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Brands-To-Retail 11/04/25

Shoppers Stop forays into Faridabad market with debut store in Pacific Mall

Department store chain Shoppers Stop has forayed into the Faridabad market with its debut physical store opening in the city's Pacific Mall.

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The store aims to strengthen Shoppers Stop's retail presence in the National Capital Region.

According to the brand, Faridabad is an ideal destination for its new store because it is one of Delhi-NCR’s key cities and home to a vibrant mix of traditional heritage and modern infrastructure.

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The multi-brand store offers a wide range of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children for the Spring/Summer 2025 season. It also features a dedicated beauty section with products from both Indian and international brands.

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A subsidiary of K Raheja Corp, Shoppers Stop was established in 2003.

The company is listed on both the National Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange and operates in approximately 45 cities across India.

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Brands-To-Retail 11/04/25

Label Apurva launches size inclusive collection, ‘Heavenly Hues’ for Spring/Summer 2025

A designer brand by Apurva Shah, Label Apurva has launched its size-inclusive and sustainable spring/summer 2025 collection titled ‘Heavenly Hues.’

Celebrating India’s rich artisanal heritage of Kalamkari, the collection features handcrafted co-ord sets, breezy shirt dresses, and festive-ready separates. These pieces showcase intricate hand embroidery, zardozi work, and appliqué techniques, complemented by rich surface textures.

According to Label Apurva, every garment in the collection is crafted using environmentally conscious materials through ethical, small-batch production methods.

Shah says, the brand changes the perception of fashion being a celebration of just a certain type of body. It aims to create a space for people to been seen, empowered, and beautiful in clothes that honor both their identity and their culture.”

More than being just add-ons, sustainability and inclusivity are the pillars of this brand. It proves that luxury can be welcoming, expressive, and deeply rooted in Indian values, adds Shah.

Label Apurva currently sells its collection through its e-commerce platform and its flagship store in Juhu, Mumbai. The brand plans to partner with multi-designer platforms such as Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop, Ensemble, Aza, and Nykaa Fashion to broaden its presence across India.

Brands-To-Retail 11/04/25

Label Apurva launches size inclusive collection, ‘Heavenly Hues’ for Spring/Summer 2025

High rents, supply chain issues, local disruptors challenge global fashion brands in India

With changing market scenario global fashion brands operating in India are dealing with numerous challenges. Once symbols of prestige, flagship stores are now shuttering due to exorbitant rents, while the dynamic e-commerce and quick-commerce sectors are reshaping consumer behavior. Can these international giants adapt to survive in this fiercely competitive market, or will they succumb to the forces reshaping India's retail reality?

The crushing weight of prime real estate

The closure of iconic stores, burdened by unsustainable rental costs, highlights the growing financial pressures. Prime retail spaces in major cities command sky-high prices, squeezing profits and forcing brands to reconsider their physical footprint. As per a Knight Frank ‘India Retail Real Estate Report 2023’ report, "Prime retail rents in key Indian cities witnessed an average annual growth of 15 per cent in 2023, with some micro-markets experiencing surges of up to 20 per cent." This rental trap, coupled with rising operational costs, is compelling many to downsize or exit altogether.

Table: Prime retail rent growth in major Indian cities (2023)

City	Average annual growth
Delhi-NCR	18%
Mumbai	12%
Bengaluru	16%
Hyderabad	14%
Pune	13%
Kolkata	10%

Supply chain disruptions, a global domino effect

What’s more, supply chain disruptions, intensified by global events, are adding to the woes. Increased shipping costs and delays are impacting product availability and pricing, forcing brands to rethink their sourcing and distribution strategies. The Red Sea crisis, for example, significantly impacted shipping costs. As per Drewry World Container Index, January 2024, freight rates on key Asia-Europe routes rose over 150 per cent in January 2024 due to rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope. Therefore, the need to reduce import dependence is driving some towards local sourcing, but this presents its own set of challenges regarding cost and efficiency.

For example, Zara, the global fashion giant, has begun to increase local sourcing in India. Reporsts say, Inditex, Zara’s parent company has set a goal of sourcing at least 25 per cent of its products for the Indian market by 2025. This move aims to mitigate supply chain risks and reduce import costs, demonstrating a strategic shift towards localized production.

Regulatory hurdles and tax complexities

Adding to the complexity are India's regulatory hurdles. High taxes and intricate compliance requirements further strain profitability, demanding strategic partnerships and a deep understanding of local market dynamics. A Deloitte India report said, India's complex GST structure and varying state-level regulations create significant compliance challenges for international retailers.

The rise of domestic disruptors

Meanwhile, local competition is intensifying. Domestic brands and direct-to-consumer (D2C) labels are rapidly gaining market share, offering stylish and affordable alternatives tailored to Indian consumers. These agile players leverage digital platforms and influencer marketing to build strong brand loyalty, often outpacing their global counterparts. Avendus Capital D2C Report of 2023 says, Indian D2C market is expected to reach $100 billion by 2025.

The rise of e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms too is altering shopping habits. While these platforms offer a lifeline for brands struggling with physical retail, they also introduce new competitive pressures, with marketplaces promoting their own private labels. As Arvind Singhal, Chairman, Technopak Advisors points out, more and more Indian consumer are demanding value, convenience, and a personalized shopping experience. Local brands and e-commerce platforms are delivering on these expectations.

Adapting to survive

Therefore, in this fast-evolving market, simply being a global brand is no longer a guarantee of success. Brands must demonstrate agility and adaptability to thrive. This includes:

Optimizing retail footprint: Reevaluating store sizes and locations to manage rental costs.

Strengthening supply chains: Diversifying sourcing and exploring local manufacturing to mitigate disruptions.

Embracing digital transformation: Building a robust online presence across e-commerce platforms and D2C channels.

Adapting local preferences: Tailoring products and marketing strategies to resonate with Indian consumers.

Navigating regulatory challenges: Building strong relationships with local partners and staying abreast of policy changes.

The fact is Indian retail market is dynamic and demanding and those who can effectively navigate these challenges, embrace innovation and change as per the evolving consumer landscape, will have the best chance of survival.

Brands-To-Retail 9/04/25

High rents, supply chain issues, local disruptors challenge global fashion brands in India

Snitch boosts store network with 52nd store in Gurugram

Leading fast-fashion brand in India, Snitch has expanded its store network by opening its 52^nd store in Gurugram, marking another significant step in its rapid expansion across the country.

Strategically located at the popular retail hub in the city, Elan Miracle, the store is Snitch’s second store in the National Capital Region (NCR) and highlights the brand’s fast growth and increasing popularity with its customers.

With 52 stores now operating in over 20 cities, Snitch has accumulated total retail space of approximately 150,000 sq ft and is bringing its signature combination of trendy designs and affordable prices closer to fashion-conscious men nationwide. Spanning 3,000 sq ft, the new Gurugram store provides a smooth and engaging shopping experience. It allows the brand’s customers to explore its latest collections that blend global trends with the preferences of today’s stylish shoppers.

Siddharth Dungarwal, Founder & CEO, Snitch, says, the brand’s new store at Elan Miracle will offer high-quality, stylish fashion at affordable prices in a premium retail environment. The brand’s expansion to over 50 stores reflects the growing trust of the brand’s trust, which encourages it to expand to other cities as well, he adds.

Snitch has been quickly growing its physical store presence while maintaining its strong online presence. With consistent year-over-year growth, the brand plans to open more stores in key cities in the coming months, making its fashion offerings even more accessible across India.

Brands-To-Retail 8/04/25

Snitch boosts store network with 52nd store in Gurugram

Demand for women’s clothing in India decreases by 6.68 % in FY2025: Techmagnate

The demand for women's clothing in India decreased by 6.68 per cent in the FY 2025, as per a report by the digital marketing agency Techmagnate.

However, despite this downturn, branded online retailers have maintained their lead, with the top five—Meesho, Myntra, Flipkart, Amazon, and Ajio—capturing over 97 per cent of the total branded search interest.

Notably, while Meesho experienced a 32.14 per cent drop in search interest, it still became the most downloaded app, showing a 16.44 per cent increase in downloads, surpassing Flipkart, Shopsy, Amazon, and Myntra.

This trend suggests a growing preference for shopping via mobile devices, as consumers increasingly favor the convenience and user-friendly features of fashion apps.

Zara leads the women's wear market with an average monthly search interest of 279,000, although its declining search interest indicates potential difficulties in maintaining its top position in search engine results.

H&M, Biba, Libas, and Puma are the next four in the top five list.

In the ethnic wear category, 'Chikankari kurti for women' has gained significant popularity, showing a remarkable 809.39 per cent increase and reaching an average monthly search interest of 823,000.

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Furthermore, ethnic wear as a whole dominates the market with an average monthly search interest of 1,659,900.

Geographically, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai continue to be the dominant regions, accounting for nearly 68 percent of the total online search interest, while Chennai is the only city showing positive growth at +0.92 per cent, increasing its market share to 11.30 per cent.

The women's fashion market in India is undergoing a dynamic transformation, states Sarvesh Bagla, Founder and CEO, Techmagnate.

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"The trends and the industry are evolving rapidly, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and the increasing influence of social media and global trends.

Today's consumers research women's wear, assess their choices, and make their purchases online; therefore, a comprehensive understanding of search behavior is crucial for developing a more effective digital marketing strategy, he adds.

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Brands-To-Retail 10/04/25

Clovia partners Zepto to redefine lingerie shopping in India

Leading Indian brand specializing in lingerie, sleepwear, and personal care, Clovia has partnered with quick commerce company, Zepto to transform the shopping and delivery experience for intimate wear in India. This collaboration aims to deliver Clovia's stylish and comfortable products—including lingerie, nightwear, shapewear, and activewear—to customers across 18 cities in under 10 minutes. The targeted cities include Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Pune, Kolkata, and Jaipur.

This partnership underscores Clovia's commitment to innovation and responsiveness to the growing consumer demand for quality products delivered swiftly. By teaming up with Zepto, Clovia seeks to create innovative shopping experiences for its customers, notes Soumya Kant, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Clovia.

Clovia will offer over 100 of its most popular styles through Zepto. This curated selection encompasses bras, panties, shapewear, sleepwear, and activewear, designed to cater to a wide range of preferences and needs.

The collaboration with Zepto also enables Clovia to strengthen its digital presence and expand its omnichannel network. This strategic move facilitates meeting the demand in Tier I and II cities, providing customers with a seamless and efficient shopping experience.

Clovia has been proactive in integrating technology to enhance customer experience. For instance, the brand introduced Bra-Bot, an AI-based online chatbot designed to assist customers in selecting the right innerwear, thereby bridging the gap between online shopping and the personalized assistance typically found in offline retail environments.

In March 2022, Reliance Retail acquired an 89 per cent stake in Clovia's parent company, Purple Panda Fashions, for Rs 950 crore. This acquisition is part of Reliance Retail's strategy to bolster its portfolio in the intimate wear segment, having previously acquired stakes in other lingerie brands like Zivame and Amante.

Through strategic partnerships and technological innovations, Clovia continues to redefine the intimate wear shopping experience in India, emphasizing convenience, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Brands-To-Retail 9/04/25

Clovia partners Zepto to redefine lingerie shopping in India

AstorMueller AG partners with the Gaurik Group for a new JVC titled, ‘nuvora’

Switzerland-based European footwear giant AstorMueller AG, which manages brands like bugatti, TT.Bagatt, and Salamander, has formed an Indian joint venture company titled,’ nuvora’ in partnership with the Gaurik Group, a leading Indian retailer that operates exclusive sgtores for international brands across India. Through this strategic move, AstorMueller aims to make India one of its biggest markets.

In a continent-sized market like India, where cultures and tastes vary from region to region, having a localized structure with decades of experience not only boosts nuvora’s growth significantly but also accelerates its market penetration. The brand’s identity continues to evolve, while its commitment to technology, craftsmanship, and community also remains strong. However, the speed of its growth, execution, and development keeps changing, says Sandip Baksi, CEO of nuvora.

nuvora plans to adopt a multi-channel approach, using both online and physical stores to expand to top 20 cities across India. The company states, this fiscal year, it aims to open 10 to 12 bugatti brand stores.

Sirish Kumar, CEO, AstorMueller India, notes, the company sees tremendous potential in this partnership, and is confident that it will reshape the premium footwear market in India.

Brands-To-Retail 8/04/25

AstorMueller AG partners with the Gaurik Group for a new JVC titled, ‘nuvora’

The rise of Iconic Fashion, redefining premium retail in India

In the fast changing fashion market, where aspiration meets accessibility, Iconic Fashion has carved a unique niche. Bridging the gap between top mass-market retailers and high-end luxury labels, Iconic Fashion is fast emerging as the go-to destination for India’s style-conscious, experience-seeking urban and semi-urban shopper.

With a multi-brand strategy, in-house labels, and foray into non-apparel categories, their journey is more than a retail story — it’s a case study in premiumization done right.

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From concept to category expansion

What began as a multi-brand store concept is now a serious contender in India's premium fashion retail market. As of April 2025, Iconic Fashion operates 26 stores, with five more to open shortly. These stores offer over 40 international brands. And this growth is not limited to metros alone the brand is penetrating Tier II, III cities, recognizing the growing consumer base in these places.

Iconic Fashion has carved a niche by curating a portfolio of international brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Gant, alongside its own successful private labels like Blue Giraffe and Iconic Clothing. This blend allows them to cater to a broad spectrum of aspirational Indian consumer. This diversification aligns with increasing consumer appetite for holistic lifestyle offerings — from accessories and footwear to premium designer collaborations and tech-enabled fashion.

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A retail portfolio straddling aspirational and affordable

Iconic’s unique brand positioning places it between mass-market chains like Shoppers Stop and luxury players such as The Collective. This 'affordable premium' space is seeing tremendous traction, particularly among Tier II and III city consumers — who now seek international aesthetics without the sticker shock of high fashion. What’s more, Iconic Fashion has also facilitated the entry of international brands into the Indian market. For instance, Italian fashion brand Antony Morato partnered with Iconic Fashion to open its first physical outlet in India at Mumbai's Palladium Mall

Table: Iconic Fashion’s retail brand portfolio

Brand category	Examples	Iconic’s approach
Premium International	Calvin Klein, GANT, Tommy Hilfiger	In-store multi-brand experience
Private Labels	Iconic Clothing (men & women), Blue Giraffe (kids)	Greater control on design, pricing, and exclusivity
Upcoming Categories	Footwear, Accessories, Home, Designer Wear	Expanding to capture full fashion-lifestyle wallet share

Building a private label powerhouse

Among its key growth pillars is the private label strategy, particularly in children’s wear. Blue Giraffe, the brand’s flagship kids wear line, has been gaining popularity for its stylish, durable, and affordable designs.

And it now plans to launch standalone stores for private labels like Blue Giraffe and Iconic Clothing, their adult clothing brand, helping build brand equity while reducing dependency on third-party vendors. This move will allow Iconic Fashion to further solidify its presence in the market and cater to specific consumer segments.

A key aspect of Iconic Fashion's growth strategy is the expansion of its product categories beyond apparel. This move aligns with the increasing demand for non-apparel items, such as footwear, accessories, and home decor, among Indian consumers.

And their expansion strategy isn’t just limited to metros. Cities like Indore, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Bhubaneswar have become central to the brand’s growth.

These cities are seeing a year-on-year increase in discretionary income and digital fashion influence through social media platforms like Instagram and Moj and Iconic is successfully tapping into this market.

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In recent years, Iconic Fashion has aggressively pursued expansion into Tier I, II cities. Notable store launches include a 22,000-sq. ft. outlet in Surat and a presence in Ludhiana.

As per Technopak Advisors, India’s premium fashion segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15-17 per cent, reaching Rs 1.2 trillion by 2028. And what’s driving this growth is the rising middle-class incomes, young population with exposure to global trends, urbanization of smaller cities, and increased online-offline brand engagement.

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Table: India’s premium market size

Year	Size of premium fashion market (in Rs)	Projected growth rate
2023	Rs 58,000 crore	—
2025E	Rs 85,000 crore	16% CAGR
2028F	Rs 1.2 lakh crore	17% CAGR

Retail initiatives and portfolio expansion

Iconic Fashion's retail initiatives are focused on enhancing the customer experience. This includes integrating online and offline channels to provide a seamless shopping experience. Focusing on experiential retail and creating immersive store environments that go beyond traditional retail.

Offering personalized styling and shopping assistance is another positive initiative. The retailer is also including designer wear in the store portfolios to attract more affluent consumers besides adding more product variety and value to the customer .

Thus, Iconic Fashion's strategic expansion, focus on premium offerings, and understanding of the Indian consumer make it a key player in the country's evolving retail landscape.

By expanding its product categories and enhancing the shopping experience, they are setting new standards for premium retail in India. The brand's commitment to growth and innovation positions it for continued success in the years to come.

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Brands-To-Retail 10/04/25

Akaaro launches first flagship store at Ballard Estate in Mumbai

Textile-centric fashion label Akaaro has launched its first-ever flagship store in the historic Ballard Estate neighborhood of Mumbai, marking a major milestone in its 15-year journey.

Situated on Calicut Street, the store is a thoughtfully designed platform for textile exploration, cultural exchange, and modern conceptual design.

The store embodies Akaaro’s core philosophy of textiles being both utilitarian and artistic. Visitors can engage with interactive displays that delve into the craft of handloom weaving, explaining the structure of fibers, the intricacies of weaves, and the brand’s ongoing commitment to sustainable, design-led innovation.

At the heart of the space is a striking installation by multidisciplinary artist Ashish Karmali. Constructed from repurposed textile waste, Karmali’s sculptural tetrapods pay tribute to Mumbai’s resilience while symbolizing Akaaro’s deep-rooted ethos of sustainability and creativity. These sculptural forms, commonly seen along Mumbai’s coastline, have been transformed into a meaningful artistic representation of both the city’s enduring spirit and the brand’s forward-thinking approach.

Gaurav Jai Gupta, Founder, Akaaro, shares, more than a destination for fashion, this store is a place where craft, design, and culture come together to tell powerful stories. Karmali’s work adds emotional and symbolic weight to our textiles, directly tying our philosophy to Mumbai’s fabric of resilience.

The flagship offers a curated collection of Akaaro’s best-known pieces, including signature sarees, festive wear, and experimental handwoven garments. Additionally, the store introduces Akaaro Naturals, a new line of chemical-free clothing made from hand-spun and handwoven textiles, tailored for conscious consumers.

The store’s opening aligns with Akaaro’s broader mission of redefining Indian handlooms through a contemporary, culturally aware lens, inviting a modern audience to experience the beauty of traditional craftsmanship reimagined for today.

Brands-To-Retail 9/04/25

Akaaro launches first flagship store at Ballard Estate in Mumbai

Trent’s reports for Q4, FY25

Tata Group retail firm Trent registered a 28.2 per cent rise in standalone revenue to Rs 4,334 crore during Q4, FY25, as per a quarterly update filed by the company.

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In full FY25 that ended on March 31, 2025, Trent’s standalone revenue increased by 39 per cent to Rs 17,624 crore as against Rs 12,669 crore a year ago in FY24.

In FY24, Trent’s standalone revenue had stood at Rs 3,381 crore, as per regulatory filing from the company, which operates retail stores under the brand names as Westside, Zudio, and Star.

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By March 31, 2025, Trent’s store portfolio included 248 Westside, 765 Zudio (including 2 in UAE) and 30 stores across other lifestyle concepts. In Q4, FY25, the company opened 13 Westside stores and 40 stores

Similarly, it opened 132 stores of Zudio, targeting the affordable fast fashion segment in Q4, FY25 and 244 in the entire FY25. Besides, Trent also owns grocery business named, Star.

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Brands-To-Retail 7/04/25

House of Masaba expands bridal footprint with largest flagship store in New Delhi

Expanding its bridal retail footprint in India, Indian fashion house, House of Masaba has opened its largest flagship store in Mehrauli, New Delhi. This expansive 6,000-sq-ft location signifies a major step in the brand’s strategy to scale its operations and improve the shopping experience for customers in the high-demand bridal fashion market.

Notable for its unique architecture and interior design, the new store features a bindi-inspired dome at the entrance. The stores’ interiors have been designed in a neutral color palette of sand and mocha tones, with an aim to create a serene and focused atmosphere for bridal shopping.

Designed to feel meditative, the store allows brides to make thoughtful, stress-free decisions while embracing luxury in a calm and understated setting, says Masaba Gupta, Founder and Creative Director.

To coincide with the launch, House of Masaba also offered a preview of its new bridal and fine jewelry collection, created in collaboration with Amrapali Jewels. Crafted with 18-karat gold and intricate gemstones, the new collection blends contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship.

The new Mehrauli store also offers personalized styling consultations and couture showcases, aligning with the brand’s positioning in India’s premium bridal fashion retail sector.

Brands-To-Retail 9/04/25

House of Masaba expands bridal footprint with largest flagship store in New Delhi

The Bear House expands with the brand’s second store opening in Hyderabad

Contemporary men’s apparel brand, The Bear House has expanded its retail presence by opening its second store in Hyderabad.

Located in Banjara Hills, the store is spread across 1,200 sq ft and showcases the label’s signature bear cave-inspired design.

Building on the brand’s growing offline footprint, the store adds to the brand’s presence at Broadway locations in Hyderabad and Delhi. Known for its smart-casual menswear, it offers a versatile and carefully curated collection shirts, polos, sweatshirts, denims, and accessories designed for the comfort of its customers.

One of the The Bear House’s top performing markets in online sales, the Hyderabad store marks a natural progression in the brand’s expansion plans, says Harsh Somaiya, Co-Founder, The Bear House. Featuring signature shirts along with stylish linen and denim pieces, the brand’s latest collection is designed for men always on the move and those seeking both comfort and style, he adds.

To mark the store’s opening, the brand is offering a flat 25 per cent discount for walk-in customers throughout the first month of its operations. Founded in 2017, The Bear House is scaling rapidly following its appearance on Shark Tank Season 4, and currently retails through its app, website, and leading e-commerce platforms.

Brands-To-Retail 8/04/25

Nykaa Fashion blends fashion with fortune-telling in a new campaign featuring Sharvari Wagh

Nykaa Fashion has launched a new campaign titled, ‘Wear What's Next,’ that playfully blends the world of fashion trends with the mystique of fortune-telling. Featuring Bollywood actress Sharvari Wagh, the campaign unfolds as she engages with a fortune teller, portrayed by Sheeba Chaddha.

The campaign's narrative revolves around the fortune teller's predictions for Wagh's upcoming wardrobe transformations, forecasting a shift towards bold power dressing, the resurgence of ruffles, and a denim-on-denim revival. This unique concept cleverly taps into the idea of predicting future fashion trends, presenting fashion as a dynamic and ever-evolving entity, much like the unpredictable nature of fate.

The campaign seamlessly merges my passion for fashion with the exciting possibilities that the future holds. It’s about embracing daring, fun, and fresh looks, and Nykaa Fashion makes that process effortless, says Wagh.

Currently being rolled out across various digital platforms, the campaign aims to resonate with consumers by highlighting the intrinsic connection between personal identity and fashion choices.

Nykaa Fashion, doesn’t merely follow trends, but is a trendsetters, states Adwaita Nayar, Executive Director and CEO, Nykaa Fashion & Head - Owned Brands. The company shapes the future of fashion by leveraging its deep understanding of consumer preferences and offering a meticulously curated selection of over 850 international and homegrown brands, he adds.

This campaign aims to strengthen Nykaa Fashion's position as a leading online fashion destination in India, emphasizing its commitment to innovation and customer-centricity.

Brands-To-Retail 7/04/25