Bulgari’s popularity in India continues to soar in 2024: Jean Christophe Babin, CEO

Renowned Italian luxury fashion house, Bulgari experienced unprecedented success in India in 2023 and the trend continues to soar in 2024, says Jean Christophe Babin, CEO.

Babin attributes this achievement to the robust demand for Bulgari's jewelry offerings, particularly its India-inspired creations like the Mangalsutra and the B.zero1 Kada bracelet.

The recent inauguration of the Jio World Plaza, a luxury mall in Mumbai,played a significant role in Bulgari's success, delivering impressive results. Babin emphasises the importance of tailoring products to resonate with Indian culture, noting the country's deep-rooted traditions. He highlights Bulgari's unique position as one of the few global jewelers offering Indian-centric designs, such as the Mangalsutra, which consistently sells out and has generated waiting lists, even among non-Indian clientele.

To capitalise on this momentum, Bulgari plans to expand its presence in India by opening more boutiques in key cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Babin acknowledged the challenge posed by the scarcity of quality retail space, particularly in luxury malls, and called for greater collaboration between luxury brands and landlords to unlock India's immense potential.

Additionally, Bulgari is exploring opportunities in e-commerce, considering partnerships with established platforms like Ethos to leverage their robust supply chain for online sales. Babin emphasised the importance of a hybrid approach, combining brick-and-mortar stores with digital touchpoints to reach a broader audience.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Babin expressed optimism about India's recovery and the strong affinity for Bulgari's brand among Indian consumers. He highlights the synergy between Bulgari's bold and colorful designs and India's rich cultural heritage, emphasising the country's appreciation for colored stones beyond just diamonds.