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Slow festive season dampens Indian retail in December 2023

30 January 2024, Mumbai

Indian retailers faced a lackluster holiday season in December 2023, with overall sales growth of just 4 percent compared to the previous year. Even with holiday discounts and the wedding season boosting some sectors, consumer spending remained muted across most categories.

Interesting data-points

Sales in December grew by a meager 4 per cent despite discounts and the wedding season. Sales across South India soared by 7 per cent while sales in North, West, and East India lagged behind. The sales growth in South India was driven by high-value purchases like cars, houses, and electronics on EMI, while discretionary spending took a hit.

Like-for-like sales in existing stores dipped by 5 per cent as retail continued to struggle with sluggish demand due to inflation. 

With inflation showing no signs of abating and global economic uncertainties looming, the upcoming months could be challenging for retailers. Adapting to changing consumer preferences and offering attractive financing options for high-value purchases may be the keys to weathering the storm.

FestivalShopping

Shoppers Stop revenue rises in Q3, buoyed by expansion and beauty focus

Shoppers Stop, the iconic Indian department store chain, recently released its Q3 results for the fiscal year 2023-24, painting a mixed picture. While the headline numbers showed a decline in net profit, there were also bright spots that suggest the company is on the right track with its strategic initiatives.It demonstrated resilience amidst a slowdown in discretionary spending, posting a 7 per cent YoY growth in quarterly sales for Q3FY24. This performance, along with strategic investments in expansion and a focus on the booming beauty segment, paints a cautiously optimistic picture for the company's future.

Revenue on the rise, profits drop

On the positive side, Shoppers Stop's revenue from operations for Q3 was Rs 1,240.88 crore, a 8.83 per cent year-over-year (YoY) growth. This uptick was primarily driven by a 6.63 per cent increase in standalone revenue and a 15.55 per cent jump in revenue from its subsidiary, Crossword Bookstores. Growth was particularly impressive considering the ongoing macroeconomic headwinds and inflationary pressures. It suggests that Shoppers Stop's strategic focus on smaller towns and cities, coupled with its renewed emphasis on the beauty segment, is paying dividends. Growth was driven primarily by the department stores segment, which saw a 6.63 per cent increase in sales. However, the Hypercity segment continued to struggle, with a 13.37 per cent decline in revenue. This highlights the need for Shoppers Stop to focus on revitalizing its Hypercity stores to unlock their full potential.

However, the positive revenue story was overshadowed by a sharp decline in profitability. Shoppers Stop's net profit for Q3 fell 41.27 per cent YoY to Rs 36.85 crore. This was significantly lower than analysts' expectations and raised concerns about the company's cost management and operating efficiency.

Financial performance (last 3 years)

Metric

FY22

FY23

FY24 (Q3)

YoY Change (Q3)

Sales

Rs 2,713 Cr

Rs 3,498 Cr

Rs 1,207 Cr

+7per cent

EBITDA

Rs 464 Cr

Rs 355 Cr

Rs 219 Cr

-8per cent

Net Profit

Rs 112 Cr

Rs 111 Cr

Rs -177 Cr

N/A

ROE

39.23per cent

-53.64per cent

N/A

N/A

Analysing its performance in the last three years indicates though revenue remained positive YoY it has fluctuated within a narrow range over the past three years. Profits has struggled, even showing a net loss in Q3FY24. This raises concerns about their cost structure and efficiency. The negative ROE further highlights the challenge in generating returns for shareholders.

Strategic growth pillars

So what has been the main catalyst for growth in Shoppers Stop’s business.

Beauty: This segment emerged as a clear winner, contributing 18 per cent to overall sales. Shopper Stop's focus on customer engagement and in-store experiences, including makeovers and masterclasses, has paid off. The opening of a state-of-the-art Beauty Store at Bengaluru Airport further strengthens the company's commitment to this segment.

Intune: This ‘Fashion for All’ format is proving successful, with four new store openings in Q3 and a planned expansion to 24 stores by FY24 end. The high full-price sell-thru (65 per cent) and strong acceptance for family shopping with a 27 per cent kidswear mix bode well for Intune's future.

Beauty Distribution: This business clocked Rs 39 crore in sales with an expanded network of over 334 doors. The addition of new brands like Armaf and Soda Makeup demonstrates Shopper Stop's commitment to diversifying its distribution portfolio.

Store Expansion: The company remains on track to meet its guided store expansion target for FY24, adding 13 stores in Q3 and 33 YTD. This includes department stores, beauty stores, Intune stores, and an airport store.

Challenges and outlook

Despite the positive performance, Shopper Stop faces challenges like intense competition from online retailers and changing consumer preferences. Shopper Stop faces intense competition from online retailers like Amazon and Myntra, offering wider selection and convenience. The company needs to continue innovating, focusing on personalized experiences, and strengthening its omnichannel presence to stay ahead of the curve.

Categorywise growth

Metric

Q3FY24

FY23

YoY Change

Sales

Rs 1,207 Cr

Rs 1,122 Cr

+7%

EBITDA

Rs 219 Cr

Rs 240 Cr

-8%

Beauty Segment

+10%

+8%

+2%

Private Brands Mix

13%

12%

+1%

Apparels Mix

19%

20%

-1%

The company's focus on strategic initiatives like beauty, Intune, and store expansion, along with its commitment to providing personalized experiences, can help it navigate the changing retail landscape and secure a brighter future. However, continued innovation and adaptation will be crucial for Shopper Stop to maintain its position as a leading retailer in the Indian market. Strengthening omnichannel presence by integrating online and offline experiences, leveraging loyalty programs, and providing personalized recommendations is one way ahead.

Meanwhile Shoppers Stop is actively pursuing a strategic expansion plan, targeting smaller towns with less competition. This strategy aims to tap into the growing demand for premium shopping experiences in these regions and broaden the company's customer base. Recognizing the booming beauty market, Shoppers Stop is significantly enhancing its offerings in this segment. The company is introducing a wider range of international and niche brands, creating dedicated beauty sections within stores, and offering personalised consultations. This focus on a high-growth segment is a positive move that could drive future revenue and profitability.

Changing consumer preferences is another challenge it faces today with consumers increasingly shifting towards value-driven purchases and experiential shopping. To combat it Shoppers Stop needs to expand private label offerings, introducing curated collections, and invest in interactive in-store experiences like workshops and events. Then there is the issue of high operational costs with high rentals and reliance on traditional brick-and-mortar stores that squeeze margins. Shoppers Stop can deal with it by optimizing store network, exploring smaller format stores, and diversifying into adjacent businesses. Shopper Stop is often associated with high-end products, potentially alienating cost-conscious shoppers. It needs to broaden product offerings to cater to diverse price points, promoting value deals and discounts, and emphasizing on affordability alongside quality.

Moreover their online presence lags behind competitors, hindering reach and engagement. It needs to invest in website and app revamp, enhancing mobile shopping experience, and leveraging social media platforms effectively.

While Shopper Stop faces significant challenges, it’s actively implementing strategies to address them. By focusing on omnichannel integration, value-driven offerings, operational efficiency, and a reimagined brand perception, the company can regain its footing and compete effectively in the evolving retail landscape.

 

Financial Highlights

  • Q3FY24 Sales:Rs 1,207 Cr (over 7% YoY)
  • EBITDA:Rs 219 cr (GAAP)
  • Beauty Segment:Over 10% growth; led by fragrance (41%) and makeup (6%)
  • Private Brands Mix: 13%
  • Apparels Mix:19%
  • Ethnic Women's Wear:7% growth
  • Capex Investments:Rs 51 Cc (Q3), Rs 162 cr (YTD)
Shoppers Stop revenue rises in Q3, buoyed by expansion and beauty focus

The Souled Store opens new physical outlet in Mohali

Clothing brand The Souled Store has opened its first brick-and-mortar outlet in Mohali to add to its retail presence in Punjab. Located in the city’s CP67 Mall, the store houses the brand’s cartoon print collections.

 The store houses a dazzling array of graphic t-shirts and sweatshirts featuring some of India’s most favorite cartoon characters. From Wonder Woman and the Powerpuff Girls to Marvel and Disney heroes, even Japanese anime stars, the store offers something for every cartoon buff. The store also boasts a selection of merchandise inspired by the beloved novel and film series Harry Porter.

Located conveniently on Airport Road, CP67 Mall is already a popular shopping destination in Mohali, housing other clothing brands like Vitamins, M&S, Lifestyle, and Max Fashion. The Souled Store's arrival adds a unique and exciting element to the mall's mix.

The Souled Store opens new physical outlet in Mohali

The Pant Project opens first physical store in Mumbai

Mumbai-based specialist in bottom wear, the Pant Project has opened its first physical store in the city's bustling Bandra neighborhood. The store is designed to allow customers to experience the brand's trousers in person, as they can touch and feel them.

“The Pant Project recognises the importance of a physical touchpoint and is looking to expand its omni-channel footprint across India," the brand announced.
The Bandra store allows customers to explore the unique features of The Pant Project's trousers, such as the all-weather essentials that visitors can spray and test for water repellency or the ripstop pants that customers can test with a rock for tear strength.

Following the launch of its maiden store, The Pant Project plans to expand into other cities across the country. The brand's long term goal is to form a network of physical stores to function as community building centers and customer experience hubs, according to the label.

Launched in 2020 as a digital native brand, The Pant Project offers customisable trousers for men and women. The brand currently offers over 250 styles of bottom wear, ranging from formal options such as chinos to athleisure styles such as joggers.

 

The Pant Project opens first physical store in Mumbai

Twamev unveils flagship store in Delhi

Indian luxury brand Twamev has entered the New Delhi market with the launch of its expansive flagship store in the city. Spanning a majestic 10,000 sq ft, the store promises an unforgettable shopping experience that celebrates individuality and elevates occasion wear to a whole new level.

This Delhi flagship is the brand's second physical store, following its successful debut in Bengaluru in July 2023. With its sights set on further expansion across India, Twamev is poised to become a leading force in the luxury occasion wear landscape, offering a captivating blend of heritage and modern sensibilities for the discerning Indian customer.

Catering to diverse personalities, Twamev's collections cater to a diverse range of personalities. The brand offers everything from the elegance of sherwanis and kurtas for men to the breathtaking lehengas, gowns, and sarees for women, each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a touch of contemporary flair.

Twamev unveils flagship store in Delhi

ABFRL bets big on Reebok plans 300 stores

Indian fashion powerhouse, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL) has a 300-store expansion plan for its American sportswear brand Reebok. Fueled by the burgeoning fitness culture and the growing tribe of young, active Indians, ABFRL sees Reebok as a golden ticket to athletic domination. The franchisee-operated stores, dotting the landscape like energetic sprints, will be a testament to this vision. Each one, a pulsating hub of sportswear, resonates with the aspirations of a generation embracing healthy living and stylish pursuits.

ABFRL has strategically partnered with Reebok's owner, Authentic Brands Group, securing exclusive rights to reignite the brand's Indian spark. Cricket heartthrob Surya Kumar Yadav and the dynamic Taapsee Pannu have be named as the brand’s new ambassadors, their energy mirroring the brand's own. Marketing campaigns, crafted with the pulse of the youth, thrum across billboards and screens, urging them to "Just Do It" – the Reebok way.

However, the path isn’t without hurdles. Established players like Adidas, Puma, and Nike have already entrenched, their footprints deep in the Indian athletic landscape. But ABFRL, with its deep understanding of the local market and its vast retail network, has an edge. The company's existing portfolio of brands, from the sophisticated Louis Philippe to the vibrant Pantaloons, provides a diverse platform to reach a wider audience.

The future of Reebok in India is a canvas waiting to be painted. The 300-store expansion, a brushstroke of ambition, promises to reach every corner of the country, bringing the brand closer to its potential.

ABFRL bets big on Reebok plans 300 stores

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