Franchise News: Lenskart Unveils 10th Store in Raipur, Boosts Presence in Chhattisgarh with 21st Outlet

Reliance Retail’s premium fashion and lifestyle brand AZORTE has strengthened its retail presence in North India with the opening of its first store in Chandigarh. Located at Nexus Elante Mall, the new outlet takes the brand’s store count to 44 across India.

The Chandigarh opening forms part of AZORTE’s ongoing retail expansion as the brand increases its physical presence across key markets. The store follows the company’s technology-integrated retail format, combining fashion categories with digital features designed to simplify the in-store shopping journey.

Actor Tania inaugurated the outlet with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and interacted with customers during a meet-and-greet session held at the store.

The new AZORTE store offers merchandise across womenswear, menswear, kidswear and accessories. Its assortment draws on global fashion trends while being developed for the preferences of Indian consumers.

Technology is also integrated across different stages of the shopping experience. The outlet uses RFID and QR code systems to improve inventory visibility and support assisted shopping.

Smart trial rooms are another feature of the store, providing shoppers with personalised styling recommendations. Self-checkout counters have also been incorporated to allow customers to complete purchases with reduced dependence on conventional billing counters.

The combination of these digital tools reflects AZORTE’s broader approach to integrating technology into physical fashion retail. The format is aimed at connecting the convenience associated with digital commerce with the product discovery and trial experience offered by offline stores.

The Chandigarh outlet also strengthens AZORTE’s presence in North India as Reliance Retail continues to expand the fashion and lifestyle brand across the country. The opening at Nexus Elante Mall provides the company with access to consumers in one of the region’s key organised retail markets.

Bath & Body Works has expanded its retail presence in India with the launch of a new store at LuLu Mall, Lucknow, further strengthening its footprint in the country's premium beauty and personal care market.

Located on the ground floor of LuLu Mall, the new outlet enhances the brand's accessibility in North India while adding another internationally recognized name to the mall's growing portfolio of global lifestyle brands.

The launch reflects Bath & Body Works' ongoing strategy of expanding through premium retail destinations to meet the rising demand for international beauty and wellness brands among Indian consumers. The development was announced by the LuLu Mall Leasing Team on LinkedIn.

Founded in the United States in 1990, Bath & Body Works is known for its range of personal care, home fragrance, and wellness products, including body lotions, fragrance mists, shower gels, hand soaps, sanitizers, and its signature three-wick candles. The brand also regularly introduces seasonal collections and limited-edition fragrances, encouraging repeat customer engagement.

The new Lucknow store is expected to offer customers the brand's popular collections, including Japanese Cherry Blossom, A Thousand Wishes, Into the Night, and Warm Vanilla Sugar, along with its home fragrance range.

The opening also highlights the growing demand for premium beauty and lifestyle brands in India's organized retail sector. As consumers increasingly seek experiential shopping destinations, leading malls continue to strengthen their brand mix by attracting international retailers across beauty, fashion, and wellness categories.

With the latest addition, Bath & Body Works continues to expand its offline retail network across India, bringing its globally recognized product portfolio closer to consumers through strategically located shopping destinations.

Contemporary jewellery brand Gargi, from the house of P N Gadgil & Sons (PNGS), has expanded its retail network with the launch of two new stores in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and Raipur, Chhattisgarh, reinforcing its growth strategy across key urban markets.

The twin store openings mark another milestone in Gargi's nationwide expansion as the brand continues to strengthen its presence through a wider offline retail network and enhance accessibility for customers across India.

Located in Rajajinagar, the Bengaluru outlet showcases Gargi's portfolio of silver, brass, and diamond jewellery, catering to the city's growing demand for contemporary and design-led collections. Meanwhile, the new store at ZORA The Mall in Raipur introduces the brand's sterling silver jewellery collection to consumers in Chhattisgarh's capital, with plans to expand the product range in the future.

The expansion follows a strong financial performance for the brand. Gargi reported ₹149.47 crore in revenue in FY26, registering nearly 49 percent year-on-year growth, supported by the continued expansion of its retail presence across the country.

Aditya Modak, Founder & CEO, Gargi by PNGS, said, "Bengaluru and Raipur represent two distinct markets with strong growth potential. While Bengaluru is a mature and design-conscious fashion destination, Raipur is an emerging market where demand for premium silver jewellery is growing rapidly. Launching both stores on the same day reflects our confidence in these markets and our commitment to making authentic, contemporary jewellery more accessible to consumers across India."

Designed around the brand's modern retail identity, both stores offer a welcoming shopping environment featuring curated collections for everyday wear, festive occasions, and celebrations.

With these additions, Gargi continues to strengthen its retail footprint as it targets sustained growth across established metropolitan cities as well as emerging regional markets.

Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo is set to significantly expand its retail footprint in India, with plans to operate more than 100 stores by 2031, reinforcing the country's importance in its long-term global growth strategy.

The planned expansion will increase Uniqlo's India store network nearly fivefold from its current presence of 20 stores across Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Bengaluru. The retailer is expected to focus on expanding across New Delhi and other major metropolitan markets as it strengthens its brick-and-mortar presence.

Alongside its retail expansion, Uniqlo plans to gradually increase local manufacturing while continuing to source products from its established manufacturing partners across Asia. The move aligns with domestic sourcing requirements and supports the brand's long-term commitment to the Indian market.

Owned by Fast Retailing, Uniqlo operates more than 2,500 stores across over 25 countries. Since entering India in 2019, the company has steadily expanded its presence, positioning the market as a key growth driver within its broader Asia strategy.

The retailer's expansion comes as India continues to emerge as one of the fastest-growing apparel markets, supported by rising disposable incomes, increasing demand for international fashion brands, and the rapid development of organized retail infrastructure.

Fast Retailing has also reported strong momentum across South and Southeast Asia. During the first nine months ended May, combined sales from South Korea, Southeast Asia, India and Australia grew 32 percent, with India and Southeast Asia delivering double-digit revenue growth.

Takeshi Okazaki, CFO, Fast Retailing, said, "We see Asia as the next global growth centre in the long term. As we have successfully done in the US and Europe, Fast Retailing will strengthen its brand power in Asia by enhancing its product lineup and store operations."

With plans to surpass the 100-store milestone, Uniqlo is expected to further strengthen its position in India's organized fashion retail sector while expanding access to its products across key urban markets.

IKEA India has strengthened its presence in the National Capital Region with the opening of its second city-format store in Delhi at DLF Avenue, Saket, as the Swedish home furnishings retailer continues to expand its urban retail footprint in India.

Spread across 30,000 sq. ft. over two levels, the new store has been designed to cater to the evolving home furnishing needs of South Delhi consumers. The outlet showcases nearly 3,000 products, including around 1,400 items available for immediate takeaway, along with nine fully designed room settings inspired by local homes.

Ahead of the launch, IKEA conducted extensive research across South Delhi neighbourhoods to understand local living spaces, ranging from compact apartments to multi-generational homes. The insights have been incorporated into the store's layout and product assortment to better reflect the needs of urban Indian consumers.

Commenting on the launch, Patrik Antoni, CEO, IKEA India, said, "Saket and DLF Avenue feel like a natural new home for IKEA in Delhi." He added that the company is building on a growing community of over 300,000 IKEA Family members in the region while offering customers seamless access to more than 6,900 products through its omnichannel platform.

In addition to in-store shopping, the Saket outlet offers home planning consultations, delivery and assembly services, while also featuring a Swedish Café that combines international favourites with locally inspired food offerings.

The opening is part of IKEA's broader strategy to strengthen its omnichannel presence through compact city-format stores that complement its larger retail formats. The company is also preparing to expand further across the NCR, with Gurugram and Noida identified as the next key markets for growth.

With an ambitious roadmap to operate 30 stores across India by 2030, backed by investments exceeding ₹21,000 crore, IKEA continues to deepen its presence through a combination of physical retail expansion and digital commerce, making its home furnishing solutions more accessible to consumers across major urban markets.

Borosil has strengthened its direct-to-consumer retail strategy with the launch of its first exclusive brand stores in Pune and Gurugram, marking a significant milestone in the company's offline expansion journey.

The newly opened outlets offer customers access to Borosil's complete portfolio of kitchenware, cookware, dining products, home essentials, storage solutions, hydration products and small appliances under one roof, providing an immersive shopping experience.

The Gurugram store, located at Elan Miracle, Sector 84, was inaugurated by celebrity chef Harpal Singh Sokhi in the presence of the company's leadership team. Spread across approximately 800–1,200 sq. ft., it is the larger of the two flagship outlets, while the second store has opened at Phoenix Avenue of Stars in Pune.

Building on the launch, Borosil has outlined an ambitious retail expansion strategy. The company plans to establish additional company-owned exclusive stores across key Indian cities before scaling its network through a franchise-led model. The next phase of growth will focus on opening franchise-operated exclusive stores in premium malls and high-footfall retail destinations to enhance customer reach and strengthen brand visibility.

Commenting on the expansion, Barnali Shankar, Vice President – Marketing, Borosil Ltd, said, "At Borosil, our vision goes beyond creating exceptional products—we aim to be an integral part of modern Indian homes. While we have built a strong omnichannel presence, many of our products are best experienced in person. Our exclusive stores allow customers to explore the complete Borosil portfolio and make more informed purchase decisions."

She further added that Pune and Gurugram were selected because of their growing population of young professionals, first-time homeowners and modern families seeking premium home and kitchen solutions. The company is also evaluating opportunities to expand into cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru, subject to suitable commercial opportunities.

The exclusive stores complement Borosil's existing omnichannel distribution network, which spans general trade, modern retail, e-commerce and quick commerce platforms. As the company continues to diversify beyond its legacy glassware business, its retail expansion strategy is expected to strengthen customer engagement while supporting long-term growth through a combination of company-owned and franchise-operated stores.

Bata India has accelerated its franchise expansion strategy by opening more than 120 franchise stores during the first seven months of 2026, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its retail footprint across the country.

The footwear retailer is currently opening one franchise store every 40 hours, taking its franchise network to more than 775 stores nationwide. The company is now moving towards its long-term milestone of 1,000 franchise stores, as highlighted in a recent company update.

The expansion forms part of Bata India's broader retail growth strategy aimed at strengthening its presence across metro, Tier-II and Tier-III markets through a franchise-led model that improves accessibility while supporting local entrepreneurship.

Reflecting on the milestone, the company shared that its goal of opening 200 franchise stores in a single year was initially considered highly ambitious. However, a focused execution strategy and coordinated efforts across teams have enabled Bata India to cross the 120-store mark within the first seven months of 2026, keeping the company on track toward its annual target.

The rapid pace of expansion highlights Bata India's continued investment in franchise-led growth as it strengthens its nationwide retail network. With one new franchise outlet opening every 40 hours, the company is further enhancing its market presence while bringing its footwear portfolio closer to consumers across India.

Backed by a growing franchise network and an expanding retail footprint, Bata India continues to focus on scaling its presence through strategic store additions, supporting its vision of becoming one of the country's largest footwear retail networks.

Westside, the fashion and lifestyle brand operated by Tata Group's retail arm Trent, is preparing for its largest expansion drive since inception, with plans to open around 100 new stores every year as it strengthens its presence across India.

The expansion strategy reflects Westside's focus on scaling its retail footprint beyond established metro markets and tapping into the growing demand for organised fashion retail in smaller cities and emerging consumption hubs.

Alongside physical store expansion, the brand is also investing in strengthening its digital commerce capabilities, international growth initiatives and technology-led improvements across design and supply chain operations. The use of artificial intelligence is expected to support faster decision-making, improve product planning and enhance operational efficiency as the retailer scales its network.

Westside's accelerated rollout comes as India's fashion retail market witnesses increasing competition among organised players seeking to capture rising consumer demand across Tier-II and Tier-III cities. The brand's expansion strategy follows Trent's broader retail growth approach, which has focused on building scalable formats with strong customer engagement and operational efficiency.

The move also highlights the growing importance of technology in fashion retail, with brands increasingly leveraging data and AI to understand consumer preferences, optimise inventory and improve supply chain management while expanding their store networks.

However, scaling at this pace will require strong execution across real estate acquisition, supply chain capabilities, workforce management and maintaining a consistent customer experience across locations.

With its planned store additions, Westside aims to strengthen its position in India's organised fashion segment while building a larger retail ecosystem across physical and digital channels.

Contemporary menswear brand Banana Club has entered the Delhi market with the launch of its new exclusive brand outlet (EBO) in Rohini, marking the brand's 21st store nationwide and strengthening its retail expansion strategy.

The new outlet represents Banana Club's entry into one of India's largest fashion markets as the brand continues to expand its offline presence through experience led retail formats.

Ahead of the opening, the brand rolled out a series of marketing initiatives across Delhi, including its "Delhi Mein Hai BC" campaign, city wide installations, and a giant gorilla-themed activation that generated strong consumer interest and social media engagement.

According to the company, the launch attracted more than 300 visitors within the first few hours, reflecting encouraging consumer response to the brand's debut in the capital.

Prashant Lalwani, Co-founder, Banana Club, said, "Delhi has always been an important market for us, and opening our 21st store here is a significant milestone. We wanted our first Delhi store to offer more than just great fashion we wanted it to create memories. Every Indian has a story connected to a one-rupee coin, and through this campaign, we brought those emotions back while giving customers an exciting shopping experience."

Neel Bafna, Co-founder, Banana Club, added, "Banana Club has always believed that fashion should be fun, relatable, and accessible. Our Delhi launch reflected exactly that. By combining nostalgia, creativity, and a compelling retail offer, we created an experience that customers will remember long after they leave the store."

Founded in Bengaluru, Banana Club has been expanding its retail footprint by combining premium menswear with experiential marketing and an omnichannel approach. With its entry into Delhi, the brand continues to strengthen its presence in key urban markets while focusing on creating engaging in-store experiences for consumers.

Tech enabled convenience retail company YatriKart has marked its entry into the Delhi NCR market with the launch of its first store, while unveiling plans to open 50 Quick Stop stores across the region over the next 50 days. The expansion forms part of the company's broader vision to build a 5,000 store network across India within the next five years.

The company's expansion strategy is focused on creating a nationwide network of convenience stores at high-footfall transit locations. Upcoming stores will be located at metro stations, petrol pumps, corporate parks, hospitals, highways, railway stations and bus terminals, with all outlets operating 24x7 to cater to commuters and travellers.

YatriKart, which offers both Franchise Owned Franchise Operated (FOFO) and Franchise Owned Company Operated (FOCO) models, is leveraging a franchise-led approach alongside its technology-enabled retail platform to accelerate its expansion across key markets.

Gaurav Rana, Founder & CEO, YatriKart, said, "India doesn't have a shortage of retail stores. The real gap is organised convenience exactly where people are on the move. Millions of Indians commute every day, yet convenience at transit locations remains fragmented. YatriKart is building a technology-enabled retail network designed specifically for these high-mobility environments, delivering a consistent and reliable experience wherever people travel."

Unlike traditional convenience retailers that primarily serve residential neighborhood's, YatriKart focuses on transit-centric retail formats designed for consumers on the move. The company supports its expansion through an integrated platform that combines technology, location acquisition, warehousing, supply chain management, store development and retail operations to ensure consistent execution across its network.

Delhi NCR will serve as YatriKart's initial growth market before the company expands into other major cities across the country.

Rana added, "The first 50 stores represent the foundation of a much larger vision. Delhi NCR will serve as our proof of scale, demonstrating how a dense Quick Stop Network can deliver convenience, operational efficiency and customer trust. From there, we will expand across the country with the ambition of building India's largest organized convenience retail network for travelers and commuters."

With its franchise-led growth strategy and focus on high-mobility locations, YatriKart aims to strengthen its presence in India's organised convenience retail sector while creating opportunities for franchise partners to participate in the brand's nationwide expansion.

HealthKart has crossed the milestone of 250 retail stores across 111 cities, reinforcing its omnichannel growth strategy as it continues to expand its physical presence alongside its digital platform.

Since opening its first store in Punjabi Bagh, Delhi, in 2013, the nutrition and wellness retailer has steadily built a nationwide retail network to improve access to authentic health and wellness products while complementing its online business.

Manish Mangotra, Senior Vice President – Offline, Bright Lifecare, said, "Crossing 250 stores is a testament to the trust consumers have placed in HealthKart over the years. While digital channels offer convenience and scale, physical stores play an equally important role in helping consumers discover authentic products, seek expert guidance and shop with confidence. From a single store in Delhi to more than 250 stores across 111 cities today, our focus remains on making trusted nutrition and wellness solutions accessible to every Indian. Our omnichannel approach allows us to combine the reach of digital commerce with the assurance and personalised experience that consumers continue to value in physical retail."

HealthKart said its expanding store network helps address key consumer concerns around product authenticity, supplement selection and expert guidance, particularly for first-time buyers. The offline stores enable customers to explore products, receive personalised recommendations from trained staff and make informed purchasing decisions.

The retailer's physical footprint now spans metro cities as well as Tier I and Tier II markets, with North and South India emerging as key growth regions driven by rising fitness awareness and increasing adoption of preventive healthcare.

Consumers aged 18 to 34 years account for the majority of HealthKart's store customers. While men currently represent nearly 90 percent of in-store shoppers, the company said it is witnessing increasing participation from women seeking nutrition, fitness and wellness products.

Protein supplements, vitamins, minerals and health supplements (VMHS), pre-workout nutrition and intra-workout products continue to be among the strongest-performing categories. The company also reported growing demand for nutrition products focused on weight management, sports performance, overall wellness and healthy ageing.

As India's health and wellness market continues to evolve, HealthKart plans to further strengthen its omnichannel presence by expanding its retail network while enhancing customer engagement across both physical stores and digital channels.

John Players has strengthened its retail presence in India's emerging markets with the launch of two new exclusive stores in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, and Jamui, Bihar. The expansion reflects the brand's continued focus on tapping growth opportunities in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where rising disposable incomes and increasing demand for organised fashion retail are driving consumption.

With the latest additions, John Players now operates more than 420 exclusive stores across the country, supported by a strong presence across multi-brand outlets and digital platforms. The dual-store launch forms part of the brand's strategy to increase accessibility and strengthen its physical retail network beyond major metropolitan markets.

The new outlets offer customers access to John Players' portfolio of menswear, including contemporary casualwear, denim, formalwear and smart-casual collections designed for young professionals and fashion-conscious consumers. By expanding into fast-growing regional markets, the brand aims to bring its latest collections closer to shoppers while enhancing its omnichannel presence.

The expansion is backed by a franchise-led growth model that enables the brand to strengthen local market reach while maintaining efficient supply chain operations and inventory management. Through regional partnerships and integrated distribution networks, John Players continues to ensure timely product availability across its growing retail footprint.

The growing preference for organised fashion retail in semi-urban India has encouraged apparel brands to expand into high-potential markets where consumers are increasingly seeking branded fashion at accessible price points. John Players' latest store openings align with this broader industry trend while reinforcing its commitment to serving customers in emerging retail destinations.

Established as a leading Indian menswear brand, John Players offers a range of formalwear, casualwear and denim designed for modern lifestyles. Since becoming part of Reliance Retail in 2019, the brand has accelerated its retail expansion through a combination of exclusive stores, multi-brand distribution and digital commerce, strengthening its position in India's organised fashion market.

The opening of the Haridwar and Jamui outlets marks another step in John Players' long-term growth strategy as it continues to expand its reach across emerging markets and deepen its presence in the country's evolving retail landscape.

Forevermark Diamond Jewellery, from the De Beers Group, has strengthened its retail footprint in India with the launch of its 10th store at South City Mall, Kolkata. The new boutique marks the brand's entry into one of Eastern India's most prominent luxury retail destinations and reinforces its ongoing expansion strategy across key markets. The store was inaugurated by actor Raima Sen.

The opening underscores Forevermark's focus on expanding its presence in high-potential luxury markets as demand for natural diamond jewellery continues to grow. Renowned for its appreciation of craftsmanship, heritage and fine jewellery, Kolkata offers the brand an opportunity to connect with a discerning customer base seeking authentic, responsibly sourced diamonds and contemporary designs.

The new boutique showcases Forevermark's portfolio of natural diamond jewellery, including collections crafted for everyday wear, special occasions and milestone celebrations. Built around the brand's commitment to rarity, authenticity and exceptional craftsmanship, the store offers customers a premium retail environment complemented by personalised consultation and luxury shopping experiences.

Speaking on the launch, Mallikarjuna Reddy Yarabolu, Managing Director, Forevermark, De Beers India Pvt. Ltd., said, "The opening of our boutique in Kolkata marks a significant milestone for Forevermark Diamond Jewellery as we expand our retail footprint with our 10th store in India. Kolkata's deep appreciation for craftsmanship, heritage and timeless elegance makes it a natural home for our brand. We are delighted to bring our meticulously crafted natural diamond jewellery and signature retail experience to South City Mall, and look forward to celebrating our customers' most meaningful moments with jewellery that is as rare, beautiful and enduring as the memories it represents."

Speaking at the inauguration, Raima Sen said, "Kolkata has always celebrated artistry, craftsmanship and timeless elegance, making it a city that truly appreciates beautiful jewellery. Forevermark's commitment to natural diamonds, thoughtful design and exceptional craftsmanship beautifully reflects these values, and I am delighted to inaugurate this store and be part of this special milestone for the brand."

Forevermark Diamond Jewellery has been steadily expanding its retail presence across India as part of its strategy to strengthen consumer access to its premium jewellery collections. Backed by the De Beers Group, the brand is recognised for offering responsibly sourced natural diamonds crafted into timeless designs that combine international aesthetics with enduring elegance.

The Kolkata boutique represents another milestone in Forevermark's nationwide growth journey, further strengthening its presence in the luxury jewellery segment while bringing its signature diamond collections and personalised shopping experience closer to customers in Eastern India.

Premium women's fashion brand FableStreet has expanded its offline presence with the launch of a new store at DLF Promenade in New Delhi. The opening adds another contemporary fashion label to the mall's retail portfolio while strengthening FableStreet's presence in one of the country's leading premium shopping destinations.

The announcement was shared through the official LinkedIn page of DLF Malls, highlighting the brand's arrival at the luxury retail destination.

The new outlet offers FableStreet's complete range of contemporary womenswear, including workwear, dresses, tops, blazers, trousers, co-ord sets and occasion wear. Designed for modern professionals, the collections focus on combining comfort, functionality and versatile styling for both workplace and everyday wear.

Founded to address the evolving wardrobe needs of working women, FableStreet has established itself as a leading premium apparel brand by offering data-driven designs, multiple fit options and thoughtfully tailored silhouettes. The brand combines quality fabrics with contemporary styling to create clothing that balances style with practicality.

Over the years, FableStreet has built a strong omnichannel presence through its direct-to-consumer platform, online marketplaces and a growing network of exclusive retail stores across India. The latest store opening aligns with the company's strategy of expanding its brick-and-mortar presence while offering customers an immersive shopping experience.

For DLF Promenade, the addition of FableStreet further enhances its fashion offering by introducing another premium Indian womenswear brand to its mix of national and international labels. The launch reinforces the mall's position as a key destination for premium fashion and lifestyle retail in the capital.

Geetanjali Salon has announced a new phase of growth, unveiling an expansion strategy that combines a wider retail footprint, an exclusive partnership with French skincare brand Guinot, and an enhanced portfolio of premium beauty services. The move marks the brand's continued evolution from a salon chain to a comprehensive beauty and lifestyle destination.

Founded in 1989 with its first salon in Green Park, New Delhi, Geetanjali Salon has grown into one of India's leading premium salon brands, operating more than 200 salons across over 50 cities. Over the years, the company has built its reputation through professional education, international collaborations and premium customer experiences.

As part of its 2026 expansion roadmap, the brand is entering emerging markets including Raipur, Guwahati, Patiala and Jammu, while strengthening its presence in established markets through new salons in Aerocity, Chandigarh and Gurugram. The expansion aims to make premium beauty and wellness services more accessible across India's growing urban centres.

A key highlight of the company's latest growth strategy is its exclusive India partnership with Guinot, the French professional skincare brand. Through this collaboration, Geetanjali Salon will introduce dedicated Guinot Skin Clinics within select salon locations, offering advanced skincare treatments and personalised consultations alongside its existing hair and beauty services.

The company is also expanding its service portfolio with premium skincare experiences, luxury bridal and destination makeup services, advanced hair colouring and styling solutions, and curated consumer engagement initiatives such as Kérastase Days and Guinot Days. These programmes are designed to provide customers with access to international beauty expertise through personalised consultations and product experiences.

To maintain service consistency across its growing network, Geetanjali Salon continues to invest in its in-house training academy, ongoing professional education, standardised operating procedures and regular quality audits. The company said these initiatives help ensure a uniform customer experience across all locations.

Beyond business expansion, the brand is also focusing on sustainability and community engagement through eco-conscious initiatives, including tree plantation drives and collaborations with non-governmental organisations.

With its latest expansion, Geetanjali Salon is positioning itself to strengthen its leadership in India's premium beauty industry by combining strategic retail growth, international collaborations and experience-led beauty services.

Women's ethnic wear brand Cotton Culture has expanded its retail network with the opening of a new store at AMR Planet Mall in Secunderabad, Telangana. The latest outlet strengthens the brand's offline presence and brings its contemporary ethnic and fusion wear collections to shoppers in one of the city's emerging retail destinations.

The announcement was shared by the mall's leasing company on LinkedIn, highlighting Cotton Culture's addition to AMR Planet Mall's growing mix of fashion and lifestyle brands.

The new store offers an extensive range of women's apparel, including kurtas, kurta sets, dresses, co-ord sets, fusion wear and everyday fashion essentials. Designed for modern consumers, the collections combine traditional aesthetics with contemporary silhouettes, catering to workwear, festive occasions and casual dressing.

Known for its breathable fabrics and minimalist design approach, Cotton Culture has built a strong presence in India's women's fashion segment by offering stylish yet affordable ethnic wear. The brand focuses on creating versatile collections that balance comfort with everyday elegance.

The launch of the Secunderabad outlet reflects Cotton Culture's ongoing strategy of expanding its brick-and-mortar presence across key markets while making its products more accessible to customers through exclusive retail stores and an omnichannel approach.

With the addition of Cotton Culture, AMR Planet Mall further strengthens its fashion portfolio, offering shoppers a wider selection of ethnic and fusion wear brands. The new outlet is expected to cater to the growing demand for contemporary Indian fashion in Telangana.

Max Fashion has expanded its retail presence in North India with the opening of a new store in Sector 82, Faridabad. The latest launch marks the value fashion retailer's third outlet in the city and takes its North India store count to 91.

The announcement was shared by a company executive on LinkedIn, who described Sector 82 as one of Faridabad's emerging retail hubs. The area is witnessing growing commercial and residential development, making it an attractive destination for organised retailers looking to strengthen their presence in the city.

The new store has been designed with a three-side glass façade, offering high visibility and a contemporary storefront. Inside, customers can explore Max Fashion's latest collections across apparel, footwear and accessories for men, women and children, along with seasonal merchandise and everyday fashion essentials.

Part of the Landmark Group, Max Fashion has established itself as one of India's leading value fashion retailers by offering trend-led products at accessible price points. Since entering the Indian market in 2006, the brand has steadily expanded its presence across metropolitan cities as well as emerging urban centres through an extensive network of stores supported by its omnichannel platform.

The Faridabad opening reflects the retailer's continued focus on strengthening its presence in high-growth markets while improving accessibility for customers through modern store formats. As consumer demand for organised fashion retail continues to grow in tier-I and tier-II cities, retailers are increasingly expanding into developing commercial corridors with strong long-term growth potential.

With the addition of the Sector 82 outlet, Max Fashion continues to strengthen its footprint across North India while reinforcing its strategy of bringing affordable fashion closer to consumers through an expanding offline retail network.

Reliance Retail's premium fashion and lifestyle brand AZORTE has expanded its retail network with the launch of a new store at Phoenix Marketcity, Bengaluru. The opening strengthens the brand's presence in Karnataka and forms part of its continued rollout of experiential retail formats across key metropolitan markets.

The launch was announced through a LinkedIn post by the mall's leasing team, welcoming AZORTE to Phoenix Marketcity, one of Bengaluru's leading shopping destinations. Located on Whitefield Main Road, the new outlet is expected to cater to the city's growing demand for premium fashion and technology-enabled retail experiences.

The store houses AZORTE's curated range of apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty products and lifestyle merchandise for men, women and children. Designed around the brand's technology-first retail concept, the outlet combines contemporary store design with digital features that enable customers to enjoy a more seamless and personalised shopping journey.

Introduced by Reliance Retail in 2022, AZORTE has positioned itself as India's first Fashion NeoStore by integrating fashion with advanced retail technology. Across its stores, customers can access features such as smart trial rooms, self-checkout kiosks, scan-and-pay functionality, endless aisle technology and digital fashion discovery tools. These innovations are aimed at improving convenience while creating a more engaging in-store experience.

Over the past few years, AZORTE has steadily expanded its physical retail footprint across major cities, complementing Reliance Retail's broader omnichannel strategy. The brand continues to focus on premium high-street fashion by offering trend-led collections inspired by both international styles and contemporary Indian fashion, while strengthening its presence through strategically located flagship stores.

The latest outlet at Phoenix Marketcity further reinforces Bengaluru's importance in AZORTE's expansion plans. As one of South India's largest retail and lifestyle destinations, the mall attracts a diverse mix of shoppers, making it an important location for brands targeting premium urban consumers.

With the new Bengaluru store, AZORTE continues to strengthen its presence in India's organised fashion retail sector while expanding access to its premium fashion offerings through digitally enabled shopping experiences.

CASIO has strengthened its retail presence in South India with the launch of a new exclusive brand store in Madurai, further expanding its offline footprint in Tamil Nadu. The latest opening is part of the global electronics and timepiece brand's continued efforts to strengthen customer engagement through dedicated retail formats while improving accessibility to its product portfolio across key markets in India.

The new store offers customers an opportunity to explore CASIO's diverse range of watches, including its flagship G-SHOCK, EDIFICE, BABY-G and CASIO Vintage collections. In addition to timepieces, the outlet showcases products from the company's broader portfolio, including calculators, electronic musical instruments, clocks and other consumer electronics, providing a comprehensive brand experience under one roof.

The launch reflects CASIO's focus on strengthening its physical retail network alongside its existing presence through authorised dealers and multi-brand outlets. Exclusive stores enable customers to experience the brand's latest innovations, receive product demonstrations and access a wider assortment of collections than those typically available through traditional retail channels.

Founded in Japan in 1957, CASIO has built a strong global reputation across watches, calculators, musical instruments and digital devices. Over the years, the company has evolved into one of the world's leading consumer electronics brands, with its G-SHOCK range becoming particularly popular for its durability, design and technological innovation. The brand has also maintained a strong presence in categories such as scientific calculators and electronic keyboards, making it a recognised name across educational, professional and lifestyle segments.

India continues to be an important growth market for CASIO, driven by increasing demand for premium lifestyle accessories and branded consumer electronics. The company has been steadily expanding its retail network through exclusive stores and authorised retail partners to enhance its visibility across metropolitan cities as well as emerging consumption centres.

With the opening of the Madurai outlet, CASIO continues to strengthen its presence in South India while bringing its full range of watches and electronic products closer to consumers. The expansion also reflects the company's ongoing investment in offline retail as it seeks to offer a more immersive shopping experience and reinforce its position in India's growing premium lifestyle and consumer electronics market.

The Indian Garage Co. (TIGC) has expanded its exclusive retail network with the opening of its 20th brand store at Phoenix Palassio Mall in Lucknow. The latest launch also marks the brand's fourth outlet in the city, reinforcing Lucknow's growing importance in its offline expansion strategy.

The development was announced by a senior company official on LinkedIn, who described Lucknow as one of the brand's key growth markets. The official noted that the latest opening reflects TIGC's continued efforts to strengthen its presence in the region and make its collections more accessible to customers through exclusive retail stores.

The company also highlighted the 20-store milestone as a reflection of the collective efforts of its employees, business partners and stakeholders, acknowledging their contribution to the brand's expanding retail footprint. It reiterated its long-term objective of scaling its exclusive store network to 100 outlets across India.

Founded in 2012 by Anant Tanted, The Indian Garage Co. has evolved into a leading digital-first fashion brand catering to Gen Z and young millennial consumers. Operating under a house-of-brands model, the company offers menswear through The Indian Garage Co., womenswear under FreeHand and plus-size menswear through Hardsoda. Backed by TMRW House of Brands, the Bengaluru-based retailer has built a strong omnichannel presence through online marketplaces while steadily expanding its physical retail network.

Located at Phoenix Palassio Mall, the new store is expected to strengthen TIGC's presence in North India and support its broader omnichannel strategy by offering customers an enhanced in-store shopping experience alongside its digital platforms.