Converse Unveils Biggest Indian Store, Enhancing Retail Presence

Chandukaka Saraf Jewels has strengthened its retail presence in Maharashtra with the launch of a new Prime Store in Gadhinglaj, located in Kolhapur district. The showroom, inaugurated on June 18, 2026, marks the brand’s 21st outlet and forms part of its ongoing expansion strategy focused on increasing accessibility to premium jewellery offerings across emerging markets.

With a legacy spanning nearly two centuries, Chandukaka Saraf Jewels has built a strong reputation for craftsmanship, design excellence, and customer-centric service. The latest addition to its retail network is expected to cater to growing demand from customers in Gadhinglaj and nearby regions, offering a comprehensive range of gold, diamond, and precious jewellery collections.

Strategically located at Nehru Chowk opposite SBI Bank, the new Prime Store has been designed to deliver a modern jewellery shopping experience. The showroom combines contemporary retail infrastructure with personalized customer service and features an extensive selection of traditional as well as contemporary jewellery designs suited to a variety of occasions and consumer preferences.

As part of the launch celebrations, the company has introduced a series of inaugural offers aimed at enhancing customer engagement. Customers purchasing gold jewellery can avail a flat 20 percent discount on making charges, while buyers of diamond jewellery will receive a flat 100 percent discount on making charges.

The brand has also announced a mega lucky draw for customers making purchases of ₹50,000 or more. Eligible shoppers will have the opportunity to win prizes including a TVS scooter, smartphones, and gift vouchers. These promotional offers will be available from June 18 to June 22, 2026, at the newly launched Gadhinglaj showroom.

In addition, customers enrolled in the company’s jewellery savings schemes, along with those making purchases during the inaugural period, will receive assured gifts as part of the launch festivities. The initiative is aimed at strengthening customer engagement and rewarding loyal patrons.

Commenting on the expansion, Directors Siddharth Shah and Aditya Shah said the new showroom reflects the company’s commitment to extending its reach while delivering a jewellery-buying experience built on trust, transparency, quality, and innovation. They added that the brand remains focused on offering customers a diverse selection of jewellery supported by superior craftsmanship and service standards.

The expansion comes at a time when organised jewellery retail continues to gain momentum in Tier-II and Tier-III markets. Increasing consumer preference for branded jewellery, transparent pricing, certified products, and enhanced shopping experiences has encouraged established jewellery retailers to expand their presence beyond major metropolitan cities.

By opening its 21st showroom, Chandukaka Saraf Jewels continues to strengthen its retail network and deepen its presence across western Maharashtra. The new Gadhinglaj Prime Store is expected to support the brand’s long-term growth ambitions while reinforcing its position in the evolving jewellery retail landscape of Maharashtra and neighbouring markets.

Denim and lifestyle fashion brand Spykar has expanded its retail presence in South India with the launch of two new stores in Mysore and Visakhapatnam. The latest openings form part of the company's ongoing strategy to strengthen its market reach across high-potential locations and enhance accessibility for customers in key regional markets.

The brand has opened a new outlet on Devraj Urs Road in Mysore and another at Inorbit Mall in Visakhapatnam. Both locations have been identified as strategically important markets within Spykar’s broader retail growth roadmap, supporting the company's efforts to build a stronger physical retail network across southern India.

Among the two launches, the reopening of the store on Devraj Urs Road carries particular significance for the brand. Recognized as one of Mysore’s most prominent high-street retail destinations, the location has long been considered an important market for Spykar. Situated alongside several leading fashion retailers in the city's prime shopping district, the store is expected to strengthen brand visibility and customer engagement in the region.

The company views its return to this high-street location as an important milestone in reinforcing its presence within Mysore’s competitive fashion retail landscape. The move aligns with the brand’s strategy of investing in established shopping destinations that offer strong consumer traffic and long-term growth potential.

At the same time, the opening of the new outlet at Inorbit Mall in Visakhapatnam further expands Spykar’s footprint in Andhra Pradesh and strengthens its position in one of South India’s growing retail markets. Mall-based retail continues to play a key role in the company’s expansion strategy, enabling it to reach a wider consumer base while delivering a premium shopping experience.

The dual launch highlights Spykar’s continued focus on network expansion through a balanced mix of high-street and mall locations. By increasing its presence across strategically important cities, the brand aims to enhance customer accessibility, deepen market penetration, and support long-term business growth.

The new stores are expected to contribute to the company’s efforts to strengthen brand awareness, improve customer engagement, and capture growing demand for fashion and lifestyle products across emerging retail markets. The expansion also reflects Spykar’s confidence in the growth potential of South India, which remains a key focus area for the brand’s retail development strategy.

With the addition of the Mysore and Visakhapatnam outlets, Spykar continues to expand its physical retail network while reinforcing its commitment to delivering enhanced shopping experiences across key growth markets. The latest openings represent another step in the company’s ongoing efforts to scale its retail operations and strengthen its position within India's competitive fashion retail sector.

Snitch, the Bengaluru-based fast-fashion menswear brand, has crossed a major retail milestone with the opening of its latest store in Ludhiana, taking its network beyond 120 outlets nationwide. The launch marks another significant step in the company’s aggressive expansion strategy as it strengthens its presence across emerging markets and accelerates its journey toward becoming one of India’s leading omnichannel fashion retailers.

The new Ludhiana outlet forms part of Snitch’s broader growth roadmap focused on increasing penetration in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where demand for organized fashion retail continues to witness strong momentum. By expanding into these high-potential markets, the brand aims to build deeper consumer engagement while improving accessibility to its trend-driven menswear offerings.

Beyond increasing its store count, the expansion reflects Snitch’s focus on creating a more localized retail ecosystem. The company is leveraging physical stores to better understand regional consumer preferences and respond more effectively to evolving fashion trends. This approach enables the brand to align its product assortment with local demand patterns while supporting faster inventory movement and enhanced customer experiences.

The latest launch also highlights the growing importance of physical retail within Snitch’s omnichannel business model. While the company initially built its reputation through digital-first operations, it has increasingly integrated offline stores into its growth strategy. Today, physical outlets contribute approximately 40 per cent of the brand’s total revenue, demonstrating the increasing role of brick-and-mortar retail in driving business performance.

Snitch’s stores serve not only as customer touchpoints but also as strategic fulfilment and data collection hubs. By capturing real-time consumer insights from offline interactions, the company is able to refine product development, strengthen merchandising decisions, and support its rapid trend-launch model. This data-driven approach has played a key role in sustaining the brand’s strong business momentum.

According to the company, disciplined store expansion and omnichannel integration have contributed to an 80 per cent year-on-year increase in revenue, helping the brand reach approximately Rs 900 crore in FY26. Building on this growth trajectory, Snitch is targeting revenue of Rs 1,400 crore in the next fiscal year while continuing to expand its retail footprint across the country.

Alongside geographical expansion, the company is also broadening its product portfolio to evolve beyond a pure menswear label. Its growing network of stores is being used to introduce adjacent lifestyle categories, including premium fragrances, footwear, and accessories. This diversification strategy is designed to strengthen customer retention and increase spending across multiple product segments.

The combination of category expansion, omnichannel integration, and rapid retail rollout is central to Snitch’s long-term growth vision. The brand has set an ambitious target of reaching 300 stores by 2027, positioning itself for significant scale in India’s highly competitive fashion retail market.

Founded in 2018 by Siddharth Dungarwal, Snitch has built its business around fast-moving fashion cycles, digital-first analytics, and trend-led product innovation. With its store network now surpassing 120 locations, the company continues to strengthen its market presence while balancing online agility with the experiential advantages of physical retail, creating a scalable platform for sustained growth across India.

Ed-a-Mamma, the sustainable clothing and lifestyle brand founded by Alia Bhatt, has significantly strengthened its retail footprint with the launch of eight new exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) across multiple Indian cities. The latest expansion increases the company’s total store network to 12 outlets, reinforcing its long-term business growth strategy and expanding its reach among families seeking sustainable lifestyle products.

The newly launched stores are spread across Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Chennai, Raipur, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kochi. Hyderabad accounts for two of the new outlets, while the remaining cities have received one store each. The expansion reflects the brand’s focus on building a stronger offline presence while complementing its wider omnichannel retail strategy.

As competition intensifies in the children’s and family lifestyle segment, Ed-a-Mamma is leveraging physical retail locations to deepen customer engagement, enhance brand visibility, and improve accessibility across key markets. The company believes that exclusive brand outlets continue to play an important role in driving product discovery and customer interaction, while also contributing to repeat purchases across both offline and digital channels.

Founded as a sustainable kidswear label, Ed-a-Mamma has steadily diversified its portfolio over the years. The brand now offers a wide range of products that include maternity and nursing wear, toys, books, accessories, and baby care products, enabling it to cater to various stages of a family’s lifestyle journey.

Commenting on the retail expansion, Bhatt said, “Every new store for us is more than just a retail milestone, it’s a chance to embrace families in Ed-a-Mamma and its philosophy. We’ve always believed in creating products that are gentle on children and the planet, and it’s incredible to see that philosophy resonate with parents across different parts of the country. With each new city, we’re building a community that shares our love for the planet.”

The newly operational outlets are located at Lake Shore Y Junction and Sarath City Capital Mall in Hyderabad, VR Chennai in Chennai, Zora The Mall in Raipur, IP Sigra in Varanasi, Unity One Elegante in Delhi NCR, Forum Mall in Kochi, and Phoenix Palassio in Lucknow. Each store follows the company’s exclusive brand outlet format and showcases its complete product portfolio under one roof.

By expanding into a mix of metropolitan and emerging markets, the company is broadening its consumer base while creating a stronger retail network capable of supporting future growth. The stores feature the brand’s offerings across kidswear, maternity and nursing apparel, toys, books, lifestyle accessories, and its recently introduced baby care range.

The latest rollout forms part of Ed-a-Mamma’s broader expansion roadmap aimed at strengthening market presence and improving consumer access across the country. With a growing store network and a diversified product portfolio, the brand continues to scale its retail operations and build its position within India’s family-focused lifestyle and sustainable consumer goods segment. The addition of eight new outlets marks another step in its strategy to drive long-term growth through a balanced combination of physical retail expansion and omnichannel engagement.

Jyothy Labs is set to expand Exo into a broader dishwash franchise as the FMCG company sharpens its focus on owned brands and category growth. Building on Exo's established presence in the dishwash segment, the company plans to strengthen the brand across multiple formats to drive volume growth, premiumisation and market share gains.

A long-standing player in the dishwash category, Exo has built strong consumer recognition in dishwash bars while also establishing a presence in the liquid segment. The company is now looking to leverage this foundation to create a larger brand platform within its home care portfolio.

Highlighting the strategy, Chairperson and Managing Director M R Jyothy said, "Exo has for many years been a trusted name in dishwash, with deep strength in the bar segment and an established presence in dishwash liquid. Building on this foundation, Exo will now be developed as an owned brand platform across formats."

According to the company, newly launched Exo variants in dishwash bar and liquid formats have received encouraging consumer response and are expected to support volume-led sales growth while strengthening the brand's position in the category.

The expansion comes at a time when Jyothy Labs is continuing to invest in premiumisation, innovation, brand building and distribution expansion despite a challenging operating environment.

Looking ahead, M R Jyothy said, "The external environment remains challenging and uncertain. Crude-linked input costs and geopolitical uncertainty may keep inflation elevated and affect overall consumer spending. Rural demand may also remain sensitive to farm incomes and monsoon outcomes."

Despite these headwinds, the company plans to continue executing its growth strategy through product innovation, stronger premium offerings and wider market penetration.

During FY26, Jyothy Labs reported revenue growth of 3.5 percent, while volumes increased by 6 percent. The company also recorded strong traction across e-commerce and quick commerce channels, which grew 26 percent during the year.

As part of its distribution expansion efforts, Jyothy Labs added nearly one lakh retail outlets during FY26, taking its direct reach to more than 1.4 million outlets across India. The expanded network is expected to support the growth of Exo and other key brands within the company's portfolio.

Separately, Jyothy Labs disclosed that Henkel AG & Co. KGaA has decided not to renew its licence agreements for the Pril and Fa brands beyond May 31, 2026. Under the arrangement, Jyothy Labs held the rights for manufacturing, distribution, marketing and sale of products under both brands in India.

The company, however, remains "cautiously optimistic" about its growth prospects and will continue focusing on scaling recent launches, strengthening premium offerings and expanding distribution to drive long-term growth.

India's luxury retail market is entering a new phase of evolution, driven by rising affluence, changing consumer aspirations and a growing demand for experiential shopping environments. Against this backdrop, the launch of Galeries Lafayette's flagship store in Mumbai's Kala Ghoda district marks a significant development in the country's premium retail landscape and highlights how global department store models are being adapted for Indian consumers.

Developed through a partnership between Galeries Lafayette and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. (ABFRL), the 90,000 sq. ft. flagship spans five floors and houses more than 250 international and domestic brands. Located within the heritage precinct of Kala Ghoda, the destination represents more than a traditional department store launch. Instead, it reflects a broader shift in how luxury retail is being positioned in India, with greater emphasis on experience, discovery and lifestyle integration.

Unlike conventional retail formats that rely heavily on individual brand stores, the Mumbai flagship has been designed around a curated, multi-brand experience. The concept aims to encourage exploration through a combination of fashion, beauty, hospitality and personalized services, creating an environment that goes beyond transactional shopping.

The timing of the launch coincides with increasing momentum in India's luxury sector. Despite being one of the world's fastest-growing wealth markets, a substantial share of luxury spending by Indian consumers continues to take place overseas in destinations such as Paris, Dubai, London and Singapore. Limited availability, narrower product assortments and differences in service standards have traditionally encouraged affluent consumers to make luxury purchases abroad.

The Galeries Lafayette store seeks to address this gap by offering a destination that mirrors international luxury retail experiences within India. Housed within the restored Turner Morrison and Voltas House heritage buildings, the flagship combines architectural heritage with contemporary retail design. Features such as concierge services, private styling suites, VIP lounges and Julien Café have been incorporated to elevate the customer experience and strengthen the store's appeal as a lifestyle destination.

The project also reflects the growing importance of the bridge-to-luxury segment in India. While global luxury brands continue to attract attention, much of the market's current growth is being driven by consumers seeking premium yet accessible products. Rising disposable incomes, expanding upper-middle-class households and aspirational consumption patterns are creating demand for brands that sit between mass-market and ultra-luxury positioning.

To address this opportunity, the store's brand mix includes both established luxury labels and contemporary premium names such as AMI Paris, Represent and Jacob Cohën, alongside beauty, fragrance and lifestyle offerings. This approach allows consumers to engage with international premium brands through a more accessible entry point while providing global labels with structured exposure to India's growing luxury demand.

For international brands, India remains a challenging market due to factors such as limited luxury retail infrastructure, high real-estate costs and fragmented distribution networks. The partnership with ABFRL is designed to help overcome these barriers by combining the global appeal of Galeries Lafayette with the Indian retailer's market expertise and established distribution capabilities.

The initiative also complements ABFRL's broader premium retail ecosystem. The company's multi-brand luxury format, The Collective, operates nearly 30 stores across India and caters to regional premium demand. While The Collective focuses on boutique-style luxury retail, Galeries Lafayette is positioned as a large-format experiential destination aimed at serving top-tier metropolitan consumers. Together, the formats allow ABFRL to address multiple segments of India's luxury market without significant overlap.

For ABFRL, the collaboration represents another step in its strategy to strengthen its presence across premium and luxury retail categories. The company has steadily expanded beyond its traditional fashion business through international partnerships, designer collaborations and premium retail concepts, positioning itself to benefit from the next phase of India's consumption growth.

As India's luxury market continues to mature, the success of the Galeries Lafayette model will be closely watched by both domestic and international retailers. The Mumbai flagship not only introduces a globally recognized department store brand to India but also signals a broader shift toward destination-led luxury retail. By combining global merchandising with localized consumer experiences, the project aims to position Mumbai as a credible luxury shopping destination while helping retain a larger share of premium consumer spending within India.

Tata CLiQ is preparing to strengthen its presence in India's growing athleisure and sportswear market with plans to launch physical stores for Canadian activewear brand Lululemon across the country. The move marks a significant step in the e-commerce retailer's broader strategy to expand beyond digital retail and build a stronger presence in premium lifestyle and performance-focused categories.

The planned store rollout follows Lululemon's entry into India last year through an exclusive partnership with Tata CLiQ. While the brand initially debuted through online channels, the company is now looking to establish an offline footprint to enhance consumer engagement and support long-term growth in the premium activewear segment.

Speaking to ETRetail, Tata CLiQ Chief Executive Gopal Asthana confirmed that the company is preparing to launch Lululemon stores across India. The expansion aligns with Tata CLiQ's growing focus on sportswear and athleisure, categories that continue to witness increasing demand as health, fitness and wellness become more deeply integrated into consumer lifestyles.

On the category, Asthana said: “We are very gung-ho on sportswear and athleisure.”

The planned expansion comes as Tata CLiQ continues to strengthen its portfolio of global and premium brands. The company recently added Nike to its platform and expects the brand to emerge as a major contributor to its sportswear business over the next year. With the addition of Lululemon's physical stores, Tata CLiQ is looking to further capitalize on rising demand for premium performance wear and lifestyle-focused athletic apparel.

The retailer's growth strategy extends beyond sportswear. According to Asthana, beauty emerged as the fastest-growing category for the company during the previous fiscal year, recording growth of 40-50 percent. This performance reflects the company's increasing emphasis on premium lifestyle categories as it diversifies its business and strengthens its position in India's evolving consumer market.

In parallel, Tata CLiQ is expanding its wellness portfolio through Tata 1mg, offering products across nutrition, health and fitness categories. The range includes protein supplements, vitamins, nutritional products, fitness equipment and wellness essentials, enabling the company to participate in the broader health and wellness ecosystem.

The retailer has also continued to enhance its beauty and luxury offerings. Recently, it introduced cosmetic brand Lush across its platforms and launched luxury skincare label La Prairie on Tata CLiQ Luxury. These additions support the company's strategy of building a comprehensive lifestyle-led retail ecosystem spanning fashion, beauty, wellness and premium consumer products.

Tata CLiQ's current business direction reflects a significant transformation over the past few years. In 2023, the company exited the electronics category to sharpen its focus on fashion and lifestyle segments. Since then, it has increasingly positioned itself around fashion, beauty, footwear, home and wellness, while expanding partnerships with international brands across these categories.

For Lululemon, the India expansion forms part of a wider international growth strategy. The Canadian brand has been actively entering new markets and strengthening its global retail presence. Earlier this month, Lululemon entered Romania through a franchise partnership with Arion Retail Group, marking its fourth new market entry in 2026. The launch established the brand's first physical presence in Romania and expanded access to its athletic and lifestyle product portfolio.

With plans to introduce Lululemon stores across India, Tata CLiQ is reinforcing its commitment to premium sportswear retail while accelerating its evolution into a lifestyle-focused omnichannel retailer. The move is expected to strengthen the company's position in one of the fastest-growing segments of the fashion industry and provide Indian consumers greater access to globally recognized activewear brands. 

As competition intensifies in India's footwear market, direct-to-consumer brands are increasingly investing in physical retail to strengthen consumer engagement and accelerate growth. Chupps Footwear is among the latest brands to pursue this strategy, with plans to significantly expand its retail presence and build a stronger omnichannel ecosystem over the next two years.

The Mumbai-based footwear brand has outlined an ambitious roadmap to grow its retail network to between 40 and 50 stores across India. The expansion marks a strategic shift from its predominantly digital-first approach toward a more balanced omnichannel model aimed at increasing brand visibility, improving customer access and driving long-term growth. As part of this plan, the company intends to launch 15 new exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) in 2026, focusing on high-footfall travel destinations, premium shopping malls and key urban consumption centres.

The move comes as consumer demand rises for comfort-focused and performance-driven open footwear categories. Chupps is positioning itself to address a segment that sits between low-cost utility footwear and premium international brands, targeting consumers seeking enhanced comfort, functionality and affordability. The company believes this "middle-ground" category presents a significant growth opportunity as Indian consumers increasingly prioritize quality and product innovation in everyday footwear purchases.

The retail expansion will complement Chupps' existing distribution footprint, which currently spans more than 3,000 multi-brand outlets across India. By increasing its presence through exclusive stores, the company aims to create stronger brand recall, offer a more immersive shopping experience and gain greater control over customer engagement. The strategy also reflects a broader trend within the footwear sector, where digitally native brands are leveraging physical retail to support customer acquisition and retention.

Alongside network expansion, Chupps is investing heavily in product diversification to support its next phase of growth. The company is targeting revenue of ₹400-500 crore over the next three years and sees innovation-led product development as a key driver in achieving that goal. While the brand initially established itself through men's slides and sandals, it is now broadening its portfolio to include larger offerings for women and children.

As part of this diversification effort, Chupps plans to introduce nearly 50 new stock-keeping units (SKUs) across categories. The upcoming range will include backstrap sandals, lifestyle-focused comfort products and home-wear footwear designed to cater to a wider consumer base. The expanded assortment is expected to strengthen the brand's position in the accessible-premium segment while increasing purchase frequency and category penetration.

Technology continues to play a central role in the company's product strategy. Chupps has developed proprietary features such as "Quick Dry" technology, which offers up to 90 percent water resistance, and "Massage Footbeds" engineered to enhance airflow, comfort and ergonomic support. These innovations are aimed at differentiating the brand in a crowded marketplace and reinforcing its value proposition around comfort and functionality.

According to Yashesh Mukhi, Founder, these innovations are essential to maintaining a high customer retention rate - currently sitting at 27 per cent - as the brand seeks to cement its status as a specialist in the Rs 500–Rs 2,000 ‘middle-ground’ footwear segment.

Founded in 2022, Chupps has rapidly emerged as a player in the comfort-led footwear category, focusing on slides, sandals and clogs made using sustainable materials and technical research-driven design. The company currently serves consumers across India and the UAE and is leveraging a combination of innovation, retail expansion and omnichannel distribution to scale its business.

With new stores, an expanding product portfolio and a growing distribution network, Chupps is positioning itself to capture a larger share of India's evolving footwear market while strengthening its presence in the accessible-premium segment.

Popees Baby Care has taken a significant step in its nationwide retail expansion journey with the launch of its debut North India store in Chandigarh. The new outlet, located in Sector 30-D Main Market, marks the brand’s entry into the northern region and stands as its 109th global store. Spanning over 1,500 sq. ft., the store reflects the company’s evolving retail-first strategy, focused on strengthening physical presence in high-potential urban clusters while expanding its organized baby care retail network across India.

The launch in Chandigarh is strategically positioned within the Tricity region, covering Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula an emerging consumption hub with rising demand for structured, safety-certified, and premium childcare products. By entering this region, Popees Baby Care is targeting a strong Tier-II urban market that is witnessing increasing preference for branded baby care essentials over unorganized retail alternatives. This move also serves as a gateway for further penetration into North India, with additional store openings already planned in Zirakpur, Karnal, and Yamuna Nagar.

From a franchise and retail expansion standpoint, the Chandigarh launch reflects Popees’ broader shift toward scaling through an omnichannel and store-led growth model. The brand has been actively strengthening its physical retail footprint alongside its manufacturing and distribution capabilities, aiming to build a more direct relationship with consumers. This approach not only enhances brand visibility but also supports improved unit-level economics, higher margins, and better control over customer experience across touchpoints.

A key driver behind this expansion strategy is the brand’s emphasis on standardized quality and safety compliance. Popees operates with a proprietary 28-stage quality assurance protocol, which is positioned as a differentiator in the highly competitive infant care segment. As consumer awareness around product safety, skin sensitivity, and organic materials continues to rise, the brand is expanding its SKU portfolio to include premium infant apparel, bamboo-based textiles, maternity essentials, accessories, and footwear. This diversification is designed to support its retail network expansion while increasing basket size and repeat purchases across stores.

The Chandigarh store launch also aligns with Popees’ ongoing corporate and structural evolution. The company is currently in the process of strategic integration, transitioning toward a listed corporate structure. This move is expected to enhance transparency, improve capital access, and support long-term scalability. Within this framework, retail expansion is not just a growth initiative but a core pillar of valuation building and organizational consolidation.

According to Shaju Thomas, Chairman and Managing Director, the brand aims to transition from a distribution-led model to a retail-first entity, capturing higher margins while fostering direct consumer loyalty. With the company currently navigating a strategic corporate integration - merging its operating business into a listed entity - this retail scaling is central to its efforts to bolster valuation and unify its operational structure ahead of its next phase of growth.

Founded in 2003, Popees Baby Care has grown into a recognized name in the infant and maternity segment, with operations extending across India and select international markets, including the Middle East. Its growth strategy continues to be anchored in aggressive store expansion, franchise-driven scalability, and product innovation tailored to modern parenting needs. The brand’s retail-led approach is increasingly focused on tapping emerging consumption markets in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where organized baby care retail is still in a growth phase.

The Chandigarh store is expected to serve as a model outlet for future franchise and company-owned expansions in North India. With increasing demand for experiential retail formats in the baby care category, Popees is positioning its stores not just as retail points but as curated childcare lifestyle destinations. This includes a structured in-store experience designed to guide parents through product categories, safety standards, and premium offerings.

As the brand continues its expansion trajectory, the focus remains on scaling its retail network while maintaining product integrity, operational efficiency, and consumer trust. The North India entry marks a pivotal milestone in its long-term ambition to build a nationwide, and eventually global, organized baby care retail ecosystem driven by franchise scalability and structured store expansion.

Homegrown denim and youth fashion brand Spykar has further strengthened its retail expansion strategy with the launch of a new store in Simdega, Jharkhand. The opening marks the brand’s fifth store launch in the current financial year, highlighting its continued focus on accelerating growth across India’s emerging markets.

The new store is designed to reflect Spykar’s evolving retail philosophy, which emphasises immersive and lifestyle-led shopping experiences. With a contemporary store format and premium visual merchandising, the outlet showcases the brand’s latest collections across denim, casualwear, fashion essentials, and accessories. The store aims to cater to the aspirations of young, fashion-conscious consumers in the region by offering a curated and engaging retail environment.

Founded in 1992, Spykar has grown into one of India’s leading denim-focused fashion brands, building a strong identity around youth culture, innovation, and expressive everyday fashion. Over the years, the brand has expanded its portfolio beyond denim to include a wide range of apparel and lifestyle products, positioning itself as a key player in India’s organised youth fashion segment.

The Simdega store opening is part of Spykar’s broader expansion roadmap, which focuses on strengthening its presence across Tier-II, Tier-III, and emerging markets. The brand continues to prioritise accessibility and deeper consumer engagement by entering high-potential cities where demand for branded fashion is steadily increasing.

Spykar has outlined plans to add 100 new stores across India over the next two years, which will take its overall retail network to more than 380 stores nationwide. This expansion strategy underscores the brand’s confidence in the long-term growth potential of India’s fashion retail market, particularly in non-metro regions where rising incomes and evolving lifestyles are driving increased consumption of branded apparel.

Commenting on the expansion, Sanjay Vakharia, Co-Founder & CEO of Spykar Lifestyle, said, “At Spykar, we have always believed in staying close to our consumers and evolving alongside their aspirations. The opening of our new store in Simdega reflects our commitment to reaching fashion-conscious consumers across emerging markets while strengthening our presence in key growth regions. As we continue our expansion journey, our focus remains on delivering contemporary fashion, an elevated shopping experience, and greater accessibility through a stronger retail footprint across India. With plans to add 100 new stores over the next two years, we are excited about the opportunities ahead and the growing connection we continue to build with India’s youth.”

The newly launched store has been developed as a modern retail destination that embodies Spykar’s youthful and dynamic brand identity. With upgraded interiors, improved product displays, and a customer-centric layout, the store is designed to enhance discovery and engagement while offering a seamless shopping experience.

As Spykar continues to scale its retail presence across India, the launch in Simdega reinforces the brand’s long-term commitment to expanding in high-growth markets. It also reflects the broader trend of fashion brands increasingly focusing on smaller cities to capture new demand pools and strengthen their national footprint.

With consistent expansion momentum and a clear focus on youth-centric fashion, Spykar is positioning itself to play a stronger role in shaping India’s evolving casualwear and denim market.

Premium menswear brand Blackberrys has announced an aggressive retail expansion strategy aimed at strengthening its presence in India’s fast-growing Tier-II and Tier-III cities. As part of this roadmap, the company plans to open 70 new Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) across the country, marking a significant push in its brick-and-mortar growth strategy.

Alongside its retail expansion, the company has outlined a planned investment of approximately ₹100 crore over the next three years. This investment will be directed towards upgrading design studios, enhancing technology infrastructure, and strengthening regional supply chain capabilities. The initiative is aimed at building a more agile operational ecosystem capable of responding to evolving apparel consumption patterns across diverse markets.

The expansion strategy reflects Blackberrys’ focus on capturing value and volume opportunities in emerging urban centres, where rising incomes and shifting lifestyle preferences are driving increased demand for branded menswear. By expanding deeper into non-metro markets, the brand aims to tap into a wider consumer base seeking premium yet accessible fashion offerings.

Strengthening Presence in Emerging Markets

The addition of 70 new stores will significantly expand Blackberrys’ physical retail footprint in India. The brand currently operates approximately 400 Exclusive Brand Outlets along with more than 1,200 Multi-Brand Outlets (MBOs) across the country, making it one of the established players in the organised menswear segment.

With the planned expansion, the company aims to reinforce its presence in high-growth cities while improving accessibility for consumers in underserved markets. The strategy aligns with a broader industry trend where fashion brands are increasingly focusing on Tier-II and Tier-III cities as key drivers of future retail growth, given the saturation levels in metro markets.

Despite periodic demand fluctuations across the broader apparel sector, the company has highlighted strong consumption trends in emerging municipal markets. These trends have encouraged continued capital investment, with the brand targeting double-digit revenue growth in the upcoming fiscal period.

Scaling a Homegrown Menswear Brand

Founded in 1991 in New Delhi by Nitin and Nikhil Mohan, Blackberrys has evolved into one of India’s leading homegrown menswear brands. The company specializes in formalwear, casualwear, and performance-driven apparel, with a strong emphasis on innovative stretch fabrics and contemporary tailoring.

Over the years, Blackberrys has built a strong identity in the premium menswear segment by focusing on fit, comfort, and functional design. Its product portfolio caters to modern professionals seeking versatile clothing suitable for both work and lifestyle occasions.

Today, the brand operates through a hybrid omnichannel model, with approximately 10 per cent of total sales generated through digital channels. This integration of online and offline retail has enabled Blackberrys to enhance customer reach while maintaining a strong presence in physical retail environments.

Focus on Operational Strengthening and Market Expansion

In addition to expanding its store network, Blackberrys is investing in strengthening its backend operations. The planned ₹100 crore investment will be directed towards upgrading design capabilities, improving technology systems, and streamlining supply chain networks across regions.

These enhancements are aimed at improving responsiveness to changing consumer demand and ensuring efficient product availability across geographies. By building a more integrated operational framework, the company seeks to support its long-term expansion into 150 Indian cities.

Industry observers note that such investments are increasingly critical for fashion brands operating in India’s competitive apparel market, where speed-to-market, inventory efficiency, and regional demand alignment play a crucial role in sustaining growth.

Outlook

With a clear focus on expanding its retail footprint and strengthening operational capabilities, Blackberrys is positioning itself for the next phase of growth in India’s menswear market. The addition of 70 new stores, combined with investments in technology and supply chain infrastructure, underscores the brand’s commitment to scaling sustainably while deepening its presence in high-potential markets.

As consumer demand continues to shift toward branded fashion in emerging cities, Blackberrys’ expansion strategy reflects a broader transformation in India’s retail landscape where growth is increasingly being driven beyond metropolitan boundaries.

Global fashion brand United Colors of Benetton (UCB) has strengthened its presence in East India with the launch of a new store on Kanke Road in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The opening forms part of the brand's broader strategy to deepen its footprint in high-growth regional markets and tap into rising consumer spending beyond India's major metropolitan centres.

The new Ranchi outlet reflects Benetton's continued focus on expanding its retail network across emerging urban markets, where increasing disposable incomes and growing aspirations are driving demand for premium international fashion brands. By establishing a presence in one of Jharkhand's most prominent commercial corridors, the company aims to strengthen customer engagement while making its latest collections more accessible to consumers in the region.

The store launch also highlights the growing importance of East India in the country's retail landscape. Cities such as Ranchi are witnessing significant economic growth, urbanisation, and consumer market development, creating opportunities for fashion retailers seeking to expand beyond traditional Tier-I destinations. Industry experts note that organised retail brands are increasingly targeting such markets to capture untapped demand and build long-term customer relationships.

United Colors of Benetton currently operates through a vast retail network of nearly 1,000 locations across India, making the country one of the brand's most significant international markets. The latest store opening reinforces the company's commitment to strengthening its presence through strategic market expansion while continuing to enhance the in-store shopping experience for consumers.

The Ranchi outlet will showcase Benetton's Spring-Summer 2026 collection, featuring a colour palette that ranges from soft pastels such as lilac and sage green to deeper tones including burgundy and navy blue. The collection has been designed to appeal to younger and style-conscious consumers, with a strong focus on comfort, versatility, and contemporary fashion trends. Natural fabrics such as linen and cotton play a central role in the assortment, reflecting the brand's emphasis on lightweight and breathable apparel suitable for modern lifestyles.

The expansion also underlines Benetton's belief in the continued relevance of physical retail. While digital commerce remains an important component of the company's overall strategy, brick-and-mortar stores continue to play a crucial role in brand building, product discovery, and customer engagement. Through premium retail environments, the company aims to provide consumers with a more immersive shopping experience that strengthens brand loyalty and supports long-term growth.

A key pillar of Benetton's expansion strategy in India is its franchise-led model, which enables the brand to scale efficiently across diverse geographies. By partnering with local entrepreneurs and retail operators, the company gains valuable market insights while maintaining consistent brand standards across its network. This approach has allowed Benetton to expand rapidly across multiple regions while adapting to local consumer preferences and market dynamics.

Founded in Italy in 1965, United Colors of Benetton has built a global reputation for its knitwear, vibrant colour palettes, and inclusive brand philosophy. Over the decades, the company has evolved into one of the world's most recognised fashion retailers, offering apparel and accessories across men's, women's, and children's categories.

Alongside retail expansion, the brand is also focusing on modernising its boutique network and incorporating more sustainable practices into its operations. The increasing use of natural-origin yarns and environmentally conscious materials reflects a broader commitment to meeting the expectations of today's value-driven consumers, who are increasingly prioritising sustainability alongside style and quality.

The launch of the Ranchi store marks another step in Benetton's efforts to strengthen its market share in India while capitalising on the growing purchasing power of consumers in emerging cities. As organised fashion retail continues to expand across the country, the company is expected to pursue further growth through a combination of franchise partnerships, store upgrades, and strategic market penetration initiatives.

Reliance Brands Limited (RBL) has strengthened its luxury fashion portfolio with the launch of a new Ritu Kumar store at Infiniti Mall, Andheri, Mumbai. The opening marks another step in the company's strategy to expand the reach of its premium and luxury brands while strengthening their presence in key urban consumption centres.

Located in one of Mumbai's prominent retail destinations, the new store is expected to enhance Ritu Kumar's visibility among fashion-conscious consumers in the city's western suburbs. The launch reflects Reliance Brands' continued focus on creating immersive retail experiences that enable customers to engage more closely with premium fashion labels while supporting the growth of India's luxury and occasion-wear market.

The expansion comes as Reliance Brands continues to deepen its presence across premium lifestyle, beauty, and fashion segments. The company has been actively investing in strengthening the retail footprint of its portfolio brands through strategic store openings, upgrades, and omnichannel initiatives designed to improve customer accessibility and engagement. The latest Ritu Kumar store aligns with this broader objective of building stronger brand ecosystems through carefully selected retail locations and experience-led formats.

Founded in 1969, Ritu Kumar is one of India's most recognised luxury fashion houses and is known for its bridal couture, occasion wear, premium prêt collections, and designs inspired by India's rich textile heritage. The brand has built a strong reputation over the decades by combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary silhouettes, making it a preferred choice among consumers seeking premium ethnic and fusion fashion.

Following its acquisition by Reliance Retail in 2021, Ritu Kumar became part of Reliance Brands' expanding portfolio of domestic and international fashion labels. Since then, the company has focused on strengthening the brand's retail presence while enhancing its omnichannel capabilities to cater to evolving consumer preferences. The launch of the new Mumbai store represents another milestone in these efforts.

Mumbai remains one of India's most important markets for luxury and premium fashion retailers, supported by a large affluent consumer base and strong demand for designer apparel. Andheri, in particular, has emerged as a key retail destination that attracts shoppers from across western Mumbai, making it an attractive location for premium brands seeking greater market penetration.

The store opening also comes amid broader efforts by Reliance Brands to streamline operations and improve efficiencies across its portfolio. As the company continues to integrate and strengthen its luxury retail ecosystem, the focus has increasingly shifted toward sustainable growth, operational optimization, and enhancing customer experiences across channels. Industry observers note that strategic store expansion remains a critical component of this approach, particularly for heritage brands that benefit from physical retail engagement and personalized shopping experiences.

Reliance Brands reported strong growth across its business during FY26, supported by continued momentum in premium lifestyle and beauty categories. Against this backdrop, the company is placing greater emphasis on strengthening the long-term performance of designer-led businesses through targeted investments in retail infrastructure, brand positioning, and customer engagement initiatives.

For Ritu Kumar, the new store at Infiniti Mall further strengthens its retail network and reinforces its presence in one of the country's most influential fashion markets. The outlet is expected to showcase the brand's signature collections spanning bridal couture, festive wear, occasion dressing, and contemporary ethnic fashion, providing customers with access to a comprehensive assortment under one roof.

As India's premium fashion market continues to evolve, brands are increasingly investing in experiential retail formats that blend heritage, design, and personalised service. The launch of the new Ritu Kumar store reflects this trend and highlights Reliance Brands' commitment to expanding the reach of its luxury portfolio while supporting the growth of homegrown fashion labels across the country.

Landmark Group-owned Lifestyle has expanded its retail footprint in North India with the launch of a new store at Felix Plaza, Gurugram. The opening strengthens the department store retailer's presence in one of the country's fastest-growing urban markets while enhancing access to its fashion and lifestyle offerings for consumers in the region.

Located at Felix Plaza in Sector 82A, the new store marks another milestone in Lifestyle's ongoing expansion strategy focused on high-potential retail destinations. The retailer continues to strengthen its presence through carefully selected locations that offer strong customer catchments, growing residential communities, and increasing demand for organised retail experiences.

Lifestyle is among the leading department store retailers in the region, operating more than 100 stores across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Over the years, the brand has built a strong position in the organised retail sector by offering a diverse portfolio of apparel, footwear, beauty products, accessories, and home categories under one roof. The company's continued investment in physical retail reflects growing consumer demand for experiential shopping environments that combine convenience, variety, and brand discovery.

The new Gurugram outlet is situated within Felix Plaza, a recently developed retail and lifestyle destination that is rapidly emerging as a key commercial hub in New Gurugram. Spread across a large mixed-use development, the centre has attracted a range of national and international brands across fashion, dining, entertainment, and lifestyle categories. The addition of Lifestyle further strengthens the destination's retail mix and is expected to contribute to increased footfall and consumer engagement.

For organised retailers, Gurugram remains one of the most attractive markets in the National Capital Region. The city continues to witness significant residential development, rising disposable incomes, and growing demand for modern retail formats. Emerging micro-markets such as Sector 82A have become particularly attractive for brands looking to establish an early presence in high-growth catchment areas and build long-term customer relationships.

While store openings are often viewed as a single milestone, the process involves extensive planning and coordination across multiple functions. From site evaluation and commercial negotiations to store design, merchandising, supply chain planning, technology integration, staffing, and operational readiness, each stage plays a critical role in ensuring a successful launch. The opening of the Lifestyle store at Felix Plaza reflects the collective efforts of project teams, stakeholders, vendors, and partners who worked together to bring the destination to life.

The launch also aligns with broader trends shaping India's organised retail industry. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, retailers are increasingly focusing on destinations that combine shopping, entertainment, dining, and community experiences. Modern consumers are looking for convenience as well as immersive retail environments that allow them to explore multiple brands and categories in a single visit. Retail developments such as Felix Plaza are increasingly catering to these expectations, creating new opportunities for leading brands to expand their reach.

For Lifestyle, the new store further reinforces its commitment to strengthening its omnichannel presence and deepening market penetration in key urban centres. The retailer has consistently expanded its network through strategic locations that complement its broader growth objectives while enhancing customer accessibility.

The opening at Felix Plaza is expected to serve consumers from Gurugram's rapidly expanding residential and commercial catchments while supporting the continued development of the destination as a prominent retail and lifestyle hub. As Lifestyle continues to grow its network across India and international markets, the latest launch underscores the company's confidence in the long-term potential of organised retail and the increasing importance of emerging urban centres in driving future growth.

Women's ethnic wear brand Jaipur Kurti has marked a significant milestone in its retail growth journey with the successful launch of three stores within a span of just three weeks. The latest openings in Karol Bagh and Rohini in Delhi, along with Ludhiana, underline the brand's commitment to strengthening its offline presence and expanding its franchise-led retail network across key North Indian markets.

The achievement highlights more than just store openings. In today's competitive retail environment, launching multiple outlets in a short timeframe requires extensive coordination across site selection, franchise development, store design, merchandising, staffing, training, and operational readiness. Successfully executing three launches in three weeks demonstrates the systems and processes that Jaipur Kurti has been building as part of its long-term expansion strategy.

Owned by Nandani Creation Ltd., Jaipur Kurti has steadily expanded from its online-first origins into a growing omnichannel fashion brand. The company has been actively pursuing franchise-driven growth to strengthen its presence in high-potential markets while making its products more accessible to customers seeking contemporary ethnic wear. The latest store additions are aligned with the company's broader objective of expanding its offline footprint through Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs).

The choice of locations reflects a strategic approach to market expansion. Karol Bagh remains one of Delhi's most established retail destinations, attracting a diverse consumer base and high shopping footfall. Rohini has emerged as a major residential and commercial hub in the National Capital Region, making it an attractive destination for fashion retailers. Ludhiana, meanwhile, represents one of North India's most important commercial centres, offering strong growth opportunities for organised fashion brands seeking deeper penetration in Punjab.

For franchise businesses, location selection is often one of the most critical factors determining long-term success. By entering established retail catchments with strong consumer demand, Jaipur Kurti is positioning its franchise partners to benefit from both brand recognition and market visibility. The expansion also reflects growing confidence in the brand's franchise model and its ability to attract experienced retail entrepreneurs.

Industry observers note that rapid expansion can only be sustained when brands have strong backend support systems in place. Every new store requires months of planning, including identifying suitable properties, evaluating market potential, finalising commercial agreements, managing store fit-outs, planning inventory, recruiting personnel, and preparing for launch. The ability to complete these activities simultaneously across multiple locations demonstrates operational maturity and scalability.

The latest openings further expand Jaipur Kurti's retail footprint, taking forward the brand's franchise-led growth strategy. Jaipur Kurti currently has more than 15 Exclusive Brand Outlets nationwide, with franchising playing a key role in its efforts to deepen market penetration and reach new consumer hubs across India

India's ethnic wear market continues to offer significant opportunities for organised fashion retailers. Consumers are increasingly seeking branded shopping experiences, wider product assortments, and consistent quality across categories. This trend has encouraged brands to invest in both company-owned and franchise-operated stores, particularly in high-growth urban and semi-urban markets.

Against this backdrop, Jaipur Kurti's achievement of opening three stores in three weeks serves as an example of how fashion brands can scale efficiently through a well-structured franchise ecosystem. The milestone not only strengthens the brand's retail presence but also reinforces the importance of collaboration between franchise partners, operations teams, merchandising functions, and support departments.

As Jaipur Kurti continues its expansion journey, the successful rollout of stores in Karol Bagh, Rohini, and Ludhiana reflects the growing momentum behind its franchise strategy. With organised ethnic wear retail witnessing sustained demand and consumers increasingly embracing branded fashion experiences, the company appears well positioned to further strengthen its footprint across the country.

ANTA Sports Products Ltd. is set to re-enter the Indian market next month with the launch of a flagship store in Gurugram, marking a structured return to offline retail operations in partnership with Brandman Retail Ltd. The launch represents the first step in the brand’s renewed India strategy after its earlier exit from the market.

As part of its expansion roadmap, Brandman Retail has confirmed plans to scale ANTA’s retail footprint to 10 stores across India by March 2027. The Gurugram flagship store will serve as the anchor location for this phased rollout, laying the foundation for the brand’s physical retail network in the country.

The India strategy includes a clearly defined offline expansion model, with brick-and-mortar stores forming the core of ANTA’s physical presence. Alongside its offline retail push, the brand will also operate through e-commerce platforms, creating a hybrid distribution structure aimed at broadening consumer access across channels.

ANTA will position itself in the premium segment of the Indian sportswear market. Apparel under the brand will carry an average price of approximately Rs. 8,000 (US $85), while footwear is expected to be priced between Rs. 9,000 (US $95) and Rs. 10,000 (US $106). This pricing strategy places the brand in the upper tier of performance and lifestyle sportswear offerings in India.

The operational model will involve importing products manufactured in China, which will then be distributed through both physical retail stores and online platforms in India. This structure forms the basis of ANTA’s supply and distribution framework for its India re-entry.

Commenting on the brand’s strategy, Kashika Malhotra, Director at Brandman Retail, said that ANTA sees significant growth potential in the Indian market. She also noted that the company is rebuilding its presence after more than five years of absence, following its earlier exit linked to geopolitical tensions.

In addition to ANTA’s India plans, Brandman Retail is also expanding its portfolio with Wilson Sporting Goods. The company has outlined plans to open four stores in India this year for the tennis-focused brand, further strengthening its multi-brand retail strategy.

The Indian and Chinese partners are currently coordinating closely on the initial store rollouts to ensure effective execution and brand positioning during the early phase of expansion.

With the Gurugram flagship launch, ANTA’s India strategy transitions from planning to execution, supported by a defined retail expansion roadmap, a structured offline presence, and a phased store rollout plan targeting 10 locations by 2027.

Japanese lingerie brand Wacoal has reinforced its growth strategy in India with the opening of a new flagship store on Mumbai’s prominent Linking Road in Khar West. Spanning 450 square feet, the outlet marks another milestone in the company’s retail expansion journey and takes its network in the country to 18 exclusive brand outlets, further strengthening its presence in one of India’s most important fashion and lifestyle markets.

The launch reflects Wacoal’s continued focus on deepening market penetration through strategically located stores that enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. Mumbai remains a key growth market for the brand, and the new flagship location is expected to support both customer acquisition and long-term business expansion efforts.

"Mumbai is the heart of our India business, and Linking Road is at the heart of how Mumbai shops,” said Wacoal India’s COO Pooja Merani in a press release. “Choosing this location for our flagship store was a strategic decision, allowing us to bring our most complete brand experience closer to customers. This store reflects everything Wacoal stands for- expert fit solutions, premium quality, innovation, and personalised service. We are excited to further strengthen our presence in a city that continues to play a key role in our growth story."

Designed to offer Wacoal’s most comprehensive brand experience in India, the flagship store showcases the company’s portfolio of premium lingerie, shapewear, sleepwear, and loungewear. The outlet also places a strong emphasis on personalised customer service, offering expert fit consultations and tailored shopping assistance aimed at enhancing the overall consumer experience.

Beyond its exclusive brand outlets, Wacoal has built a diversified retail presence across India through large-format department stores, multi-brand retail partners, and leading e-commerce platforms. This omnichannel approach has enabled the company to broaden its reach while maintaining a consistent brand experience across touchpoints.

The latest store opening underscores Wacoal’s commitment to scaling its retail footprint in India and capitalising on rising demand for premium intimate wear. By investing in flagship destinations and strengthening its store network, the brand is positioning itself for sustained growth in the country’s evolving fashion retail landscape.

Founded in Japan in 1946, Wacoal expanded across several Asian markets during the 1970s and entered India with the launch of its first store in December 2015. Since then, the company has steadily expanded its retail network, with the Mumbai flagship representing another step in its long-term growth and market development strategy.

Digital-first fashleisure brand Nobero is accelerating its offline expansion strategy with the launch of three new exclusive brand outlets in less than a month, taking its total store count to 10 across India.

The latest stores have opened at Odeon Mall in Hyderabad, Ansa City Centre in Ghaziabad, and Pacific Mall in Jasola, New Delhi, marking another step in the brand’s effort to strengthen its physical retail presence and enhance consumer engagement beyond digital channels.

Backed by TMRW, the Aditya Birla Group’s house of brands venture, Nobero is pursuing an omnichannel growth strategy that combines its established online business with experiential retail formats. By expanding into high-traffic shopping destinations, the company aims to offer consumers greater access to its product portfolio while creating stronger touchpoints for brand interaction.

The offline expansion comes amid encouraging performance from the brand’s existing stores. According to the company, its first seven outlets have already achieved profitability, with some locations reporting sales productivity of more than 80 sales per square foot per day (SSPD), significantly above the industry average of 30–35 SSPD.

Nobero views its physical stores as more than sales channels. The outlets also serve as feedback centres where the brand can gather real-time insights into customer preferences around fit, fabric, design and product categories. These insights are expected to support product development and inventory planning while strengthening the connection between the brand and its growing consumer base.

Founded as a digital-native fashion and lifestyle brand, Nobero has built its identity around comfort-led, travel-inspired apparel for men and women, including joggers, co-ord sets, polos and casual wear. Since becoming part of TMRW’s portfolio, the company has accelerated its efforts to build a stronger offline presence alongside its e-commerce operations.

With growing consumer demand for seamless omnichannel shopping experiences, many digitally native brands are increasingly investing in physical retail to complement online growth. Nobero’s rapid store rollout reflects this broader trend as brands seek to combine the convenience of e-commerce with the product discovery and experiential advantages of brick-and-mortar retail.

The company now plans to scale its network further and is targeting 25 exclusive brand outlets by the end of FY26. As it expands into more metropolitan markets, Nobero is looking to strengthen its position in India's competitive athleisure and fashleisure segments while building a larger offline customer base.

Peter England, one of India's leading menswear brands from the Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands portfolio, has unveiled a refreshed retail identity that signals a significant step forward in the brand's ongoing evolution. The new retail concept has made its debut at the brand's largest store in Bihar, a sprawling 3,000 sq. ft. flagship outlet spread across two floors in Patna's bustling Kankarbagh area.

The launch marks more than just a store opening; it represents a broader transformation underway at Peter England as the brand seeks to strengthen its relevance among modern consumers while remaining deeply connected to its heritage. Rooted in Londonderry since 1889, Peter England has spent nearly three decades building a strong presence in India, earning consumer trust through its focus on quality, accessibility, and timeless style. The refreshed identity reflects the brand's efforts to evolve across multiple touchpoints, including product offerings, storytelling, visual identity, and customer experience.

At the heart of the transformation is a more refined and contemporary retail expression. The newly introduced storefront presents a cleaner and more confident aesthetic, designed to appeal to today's fashion-conscious consumer. A prominent digital screen has been integrated into the façade, enabling dynamic storytelling through seasonal campaigns, product showcases, and brand narratives, creating a more engaging and immersive customer experience.

Inside the store, Peter England's rich heritage has been thoughtfully woven into the design language. Signature elements inspired by the brand's history can be found throughout the space, creating a seamless connection between tradition and modern retailing. The iconic Prince of Wales check, a symbol closely associated with the brand, appears across various sections of the store, including flooring details within the denim zone and trial rooms. References to the Griffin emblem, craftsmanship-inspired finishes, and nods to the brand's longstanding shirt-making expertise further reinforce its legacy while enhancing the overall shopping environment.

Commenting on the launch, Anand Aiyer, Chief Business Officer, Peter England, said, “Our refreshed retail identity marks an important milestone in Peter England’s evolution. It brings together a cleaner, more contemporary expression of the brand while staying rooted in the heritage, craftsmanship and trust that have defined Peter England since its origins in Londonderry. As we embark on this new retail chapter, we are excited to debut the identity at our largest store in Bihar, a market that continues to demonstrate a strong and growing appetite for quality and style. The aim is to introduce this new retail identity across 100 stores by the end of FY27.”

The rollout of the new format is part of Peter England's broader strategy to elevate its retail presence and create a more aspirational brand experience. By modernizing its stores while preserving core brand values, the company aims to attract younger consumers without alienating its loyal customer base that has supported the brand for years.

Sharing insights into the creative thinking behind the transformation, Priyank Karanam, Creative Director and Vice President - Design, Peter England, said, “The new retail identity is an expression of Peter England’s heritage reimagined for today. The fluted pillars, the Prince of Wales check in the flooring, and the Griffin are not decorative choices; they are thoughtful design integrations through which our Londonderry story comes to life. The new identity is quieter, more modern, more considered and more premium, while remaining unmistakably. Peter England. It is the same brand, thoughtfully reinvented for a new generation of consumers.”

The flagship store has been designed as a comprehensive destination that showcases the full breadth of the Peter England portfolio. Customers can explore everything from denim collections featuring the iconic Griffin logo to The Gentlemen's League, the brand's cricket-inspired lifestyle range. The store also houses Peter England's formalwear offerings and occasion-focused apparel under The Bollywood Wedding collection, catering to consumers seeking stylish options for celebrations and special events.

As consumer expectations continue to evolve, retailers are increasingly focusing on experiential store formats that go beyond product displays. Peter England's latest retail identity reflects this industry shift, emphasizing storytelling, heritage, design, and customer engagement as key differentiators. The Patna flagship serves as the first step in what is expected to be a larger nationwide transformation, with the brand planning to extend the new retail concept across 100 stores by the end of FY27.

With a renewed focus on premium experiences, modern aesthetics, and heritage-inspired design, Peter England is positioning itself for its next phase of growth while reinforcing the values that have helped make it one of India's most recognized menswear brands.

Ethnic wear brand Soch has strengthened its international presence with the launch of its fifth overseas store in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. The latest opening marks another significant milestone in the company's global expansion strategy and reinforces its commitment to serving the growing Indian diaspora with contemporary and traditional ethnic fashion offerings.

Strategically located in Surrey, one of Canada's most vibrant South Asian communities, the new store spans approximately 1,500 square feet and offers customers access to Soch's latest collections across a wide range of ethnic wear categories. The launch further strengthens the brand's footprint in Canada, which has emerged as an important international market due to its large and culturally connected Indian-origin population.

Over the past two decades, Soch has evolved into one of India's leading ethnic wear retailers, building a strong presence through a network of more than 175 stores spread across 70 cities nationwide. The company's continued investment in international markets reflects its ambition to take Indian fashion to a global audience while catering to consumers seeking authentic ethnic apparel outside India.

Commenting on the expansion, Vinay Chatlani, CEO & Co-founder of Soch, said, “The Indian population in Canada has embraced Soch with remarkable warmth. With its vibrant South Asian heritage and strong sense of community, Vancouver is the perfect home for our second store in Canada, and fifth international location. This launch marks a significant milestone in our expansion journey as we continue to strengthen our presence across this market.”

The Surrey outlet has been designed to deliver Soch's modern retail experience, offering shoppers a welcoming environment that combines contemporary store aesthetics with the brand's rich ethnic fashion heritage. Customers can explore a curated selection of sarees, salwar suits, kurtas, festive collections, occasion wear, and contemporary ethnic ensembles designed to meet the evolving preferences of modern consumers.

The expansion comes amid rising global demand for Indian ethnic fashion, driven by increasing cultural celebrations, weddings, festivals, and a growing appreciation for Indian textiles and craftsmanship among overseas consumers. Canada, in particular, has become a key destination for Indian fashion brands due to its sizeable South Asian population and strong demand for traditional and fusion wear.

Beyond Canada, Soch is actively evaluating growth opportunities across several international markets, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These regions have been identified based on their significant Indian-origin populations, increasing demand for ethnic apparel, and the brand's strong digital engagement among customers in these geographies. The company believes these markets offer substantial potential for long-term retail growth and brand expansion.

The latest store opening underscores Soch's broader vision of becoming a globally recognized ethnic wear brand while maintaining its strong roots in Indian fashion. By expanding its international retail network and deepening its engagement with overseas consumers, the company aims to strengthen its position in the global ethnic wear market and capitalize on the growing demand for authentic Indian fashion experiences worldwide.

With a robust domestic presence and a steadily expanding international footprint, Soch continues to build momentum as one of India's leading ethnic wear retailers, leveraging both physical stores and digital channels to connect with customers across borders.