02 June, Mumbai 2025

India's retail sector continues on a steady, albeit cautious, growth path, with April 2025 marking a 4 per cent year-on-year increase in sales compared to April 2024, reveals the Retailers Association of India (RAI) latest survey. The study shows indicates in domestic demand even as global trade conditions remain turbulent.

The March 2025 report had earlier indicated a slightly higher yearly rise of 6 per cent, suggesting a dynamic but positive trend.

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The overall sentiment among retailers is one of careful optimism, with consumer spending holding firm and no significant drop reported. This sustained performance underscores the inherent strength of India's consumption story, which gets a boost from a promising long-term outlook.

A February joint report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and RAI had highlighted the Indian retail market will touch Rs 190 trillion by 2034. This boom is attributed to India's unique demographic advantages, including rising affluence, a vast and growing middle class, a middle-aged adult population, and increasing workforce participation by women.

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Regional and sectoral highlights

The April survey by RAI reveals varied growth across different regions and retail categories.

North and West India have emerged as frontrunners in year-on-year growth, registering 6 per cent and 5 per cent increases, respectively. East and South India recorded a more modest growth of 2 per cent each.

Table: Regionwise retail growth

A look at category-wise growth shows the Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) segment led the charge with 11 per cent growth. Beauty, wellness & personal care, and food & grocery categories also showed robust health, each growing by 6 per cent.

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The fashion and apparel sector, a significant component of Indian retail, also showed resilience with a 5 per cent growth in April, according to broader survey findings from the same period. Conversely, sports goods, along with consumer durables and electronics, experienced the slowest growth at 1 per cent each.

Table: Categorywise growth

Note: The Fashion & Apparel growth figure is based on wider reporting of the same April RAI survey

Purposeful purchases and innovation drive sales

As per Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of RAI, "Retailers report that footfalls into stores are reducing. However, customers who come to the stores are buying with a purpose and are also experiencing new product introductions. Retailers who have innovative products or aspirational products are performing very well in the market."

This observation suggests a shift towards more considered purchasing decisions, where quality, novelty, and aspiration play key roles. For the fashion & apparel sector, this implies that brands focusing on unique designs, sustainable practices, or tapping into aspirational consumer segments are likely to see better traction.

While overall footfalls might be lower, the conversion rates for those who do visit stores appear to be strong, driven by specific needs or the allure of new offerings.

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In fact, the outperformance of retailers with "innovative products or aspirational products," as highlighted by Rajagopalan, serves as a compelling, albeit general, case study.

For instance, QSRs leading with 11 per cent growth often thrive on menu innovation, quick adoption of digital ordering, and appealing value propositions. Similarly, in the beauty and personal care segment (6 per cent growth), new product formulations, a focus on organic or sustainable ingredients, and personalized experiences are likely contributors. Within fashion & apparel, brands that are quick to adapt to changing trends, offer unique value, or build a strong aspirational connect are better positioned in the current market.

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A multi-trillion rupee opportunity

The long-term view, underscored by the BCG-RAI report, remains exceedingly bright. The projection of the retail market reaching Rs 190 trillion by 2034 is a testament to India's economic potential. Factors such as:

• Rising affluence: Increasing disposable incomes leading to higher spending.

• Growing middle class: A larger consumer base with growing aspirations.

• Demographic dividend: A young and dynamic population.

• Women in the workforce: Increased financial independence and new purchasing power, significantly impacting categories like fashion, beauty, and personal care.

These macroeconomic drivers are expected to boost sustained growth across various retail sectors, including fashion and apparel, which traditionally benefit from increased discretionary spending and evolving lifestyle choices.

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Therefore, while India’s retail sector signs of moderated growth and evolving consumer behavior characterized by purposeful buying, the underlying fundamentals remain strong. Retailers who adapt, innovate, and cater to the aspirational yet value-conscious Indian consumer are well-placed to thrive in a market poised for massive expansion in the coming decade. The fashion & apparel sector, while navigating current trends, continues to be a vital part of this growth story, reflecting the dynamism of Indian consumer demand.

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31 May, Mumbai 2025

Online fashion retailer Myntra has received a substantial capital infusion of Rs 1,062.5 crore from its Singapore-based parent company, FK Myntra Holdings. This latest funding follows earlier investments of $339 million in March 2024 and $81 million in November 2024, as the platform continues to accelerate its growth initiatives.

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This financial boost coincides with Myntra's strategic move into international markets with the launch of Myntra Global. This new platform is specifically designed to cater to the Indian diaspora in Singapore, offering a curated selection of fashion and ‘Made-in-India’ products. This marks the brand's inaugural foray into global e-commerce.

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To facilitate these cross-border operations, Myntra is collaborating with third-party international logistics providers to ship inventory from India to Singapore, with an average delivery timeframe of four to seven days.

This expansion comes amidst a highly competitive Indian online apparel market, which has seen the re-entry of the Chinese fast-fashion platform Shein.

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Despite the intensifying competition, Myntra reported a significant turnaround in its 2024 fiscal year. The company recorded a net profit of Rs 31 crore, a stark contrast to the net loss of Rs 782 crore reported in the previous year. Furthermore, operating revenue increased by 15 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 5,122 crore, reflecting robust demand and enhanced operational efficiency.

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 02 June, Mumbai 2025

An omnichannel menswear fashion brand, Snitch has successfully raised Rs 278 crore (approximately $33.3 million) in a funding round led by 360 One Asset (formerly IIFL Wealth & Asset Management).

The funding round was also attended by existing investors SWC Global, a Singapore-based venture capital firm, and IvyCap Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm. According to filings sourced from the business intelligence platform Tofler, 360 One Asset contributed the largest portion of the investment with Rs 220 crore, while both SWC Global and IvyCap Ventures each invested Rs 29 crore.

Founded in 2018, the Bengaluru-based company operates in the fast-fashion segment, competing with major players like H&M and Zudio. Snitch offers a diverse range of menswear, including shirts, T-shirts, jeans, jackets, sweaters, hoodies, and accessories. The brand currently operates approximately 59 physical stores across India.

Siddharth Dungarwal, Founder, Snitch, says, the company projects offline sales to contribute about one-third of its total revenue, which was expected to exceed Rs 600 crore for the fiscal year ending March 2025. The brand had reported revenue of Rs 243 crore in FY24, according to Tracxn.

In April, Snitch's revenue rose by 2.2 times in FY25 compared to the previous year, with profitability increasing fivefold. Looking ahead, the brand plans to double its revenues in FY26. It also plans to open 50 more stores in the next 6 months besides expanding into new categories such as bags, footwear, sunglasses, etc, notes Dungerwal.

This latest funding follows a Rs 110 crore infusion in December 2023, which was also led by SWC Global and IvyCap Ventures.

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 02 June, Mumbai 2025

Marking a significant step in the brand’s ongoing mission to blend contemporary fashion with meaningful social impact, Being Human Clothing has opened its newest retail store in Delhi.

Launched with an aim to offer more than just a shopping trip; the store introduces an immersive space that reflects its core philosophy of compassion, sustainability, and design innovation.

Located in one of Delhi’s prime retail destinations, the new store features a unique architectural concept inspired by the ‘Bird’s Nest’ philosophy. This design symbolizes warmth, creativity, and environmental consciousness. Just as birds build nests from diverse, natural materials, the store's interiors incorporate recycled components, organic textures, and earthy tones, creating an ambiance that feels both grounded and inviting.

From its striking 40-foot monochrome facade to the warm, ambient lighting, every detail has been carefully curated to enhance the visual and tactile experience for customers while showcasing Being Human’s fashion offerings. The store's interiors are divided into four main zones: The Facade, The Shell, Product Display, and the Engagement Zone.

At the heart of the store lies the Engagement Zone, a dedicated denim area that also highlights the brand's charitable mission. A key feature of this space is a charity display that draws attention to the work of Being Human – The Salman Khan Foundation in healthcare and education for underprivileged communities. Thoughtfully placed decals and storytelling elements throughout the store share the brand’s journey, inviting customers to become part of its purpose-driven movement.

Ayaan Agnihotri, Whole-time Director, Being Human Clothing shares, the store embodies the brand’s vision to create spaces that function not only as retail destinations but also reflect its commitment to doing good. As it expands, Being Human remains focused on building connections with its customers through meaningful experiences that go beyond fashion.

The Delhi store launch is a significant milestone in Being Human’s mission to redefine fashion as a force for positive change. With every purchase, customers contribute to initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering those in need. By merging style with social responsibility, the new store stands as a compelling reminder that fashion can, indeed, do good while looking good.

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31 May, Mumbai 2025

A prominent fashion retailer in North India, Chunmun plans to launch an IPO next year.

The company is undergoing a significant transformation as it strategically blends global brands, emerging Indian labels, and its own in-house lines to create a unique fashion experience. This expansion includes enhancing both its physical retail presence and its omnichannel capabilities.

Led by Surya Suri, Chunmun is focused on innovation and scaling its operations. The brand aims to offer a curated fashion selection that caters to the evolving tastes of modern consumers by integrating a diverse range of brands and its proprietary collections.

Founded in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar, Chunmun has grown into a dynamic force in the retail sector. Surya Suri emphasizes that Chunmun's approach goes beyond simply following trends; the company strives to evolve with them. This forward-thinking mindset is driving Chunmun's current strategic expansion, which involves revamping its retail formats and significantly boosting its online presence.

Chunmun has carved out a niche by offering a blend of premium fashion with a customer-centric approach. More than just a retail hub, Chunmun has become a destination where a wide array of shoppers can find tailored fashion solutions, consistently pushing the boundaries of Indian fashion.

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 02 June, Mumbai 2025

A pre-owned luxury fashion platform, Bengaluru-based Ziniosa has secured fresh investment from Inflection Point Ventures (IPV) to fuel its next phase of expansion. The funding will be used to boost the platform’s core team, boost brand visibility, enhance its technical capabilities, and launch the company's first brick-and-mortar store.

Mitesh Shah, Co-founder, Inflection Point Ventures, says, the investment will help make luxury fashion more accessible and affordable while promoting sustainable and mindful consumption.

Founded in 2020 by Ashri Jaiswal and Varun Ramani, Ziniosa allows customers to buy and sell authenticated secondhand luxury items. Its platform features over 10,000 products from 60 brands, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Chanel. Headquartered in Bengaluru, the company operates on a zero-inventory acquisition cost model and boasts CM1 profitability with minimal cash burn.

Varun Ramani Founder, states, the platform is poised to expand across fronts with support from IPV. It is also growing its menswear category and expanding product catalog to meet rising demand.

Having an exclusive partnership with Tata CLiQ Luxury for pre-loved fashion, Ziniosa is incubated by NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore and NASSCOM/CWE. The business currently reports a 40 per cent Y-o-Y growth rate.

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 02 June, Mumbai 2025

Finnish lifestyle brand Moomin has forayed into the Indian market in a strategic licensing partnership with Bradford License India. This collaboration will introduce the iconic cartoon characters, created by author and artist Tove Jansson, to one of the world's fastest-growing consumer markets for storytelling brands.

This collaboration will capitalize on the increasing demand for emotionally resonant and design-driven brands, as per a report by the Indian Retailer Bureau. Moomin's distinctive visual identity and appeal across generations are expected to drive expansion across premium lifestyle categories, apparel, gifting, and experiential retail formats

Bradford License India looks forward to collaborating with innovative partners who see value in building something meaningful and lasting, says Gaurva Marya, Chairman, Bradford License India. Moomin represents everything that makes a character brand timeless: a strong narrative, an emotionally engaging world, and relevance across generations, he adds.

Roleff Kråkström, Managing Director, Moomin Characters, avers, India has an unmatched market potential, and Bradford License India will help Moomin grow its presence in this region.

Boasting a legacy spanning generations and a fanbase in over 100 countries, the brand Moomin markets itself on themes of kindness, curiosity, and inclusion. Having evolved from books and animation, Moomin has become a global lifestyle brand, now encompassing home décor, fashion, stationery, collectibles, and fast-moving consumer goods.

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30 May, Mumbai 2025

Sparking curiosity and concern among regular visitors and industry observers, several major brands, including Star Bazaar, Pantaloons, and FirstCry, have recently exited the popular Phoenix Marketcity Mall in Viman Nagar.

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The Phoenix Mall remains one of Pune’s most frequented shopping and entertainment hubs and the departure of these prominent outlets has raised questions about evolving consumer trends, lease agreements, and potential reshuffling within the mall’s brand lineup.

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While frequent shoppers have expressed surprise at the sudden closures, retail experts suggest such movements aren't unusual in the post-pandemic business environment, as many brands are reevaluating strategies due to rising operational costs, e-commerce growth, and changing foot traffic patterns.

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02 June, Mumbai 2025

Expanding its presence in Punjab, globally recognized fashion footwear and accessories brand, Aldo has opened its latest store at the Curo High Street Mall in Jalandhar. The store offers a curated selection of Aldo's signature products, including stylish footwear, handbags, and accessories for both men and women.

Founded in Montreal, Canada, in 1972, Aldo has grown into a leading international brand celebrated for its commitment to quality, trend-forward designs, and exceptional customer experiences. In India, the brand operates under the Apparel Group India, bringing its global fashion sensibilities to Indian consumers.

Featuring a modern and inviting layout, the new store is designed to provide customers with an immersive shopping experience. It offers a wide range of products, from casual sneakers and formal shoes to chic handbags and fashion-forward accessories.

With this store opening, Aldo continues to strengthen its retail presence in India, offering fashion-conscious consumers in Jalandhar access to its diverse and stylish product offerings.

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30 May, Mumbai 2025

Expanding its product offerings, athleisure brand TechnoSport has launched the new ‘Cotflex’ collection.

Offering a new range of tops and bottom wear for men, women, and children, the collection blends the comfort of the cotton material with performance-enhancing features to meet the diverse needs of modern active lifestyles.

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Designed for sports, yoga, casual outings, gym sessions, and travel, the Cotflex range includes key features such as wrinkle-free fabric, four-way stretch, anti-static finish, and UPF 50+ protection. It also incorporates TechnoSport’s proprietary ‘Techno Guard’ technology, which inhibits the growth of sweat-originated microbes, alongside quick-drying and odor-resistant properties.

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Designed with sustainability in mind, the Cotflex collection reduces microplastic pollution through minimal fiber shedding, avoids traditional spandex, and promotes garment longevity using advanced polyester blends, according to the label. TechnoSport positions this offering as a greener choice for environmentally conscious shoppers.

The collection is now available in stores and online, priced between Rs 359 and Rs 619.

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Committed to pushing the boundaries of textile innovation to create products that truly enhance the activelife, TechnoSport introduces this revolutionary fabric technology to its customers, says Puspen Maity, CEO. The brand’s new Cotflex collection embodies merges the natural comfort of cotton with advanced performance features, he adds.

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