivotal market in South India alongside Hyderabad and Chennai,” said Harmeet Singh, VP– Product, Marketing, and Digital, at The Body Shop, South Asia. 

The Body Shop has been operational in India since 2006 under Quest Retail Pvt Ltd. management. At present, the brand owns 200 stores nationwide and has expanded its reach catering to over 1500 cities. 

Established in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick, is now operating around 2,500 retail locations in more than 80 countries. As of now, Quest Retail made a statement explaining how The Body Shop will remain unaffected by the restructuring in the UK. 

Kazo Fashion Pvt, Ltd., has declared the grand opening of its new store in Noida. The newly launched store covering an area of 900 sq. ft., is located at DLF Mall of India, Noida. Reflecting the brand’s dedication to circularity, the design of the store integrates movable store fixtures and infrastructure and features the Spring-Summer 2024 collection.

“We are thrilled to introduce our newest retail outlet in Noida, presenting cutting-edge fashion to our valued customers,” said  Deepak Aggarwal, CEO and Founder, Kazo.

In April, Kazo opened a store in CP67 Mall, Mohali, and that was another significant move to strengthen the brand’s presence in north India.

“We are excited about the unveiling of our latest store at the prestigious DLF Mall of India. This strategic selection underscores our dedication to situating Kazo in vibrant, high-traffic locales that resonate with our fashion-savvy audience,” commented Siddhant Aggarwal, Director of Operations, Kazo.

Kazo is a women's fashion brand launched in 2007, and it sells products varying from tops, dresses, outerwear, bottom-wear, Co-Ord sets, jumpsuits, bags, accessories, and fragrances. The retailer is known to operate more than 65 exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) and 120 shop-in-shop counters across the nation. The brand’s products can be shopped through its website, mobile app, and multi-channel platforms. 

In the bustling retail landscape of India, Birkenstock has launched its inaugural flagship store in Mumbai, covering 1600 square feet. The store seamlessly blends Birkenstock's focus on functionality, quality, and tradition with the richness of India's cultural tapestry. It boasts a replica of the original Birkenstock footbed crafted by local artisans using copper.

Drawing inspiration from India's vibrant culture, the interior is adorned with locally sourced brass, cork, jute, and leather, echoing the brand's iconic materials. Jens Hattab, regional managing director - Middle East Africa India at Birkenstock, underscored the significance of this milestone, coinciding with the brand's 250th anniversary and the burgeoning potential of the Indian market.

“India is a dynamic market with an ever-growing appreciation for quality and comfort, and we see immense potential for Birkenstock's continued expansion here,” he remarked.

The store promises immersive experiences, interactive displays, and showcases the latest Spring/Summer 2024 collection, featuring exclusive collaborations and highly anticipated releases. Vinay Bansal, managing director of Birkenstock India, reiterated the brand's popularity and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for the Indian community.

“The love for Birkenstock in India has been truly inspiring. We’re witnessing a passionate and ever-expanding consumer base who value not only the comfort and quality of our footwear, but also the brand's commitment to heritage,” he asserted.

Fenesta, a windows and doors brand has recently launched its new store in Noida, confirmed by one of the company’s officials on Tuesday. This new store is open to customers in Noida’s sector 10. DCM Shriram Ltd.’s Fenesta’s new showroom offers a variety of products including windows and doors in various designs and colours. The brand has previously declared the opening of a new showroom Vcube Solutions at JB Complex, Noida Sector-104. 

“We are excited to announce our newest opening, a strategic move to reach a wider audience across the country and sustain our market leadership. We have charted a great journey till now and look forward to many more landmarks ahead,” said Saket Jain, Business Head, Fenesta.

This Gurgoan-based company is a part of the Rs. 12,080 crore conglomerate DCM Shriram Ltd. It has a track record of over 4 million installations. It provides customers with a fully customized end-to-end solution, covering survey, design, manufacturing, delivery, installation, and service.

Fenesta has multiple products to offer with categories in aluminum windows, doors, uPVC windows and doors, and solid panel doors categories in India. It operates more than 300 dealer showrooms and 9 Signature Studios in 900 cities. The brand has also marked its presence in international markets including Maldives, Nepal, and Bhutan. 

Stonelam, which is a Natural surface materials distributor has launched a new experience center in Mumbai. The newly opened center includes a business lounge with custom furniture displaying interior mock-ups. The experience center is designed to serve a diverse range of customers, including architects/designers, homeowners/buyers, and existing and potential clients. 

“This is our first experience centre in Mumbai. It showcases our unique offering in this domain, providing an array of choices and immersive sensory experiences. This space epitomizes our commitment to redefining the facade market, blending nature’s allure and sustainability,” said Sandeep Bagade, CEO, Stonelam. 

Stonelam has marked its existence in more than 200 locations in India with warehouses across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. It also operates experience centres at more than 20 locations letting customers touch and feel the products.

“With a design concept inspired by ‘Hiking Through the Mountains,’ the space showcases our superior products in complete harmony with nature. Interactive exhibits highlight Stonelam’s product superiority, catering to environmentally conscious consumers and redefining the facade market with fresh perspectives,” commented Sushant Pathak, CMO, Stonex Group.

By choosing Stonelam, customers will be making a natural and sustainable choice contributing to a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing planet. 

Kisna Diamond and Gold jewelry brand continues to expand its reach with its latest showroom launch in New Delhi. This new opening is the brand’s 5th exclusive showroom in Delhi and 22nd across India. Customers can shop the products from the new store located in Kabir Nagar, Shahdara. Ghanshyam Dholakia, Founder and M.D, Hari Krishna Group along with Parag Shah, Director, KISNA Diamond and Gold Jewellery honored the launch event. 

"With the opening of our exclusive showroom in New Delhi, we are poised to capitalize on new opportunities, further strengthening our presence in key markets and delivering unmatched value to our customers,” stated Dholakia.

Kisna’s newly launched store in New Delhi aims to engage with the local community, understand their preferences, and build lasting relationships.

“Positioned strategically, the KISNA exclusive showroom is poised to meet the varied preferences and purchasing patterns of Shahdara’s diverse community. With thorough market analysis and insight into consumer behaviours, KISNA endeavours to curate bespoke product selections and offer personalized services, tailored to the refined tastes of Shahdara’s consumer base,” Parag Shah Stated. 

The brand owns more than 3,000 shop-in-shop outlets across 28 states in India. It has more than 10,000 unique designs to offer to its customers ranging from rings, earrings, pendants, mangalsutra, necklaces, bangles, bracelets, and nose pins in 14KT and 18KT gold. 

Lab-grown diamond brand Solitario has marked the entrance of its very 1st store in Chennai. The newly inaugurated diamond jewelry store spans over 600 sq. ft. area and is located at Phoenix Market City Mall’s luxury arena named Palladium, which is a host to 70 retailers. This is the brand’s 15th retail outlet pan India. Indian actress Priyamani alongside Ricky Vasandani, chief executive officer of Solitario inaugurated the store. 

"We are thrilled to unveil our first store in Chennai, a city renowned for its appreciation of luxury and style. It is a big step for us, for this is our 15th India store, and we are committed to making this a great venture. We believe that our new store will play a key role in redefining the luxury jewelry experience for our customers, with the exquisite lab-grown diamonds, offering not only unparalleled beauty but also a sustainable alternative to traditional mining,” said Vasandani. 

For authenticity, all the products at the new Solitario store have certifications by reputable institutions such as IGI, SGL, and GIA. The brand currently has 16 stores across various cities, spanning Pune, Mumbai, Goa, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi and Dubai. 

Lifestyle has inaugurated its new store at Vega Circle, Siliguri. Spanning over an area of 50,000 sq. ft. this is the brand’s 113th store in India. 

“It’s a full circle moment as Lifestyle opens its doors at Vega Circle! A decade ago, we had eagerly anticipated their first store in Siliguri at Vega,” said Umang Mittal, CEO of the Vega Circle Mall. 

Marking its beginning in 1999, Lifestyle is a major forming retailer that offers products including footwear, handbags, fashion accessories, and beauty products, all under the same roof. 

“The wait has been long but it’s worth it! And that’s not all – we’re thrilled to unveil our impressive 50,000 sq. ft. public plaza. Join us as we celebrate this momentous occasion,” Mittal said. 

Lifestyle stores have more than 350 national and international brands including Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Arrow, Benetton, Nike, Adidas, Allen Solly, Levis, Tommy Hilfiger, Swatch, Tissot, and Tag Heuer.