Franchise News: Nagpal’s Scales in North India with Gurugram Store Launch, Boasts 129-Plus Outlets

British fashion retailer Next has further expanded its presence in India with the launch of new physical stores for menswear, womenswear, and kidswear at Phoenix Mall of Asia in Bengaluru. The latest opening marks another significant step in the brand’s long-term growth strategy for the Indian market and reflects its commitment to strengthening its omnichannel retail footprint across key metropolitan cities.

The expansion is being carried out through a strategic partnership with Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL), the B2B wholesale arm of Indian fashion e-commerce platform Myntra, along with its licensed franchise partners. Under this arrangement, MJIPL holds the licensed rights to distribute and retail Next products in India through a franchise-led model, enabling the British retailer to scale its operations efficiently while enhancing accessibility for Indian consumers.

Founded in 1982, Next has grown into one of the United Kingdom’s leading fashion retailers, operating more than 460 stores across its home market and maintaining a network of 265 international franchise locations. The brand also serves customers in over 80 countries through its global online platform, making it one of the most widely recognized British fashion brands worldwide.

The newly launched Bengaluru outlet for men’s and women’s fashion spans approximately 4,500 square feet and has been designed to mirror the brand’s signature global store format. The layout features clearly defined product categories and dedicated shopping zones aimed at creating a seamless and intuitive customer experience. Shoppers can explore nearly 500 styles across apparel and fashion essentials, reflecting the brand’s contemporary British design philosophy, quality craftsmanship, and value-driven pricing.

Complementing the adult fashion offering, Next has also introduced a dedicated kidswear store within the same retail destination. The outlet showcases around 180 styles catering to different age groups, further broadening the brand’s appeal among family shoppers and strengthening its position as a comprehensive lifestyle and fashion destination.

The Bengaluru expansion follows recent store launches in Pune and Hyderabad, highlighting the retailer’s focused approach toward increasing its physical presence in some of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan markets. By combining its expanding brick-and-mortar network with its established digital presence, the brand aims to deliver a seamless omnichannel shopping experience that caters to evolving consumer preferences.

Since entering the Indian market in 2023, Next has witnessed encouraging growth and positive customer response to its design-led fashion collections. The brand’s emphasis on everyday wear, modern styling, and accessible premium fashion has resonated with Indian consumers, particularly in urban centers where demand for international fashion labels continues to rise.

The latest Bengaluru launch reinforces Next’s confidence in the Indian retail landscape and underlines the importance of strategic partnerships in driving market expansion. With continued investments in both physical and digital channels, the retailer is positioning itself for sustained growth while seeking to capture a larger share of India’s increasingly competitive fashion and lifestyle market.

Women’s fashion brand Kraus Jeans is gearing up for a major retail expansion across India, with plans to open 28 new stores during FY27. The move reflects the company’s confidence in the growing demand for contemporary denim and casual wear among Indian women, while reinforcing its commitment to strengthening its presence across both metropolitan and emerging markets.

The expansion strategy will see the brand enter and deepen its footprint in key regions including Maharashtra, Haryana, Assam, and Gujarat. By focusing on a mix of established urban centers and rapidly growing Tier II and Tier III cities, Kraus Jeans aims to make its products more accessible to a wider consumer base seeking stylish, comfortable, and versatile fashion options.

The announcement follows a strong growth phase for the company. During the fourth quarter of FY26, Kraus Jeans expanded its retail network with new store openings in Delhi, Prayagraj, Nashik, and Nagpur. These additions form part of the brand’s broader strategy to tap into high-potential markets where demand for premium yet affordable casual wear continues to rise.

Over the past fiscal year, the company significantly strengthened its retail presence, opening 16 new stores across the country. Building on this momentum, Kraus Jeans plans to accelerate expansion further as it responds to evolving consumer preferences and the increasing popularity of denim-based fashion among women.

Commenting on the growth plans, Ravi Punjabi, Founder of Kraus Jeans, said, “We’ve had a very busy FY 2025-26, having rolled out 16 new stores across India. To tap into the growing demand among Indian women for well-fitted yet comfortable denim wear, we plan to aggressively expand our presence with the launch of 20 new EBOs this fiscal not only in the metros but in the emerging cities as well. We have also recently expanded into the athleisure segment, which includes joggers and oversized tees, and the response from consumers has been extremely encouraging. This move aligns with our broader vision of diversifying our portfolio and offering a more versatile range of casual wear for women.”

The upcoming stores will showcase the brand’s latest denim and casual wear collections, emphasizing its core strengths of superior fit, comfort, versatility, and quality craftsmanship. Kraus Jeans has built its identity around creating fashion that caters to modern lifestyles while maintaining a strong “Made in India” positioning.

Customers visiting the new stores will also have access to the brand’s Spring Summer 2026 (SS’26) collection, which features a broad range of silhouettes and contemporary styles. The collection includes wide-leg denims, denim tops, flared and straight-fit jeans, Korean pants, baggy-fit designs, linen shirts, oversized tees, and fashionable tops tailored to current trends.

In addition to its flagship offerings, Kraus Jeans continues to expand its product portfolio through dedicated sub-brands such as Kraus Neo and Kraus Kurves. Together, these labels contribute to an extensive denim lineup featuring more than 100 styles, catering to diverse body types, fashion preferences, and lifestyle needs.

The brand’s recent entry into the athleisure segment marks another important milestone in its growth journey. With products such as joggers and oversized T-shirts receiving a positive response from consumers, Kraus Jeans is positioning itself as a comprehensive casual wear destination rather than a denim-only brand. This diversification strategy is expected to support long-term growth while helping the company strengthen its connection with younger, style-conscious shoppers.

As consumer demand for comfortable, trend-driven apparel continues to rise across India, Kraus Jeans’ aggressive retail expansion and evolving product portfolio place the brand in a strong position to capture opportunities in the country’s growing women’s fashion market. With new store openings planned across multiple states and a continued focus on innovation, the company is poised to further strengthen its presence in the competitive apparel retail landscape.

Indian Silk House Agencies (ISHA), India's leading ‘Only Sarees’ retail brand, has strengthened its national footprint with the launch of a new store at Z Square Mall in Kanpur. The opening marks the company’s 69th outlet nationwide and its fifth store in Uttar Pradesh within the last year, underscoring the retailer’s aggressive growth strategy and expanding presence in one of India’s most significant saree markets.

The latest expansion comes amid a strong growth phase for the Kolkata-headquartered brand, which has reported a 55 percent year-on-year growth rate and is currently opening a new store approximately every ten days. The company has set ambitious targets of reaching 100 stores by FY27 and scaling up to 500 outlets by 2030. With the Kanpur launch, ISHA continues its efforts to build a national organised retail network in India’s ₹80,000 crore saree market, a segment that remains largely fragmented, with nearly 95 percent of the industry still operating in the unorganised sector.

Kanpur holds strategic importance for the brand due to its location in Uttar Pradesh, home to the iconic Banarasi weave. Banarasi sarees currently account for the largest share of ISHA’s product portfolio, making the state a key growth market. The new store offers an extensive range of sarees, including Banarasi and Katan Banarasi collections alongside regional specialties such as Kantha, Baluchari, Matka, and Tussar from Bengal; Kanjivaram, Kanchipuram, and Arni from South India; and Ikkat, Bandhej, Paithani, Gadwal, and Uppada weaves sourced from various textile clusters across the country.

Spread across 675 square feet, the Kanpur outlet showcases more than 42 design categories and caters to a broad spectrum of consumers, with products ranging from entry-level cotton sarees priced at ₹1,800 to premium bridal Banarasi collections. The assortment is supported by a network of over 15,000 artisans working across more than 60 weaving clusters nationwide, reflecting the brand’s commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich handloom heritage.

Uttar Pradesh continues to be one of India’s strongest markets for occasion wear and wedding-related purchases, driven by robust demand during festive and bridal seasons. As one of the state's major commercial and retail hubs, Kanpur has emerged as a prominent Tier-II consumption market, making it a natural choice for ISHA’s next phase of expansion in the region.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Darshan Dudhoria, CEO, Indian Silk House Agencies, said, “Kanpur is our fifth UP store in twelve months and arguably our most strategic. Uttar Pradesh is the home of the Banarasi weave, the largest single category in our portfolio, and yet remains one of India’s most under-served organised saree markets. We are not opening here to participate, we are opening here to lead. At our current pace of one store every ten days, we expect to cross 100 stores by FY27 and 500 by 2030 with UP as one of our top three growth states.”

Highlighting the company’s broader vision, he added, “Our vision is Sarees of India, by India, for India. We are building the country’s first scaled, organised ‘Only Sarees’ retail network: 69 stores today, 100 by FY27, 500 by 2030. Every store we open directly sustains the 15,000+ artisan families in our supplier network. At a time when Indian retail is being defined by global fast fashion, we are betting with capital and conviction that the saree remains India’s defining garment, and that there is room for one national brand to lead the category.”

Founded in 1971 in Kolkata, Indian Silk House Agencies has built a reputation as one of East India’s most trusted saree retailers. Over the decades, the company has evolved into a national brand focused exclusively on sarees, with a mission to make authentic Indian handloom products accessible to consumers across the country. Its portfolio includes more than 15,000 handloom designs spanning Banarasi, Kanjivaram, Baluchari, Tussar, Chanderi, and several other traditional weaving styles.

Today, the brand operates through a growing omnichannel network that combines physical retail stores with its digital platform, enabling it to serve customers across India and international markets. By expanding its organised retail presence while supporting thousands of artisan families, ISHA continues to position itself as a key player in preserving India’s textile traditions and bringing handcrafted sarees to a new generation of consumers.

Specialty coffee brand Maverick & Farmer has drastically expanded its presence in Bengaluru with the launch of its largest experience centre and café to date. Located in Kothanur, North Bengaluru, the ambitious project has transformed a beautifully restored residential property into a sprawling 9,000 sq. ft. flagship hub. The multi-level destination serves as a comprehensive ecosystem for coffee lovers, integrating a live roastery, an artisanal café, a specialized coffee academy, a curated retail storefront, and a vibrant community space under a single roof.

At the core of the brand's identity is an adventurous approach to bean cultivation and processing. Maverick & Farmer sources premium Arabica and Robusta beans from top-tier plantations across India, including its very own Nellikad Estate nestled in the hills of Coorg. The roaster has earned a stellar reputation within the third-wave coffee movement for pioneering innovative processing techniques, such as cold smoking, honey sun-drying, and custom fruit fermentations. Regulars and newcomers alike can sample these unique flavor profiles through the brand's signature labels, which include Parama, Sunkissed, Ol’ Smoky, and Rohan Bopanna’s Masterblend. To guarantee peak freshness, every batch of coffee is roasted daily on-site in Bengaluru.

A major draw of the stunning Kothanur location is the interactive live roastery. Here, guests can pull up a seat and watch the meticulous roasting process unfold in real time, bridging the gap between the raw crop and the final brew. To complement these exceptional coffees, the café offers an extensive beverage program featuring both time-honored classic brews and highly inventive signature concoctions, alongside a diverse, all-day dining menu crafted to pair beautifully with their flavor profiles.

Brought to life by the acclaimed firm Balan and Nambisan Architects, the venue's design emphasizes functionality, comfort, and community engagement. The massive layout features flexible remote-work zones, a fully equipped podcast studio, dedicated event spaces, and a 100-seat community center. This community hub is slated to host a rotating calendar of public workshops, tasting sessions, cultural gatherings, and deep-dive coffee education courses, solidifying the location as a neighborhood cultural anchor.

Reflecting on the philosophy behind the expansion, Ashish D'abreo, Co-Founder, Q Grader and Coffee Roaster at Maverick & Farmer Coffee, notes, “Coffee carries stories of the land, the people who grow it, and the care that goes into every stage of the process. With Kothanur, we wanted to create a space where people could experience coffee in a more engaging way not just by drinking it, but by being closer to the process and spending time with it to really explore, experience, and discover coffee over a play-area of 9000 square feet, the largest in the city.”

Sharing the brand's vision for hospitality, Sreeram Gangadharan, Co-Founder of Maverick & Farmer Coffee, adds, “We’ve always believed that a lot can happen over coffee. Kothanur, our largest cafe yet, feels like a place where people can spend time whether that’s learning something new about coffee, catching up with friends, or simply taking a break from the day. Our community is important to us and this new outlet celebrates the friends of Maverick & Farmer by giving them a platform to connect and practice their craft.”

With this milestone launch, Maverick & Farmer grows its footprint to five distinct cafés across Bengaluru, spanning Ulsoor, Koramangala, Cunningham Road, Church Street, and now Kothanur, alongside two established beachside outposts in Goa located at Anjuna and Panjim. The parent company has further diversified its culinary reach by introducing Square Burgers & Co. at the Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence. Alongside its expanding brick-and-mortar retail network, the brand maintains a robust nationwide B2B operation, supplying premium specialty coffee to top-tier hospitality groups, corporate offices, and retail partners across the country, while continuing to serve individual consumers through its direct-to-consumer e-commerce website.

What is FOFO?

FOFO (Franchise Owned, Franchise Operated) is a franchise model where the franchisee invests in the business, owns the outlet, and is responsible for its day-to-day operations. The franchisor provides the brand name, business model, training, operational support, and marketing guidance, while the franchisee manages the business independently.

Origin / Concept

The FOFO model emerged as brands sought faster expansion without investing heavily in physical outlets. By allowing franchisees to own and operate locations, companies can enter multiple markets while focusing on brand development, innovation, and network growth.

How Does It Work?

Under the FOFO model, the franchisee bears the investment cost for setting up the outlet and manages staffing, operations, and local business activities. In return, the franchisee gains access to an established brand, proven business systems, and ongoing support. The franchisor typically earns through franchise fees and royalties.

Why is it Important?

FOFO is considered one of the most scalable franchise formats because it reduces capital expenditure for the franchisor while empowering franchisees to run their own businesses. It creates a win-win situation where both parties benefit from business growth and brand success.

Industries Where FOFO is Common

The FOFO model is widely used across Food & Beverage, Retail, Education, Beauty & Wellness, Healthcare, Fitness, and Consumer Services sectors. Many leading franchise brands in India rely on this structure to accelerate expansion across cities and regions.

Final Word

FOFO has become a preferred franchise model for brands seeking rapid expansion and entrepreneurs looking to build businesses under established brand names. By combining franchisee ownership with operational independence, FOFO offers a balanced approach to growth, profitability, and long-term business sustainability in the franchising ecosystem.

Homegrown beauty brand Insight Cosmetics has taken a significant step in its growth journey by entering the offline retail space with the launch of its first-ever kiosk at Lake Shore Mall in Thane. The move marks the beginning of the company’s dedicated offline expansion strategy as it seeks to strengthen customer engagement and provide consumers with a more interactive brand experience beyond digital platforms.

Over the years, Insight Cosmetics has built a strong presence in India’s highly competitive beauty market through its extensive online reach and widespread availability across retail channels. With the introduction of its first branded kiosk, the company is now looking to bridge the gap between online convenience and physical product interaction, enabling shoppers to experience its offerings firsthand before making purchasing decisions.

The newly launched kiosk has been designed to deliver an engaging and customer-friendly shopping environment where visitors can explore, test, and purchase products across a wide range of beauty categories. From makeup essentials to skincare solutions, the compact retail format aims to simplify product discovery while providing consumers with a hands-on experience. The company believes that allowing customers to physically interact with products can significantly enhance confidence in purchase decisions and deepen brand loyalty.

As beauty consumers increasingly seek personalized shopping experiences, the kiosk format offers an opportunity for Insight Cosmetics to connect more directly with customers. Through product demonstrations, recommendations, and in-person interactions, the brand hopes to create a more meaningful relationship with shoppers while showcasing the quality and variety of its portfolio.

Founded in 2012, Insight Cosmetics has steadily expanded its footprint in the Indian beauty industry and today offers a portfolio of more than 1,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs). The brand has established a presence in over 35,000 retail outlets across the country while also strengthening its reach through leading e-commerce platforms. Known for delivering affordable beauty solutions, the company has positioned itself as a value-driven brand offering products that are vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologically tested.

The launch of the kiosk represents a natural evolution for the brand as consumer preferences continue to shift toward experiential retail. While online shopping remains an important channel for beauty purchases, many customers still value the ability to see, touch, and test products before buying them. By introducing physical retail touchpoints, Insight Cosmetics aims to complement its digital-first strategy and create a more integrated omnichannel experience.

Commenting on the launch, Mihir Jain, Director of Insight Cosmetics, said, “Launching our first kiosk here is a proud milestone for us. We wanted to create a space where customers can truly experience the brand, not just shop products, but interact with them. Lake Shore Mall gives us the perfect opportunity to connect with consumers in a more engaging and meaningful way.”

The company views the kiosk as more than just a sales point. Instead, it has been envisioned as a discovery hub where customers can explore new product launches, receive personalized beauty recommendations, and gain a deeper understanding of the brand’s offerings. The format is designed to combine convenience with accessibility, allowing shoppers to browse a curated range of products in a compact yet engaging retail setting.

According to the company, the launch is aligned with its broader plans to expand its offline retail footprint through a network of kiosks across India. As part of its long-term growth strategy, Insight Cosmetics intends to leverage these physical touchpoints to increase brand visibility, enhance consumer engagement, and strengthen its presence in key markets. The company believes that kiosks offer a flexible and scalable retail model capable of reaching consumers in high-footfall locations while maintaining operational efficiency.

With the debut of its first kiosk in Thane, Insight Cosmetics has taken an important step toward building a stronger omnichannel presence. As the brand continues to expand across both online and offline channels, it remains focused on its consumer-first philosophy, offering accessible beauty solutions while creating richer and more immersive shopping experiences for customers across India.

Premium home furnishings brand D’Decor Home Fabrics has continued its retail expansion journey with the launch of a new exclusive showroom in Kolhapur, strengthening its presence in one of Maharashtra’s growing home décor markets. The latest addition forms part of the company’s broader strategy to deepen its footprint across India by bringing premium home furnishing solutions and design-led retail experiences closer to consumers in both metropolitan and emerging cities.

The newly launched showroom has been designed as a one-stop destination for home décor enthusiasts, homeowners, and interior design seekers looking for a wide range of furnishing and lifestyle products. Customers visiting the store can explore an extensive portfolio that includes curtain fabrics, upholstery materials, bedding collections, wallpapers, and products from the company’s FabriCare range. By combining multiple product categories under one roof, D’Decor aims to offer a seamless shopping experience for consumers seeking complete home transformation solutions.

A key highlight of the Kolhapur showroom is its immersive retail design, which encourages customers to interact with different materials, textures, patterns, and styles before making purchase decisions. The store features dedicated display zones that showcase various décor concepts and product applications, allowing visitors to visualize how products may complement their own living spaces. This experiential approach reflects the company’s focus on helping customers make informed choices while creating a more engaging and inspiring retail environment.

Beyond its product offerings, the showroom also provides a range of specialized services intended to enhance customer convenience and personalization. Among them is Fit-To-Perfection, D’Decor’s made-to-measure service that enables customers to customize curtains according to their specific requirements. The store also offers access to the company’s Style Expert Service, where professional consultants guide customers in selecting fabrics, colours, and décor elements best suited to their homes. Additional solutions include automated blinds and other specialized product offerings designed to meet the evolving needs of modern households.

The opening of the Kolhapur showroom further strengthens D’Decor’s expanding retail network across India. With a presence spanning more than 250 cities, the company continues to build its reach across both metro locations and Tier II markets, where demand for premium home décor products is steadily rising. The expansion reflects growing consumer interest in aesthetically designed, high-quality home furnishing solutions as Indian homeowners increasingly invest in creating personalized and stylish living spaces.

Commenting on the launch, Simone Arora, Creative Director, D'Decor Home Fabrics, said: “As we continue our retail expansion journey, the Kolhapur launch is a proud milestone for us. At D’Decor Home Fabrics, we believe every home is a canvas for self-expression, and this expansion allows us to bring global trends and design closer to our consumers. This moment reflects our long-term vision of building a nationally admired home lifestyle brand. Our growth is rooted in a legacy of innovation, design leadership, and trust. For decades, we have stood for reliability, aesthetic excellence, and value creation—principles that continue to guide our retail journey as we shape the future of Indian homes.”

The company’s latest expansion comes at a time when India’s home décor and furnishing sector is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a stronger focus on home aesthetics. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that blend style, functionality, and quality, prompting brands to invest in experiential retail formats that offer inspiration along with product selection.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the new store, Manish Dhaka, VP – Head India Sales, D'Decor Home Fabrics, added, “As we scale our presence across India, the launch of the FabriCare & D’Decor Exclusive Showroom in Kolhapur reflects both our growth momentum and the strong trust we’ve built with our customers. We remain focused on delivering design-led, experience-first home solutions that blend innovation, quality, and functionality. Kolhapur represents a key strategic market for us, with its growing demand for premium home décor, making it an important focus area in our expansion journey. This milestone further strengthens our commitment to setting new benchmarks in the home décor space and accelerating our journey as category leader.”

Founded in 1999, D’Decor Home Fabrics has established itself as one of India’s leading home textile and furnishing brands. Its product portfolio spans curtains, upholstery, bed and bath collections, blinds, wallpapers, rugs, and other home décor solutions. With a continued focus on innovation, design excellence, and high-performance products, the company remains committed to strengthening its leadership position in the Indian home furnishings market while expanding its retail presence across the country.

Homegrown luxury self-care brand Kimirica has strengthened its offline retail presence with the launch of a new fragrance-led boutique at Gurugram’s popular Galleria Market. The opening marks the company’s fifth exclusive store in India and introduces what the brand describes as Galleria’s first dedicated fragrance-focused retail destination. The launch is a significant step in Kimirica’s ongoing expansion strategy, which aims to create immersive and experience-driven shopping environments for consumers seeking premium self-care and fragrance products.

Designed as a compact yet engaging retail space, the new boutique brings together Kimirica’s diverse product portfolio under one roof, including fine fragrances, gifting collections, bath and body essentials, and home fragrance offerings. The store has been thoughtfully curated to encourage exploration and discovery, with warm lighting, carefully arranged displays, and a fragrance-centric layout that enhances the overall customer experience. Rather than functioning as a conventional retail outlet, the boutique has been conceptualized as a destination where shoppers can interact with products in a more meaningful and sensory manner.

One of the standout features of the new store is Kimirica’s innovative “Sensory Pod,” an in-store fragrance discovery technology that combines scent exploration with visual storytelling. Through this interactive feature, customers can sample a fragrance and place the bottle on a sensor-enabled platform. Once activated, the technology displays a corresponding visual narrative on-screen, helping visitors connect more deeply with the inspiration, mood, or story behind each scent. The brand believes this approach transforms fragrance shopping into a more engaging and memorable experience, moving beyond the traditional product-selection process.

Speaking about the vision behind the boutique, Kimi Jain, Co-founder of Kimirica, said, “I wanted this boutique space to feel like a thoughtful little world of its own. Petite, fragrance-led, and crafted with so much intention, every inch of it was a labour of love.” Her statement reflects the company’s emphasis on detail, design, and creating an environment that resonates emotionally with customers while showcasing the brand’s premium offerings.

At the heart of the boutique is Kimirica’s Fine Fragrance collection, which features a range of Eau De Parfum creations inspired by memories, emotions, places, and meaningful moments. By placing fragrance at the center of the retail experience, the company aims to position scent as a highly personal and experiential category rather than simply another product purchase. This philosophy aligns with changing consumer preferences, particularly among urban shoppers who increasingly seek products that offer emotional connection, storytelling, and sensory engagement.

Commenting on the broader concept behind the store, Mohit Jain, Co-founder of Kimirica, said, “We didn't just open a store. We opened a conversation between a fragrance and the person holding it.” His remarks highlight the company’s ambition to redefine how consumers discover and interact with fragrances in a physical retail setting.

The launch comes at a time when awareness and interest in premium fragrances are growing rapidly across India. Consumers in metropolitan and affluent urban markets are becoming more experimental with scents and are increasingly looking for personalized fragrance experiences. Kimirica believes this shift presents a strong opportunity to expand its presence in the category while strengthening its position in the premium self-care segment.

To celebrate the store opening, the company has introduced several limited-period customer offers. Visitors can receive complimentary gifts for walk-ins, while the first 100 customers making purchases will be eligible for additional freebies. Shoppers spending more than ₹5,000 can also avail of a discount of ₹1,000 for a limited time.

Looking ahead, Kimirica plans to accelerate its retail growth with the launch of 14 additional exclusive stores across Tier-1 cities over the next four quarters. Through this expansion, the company aims to deepen its footprint in the premium fragrance, bath and body, and self-care categories while continuing to build immersive retail destinations that blend luxury, storytelling, and experiential shopping. 

Medusa Beverages has entered the Karnataka market as part of its wider India expansion strategy, marking its first major move into southern India. The company will introduce Medusa Premium Beer, Medusa Air and Medusa X House of the Dragon across Karnataka, targeting one of India’s largest beer consumption markets.

The rollout will begin in Bengaluru through a phased market-entry strategy. Medusa aims to establish its presence across more than 1,000 outlets, with an initial focus on premium HORECA establishments and licensed liquor stores. Mysuru has been identified as the next expansion market before a broader rollout across the state. Karnataka has emerged as a key market for beverage companies due to its urban consumer base and established hospitality ecosystem, particularly within the premium beer segment.

Avneet Singh, Founder and CEO, Medusa Beverages said, “Over the last few years, Medusa has expanded across multiple markets in India, and Karnataka is an important step in our next phase of growth. The state has a strong beer culture, a large consumer base. While Bengaluru is an important starting point for us, our focus is on building presence across Karnataka through major cities. We are entering the market with a long-term vision backed by regional brewing partnerships and strong local execution. We believe Karnataka can become a meaningful contributor to Medusa’s overall business.”

According to the company, Karnataka forms part of its broader national growth strategy focused on expanding in major beer-consuming markets. Medusa plans to strengthen distribution through regional brewing partnerships while expanding across hospitality and retail channels.

The company currently holds a 10 percent market share in Delhi and aims to build a similar growth trajectory in new markets. The Karnataka expansion is expected to support Medusa’s long-term plans to increase its footprint across South India through HORECA networks and licensed retail outlets.

DriveX Mobility has expanded its retail footprint in South India with the launch of a new store in Chennai, reinforcing the company’s growth ambitions in one of India’s most important automotive markets. The latest outlet marks the company’s eighth company-owned and company-operated store in Chennai and further strengthens its presence in the region as demand for certified pre-owned two-wheelers continues to rise.

With the inauguration of the new store, DriveX has increased its nationwide network to 57 retail touchpoints. The expansion forms part of the company’s broader strategy to build a strong omnichannel ecosystem that combines physical retail outlets with technology-enabled services for customers seeking reliable refurbished two-wheelers.

Chennai remains a key market in DriveX Mobility’s expansion roadmap due to its deep-rooted automotive heritage and strong consumer demand. Often referred to as the “Automobile Capital of India,” the city plays a crucial role in the company’s efforts to scale operations across southern India while enhancing accessibility to trusted pre-owned mobility solutions.

Founded by former Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan and backed by TVS Motor Company, DriveX has been steadily expanding its presence across major cities through a mix of company-owned and franchise-operated formats. The company focuses on providing factory-refurbished two-wheelers supported by financing solutions, warranty programs, after-sales assistance, and streamlined ownership transfer services.

Speaking about the expansion, Narain Karthikeyan, Founder and Managing Director of DriveX Mobility, said, “The launch of our 8th store in Chennai is a tremendous deal of pride. Chennai has a deep-rooted heritage in the automobile industry, and we are excited to bring our exclusive offerings to its discerning customers. The new store is a step towards further cementing our philosophy of delivering an unmatched experience built on trust, quality and transparency.”

He further added, “We are excited to use Chennai's excellent connectivity and rich automotive heritage to enhance and expand our customer service.”

The new store launch aligns with DriveX’s aggressive growth plans as the company continues to strengthen its retail presence across South India. With increasing consumer preference for organized and transparent pre-owned vehicle platforms, the company is focusing on expanding its network, improving customer experience, and building trust in the refurbished two-wheeler segment.

DriveX has also outlined ambitious expansion goals for the coming years, aiming to significantly increase its retail touchpoints across the country while leveraging technology-driven refurbishment processes and customer-centric services. The latest Chennai outlet represents another step in the company’s mission to create a reliable and scalable ecosystem for pre-owned two-wheeler buyers across India.

Homegrown footwear and lifestyle brand Clog London has strengthened its offline retail presence in North India with the launch of a new exclusive brand outlet at City Centre LA Mall in Bareilly.

The newly opened store features a range of footwear and accessories for men and women across categories including casual, formal, sports, party wear, and fashion. Designed with a contemporary retail layout, the outlet aims to offer an improved in-store shopping experience.

Founded in 2018, Clog London has built its presence through an omnichannel model that combines e-commerce operations with a growing network of exclusive brand outlets across India.

Gopal Kishan Rathor, Founder and CEO, Clog London said, “The launch of our Bareilly store is another important milestone in our retail expansion journey. We are committed to bringing premium fashion, quality, and comfort to customers across India. Our vision is to build a strong nationwide retail network, and we are aggressively working towards opening 100 exclusive stores in the coming years.”

The Bareilly launch forms part of the company’s wider expansion strategy focused on Tier II and Tier III markets. Clog London has set a target of opening 100 exclusive brand outlets across India by 2030 as it looks to strengthen its nationwide retail footprint.

The opening event at City Centre LA Mall saw participation from local shoppers and marked the brand’s entry into the Bareilly market.

PARVA has launched in Chennai, introducing a contemporary Indian dining concept centred on regional flavours, ingredient authenticity, and hospitality.

Inspired by the Sanskrit meaning of “festival” and “chapters,” the restaurant presents Indian cuisine through dishes influenced by diverse regional traditions. Positioned as a modern dining destination, PARVA aims to offer a welcoming setting for occasions ranging from casual meals and family gatherings to social outings.

The restaurant’s menu focuses on region-specific ingredients sourced from across India, including Radhuni from West Bengal, Chak Hao black rice from Manipur, Kokum from the Western Ghats, and black sesame seeds from Assam. According to the restaurant, the ingredient-led approach is intended to preserve the identity and flavour profile of each cuisine.

PARVA’s interiors blend traditional Indian design influences with contemporary industrial elements. Features such as Kalamkari-inspired artwork, Jodhpur-style arches, heritage textiles, stained glass, and rustic lighting have been incorporated to create a modern yet culturally rooted dining environment.

The restaurant said it has prioritised consistency and guest experience across all aspects of operations, including ingredient sourcing, service standards, and staff training.

Chef Arupam said, “The idea was never to complicate food. We wanted to create dishes that people connect with instantly flavours that feel comforting yet are executed with care and precision. PARVA is also our way of celebrating the diversity of Indian kitchens, with a menu that brings together dishes from over 23 regions across India. We stay true to each cuisine by using authentic ingredients sourced from their regions from Gondhoraj lemon of West Bengal to Chak Hao rice of Manipur and Byadgi chillies of Karnataka.”

Rajesh Kumar, also known as Gourmet Sage and a restaurant consultant added, “Chef Arupam’s vision was very clear from the start. My role was to support and refine that vision from menu curation, brand, and space to the overall experience design ensuring that every element comes together as a consistent, honest, and guest-first experience.”

Activewear brand Lululemon has entered the Greek market with the opening of its first store in partnership with franchise operator Arion Retail Group.

Located at Akadimias 17 and Voukourestiou in Kolonaki, central Athens, the inaugural Greece store spans 180 square metres. The outlet offers Lululemon’s range of yoga, pilates, running, training, golf, tennis, and everyday movement apparel and accessories for both women and men. The store features a modern design incorporating natural materials such as textured plaster, terrazzo flooring, and wood finishes.

Lululemon is continuing its expansion in Greece with a second store scheduled to open on June 12 at Golden Hall shopping mall in Marousi, located in northern Athens. Spread across 290 square metres over two floors, the upcoming outlet will be positioned within one of the city’s key retail destinations.

The Greece launch aligns with Lululemon’s broader European growth strategy and represents the company’s third new market entry this year, following launches in Poland and Hungary in March.

The company has outlined plans for six new market entries over a 12-month period through its franchise partnership model. Upcoming expansion markets include Romania, Austria, and India.

Bergner India is strengthening its focus on the premium cookware segment as changing consumer preferences continue to reshape India’s Rs 16,000 crore cookware market. The company is positioning itself to benefit from the growing shift toward organised and health-conscious kitchenware brands as consumers increasingly move away from unbranded products.

The India arm of the Spain-headquartered Bergner Group is pursuing an aggressive growth strategy across categories such as tri-ply stainless steel cookware, pressure cookers, ceramic-coated cookware, and cast-iron products. Alongside category expansion, the company is also increasing its reach across Tier II and Tier III markets.

To support its next phase of growth, Bergner India has appointed celebrity chef Vikas Khanna as its brand ambassador and is currently engaged in advanced discussions with private equity investors to secure growth capital. The proposed investment is expected to support the company’s retail expansion plans, including the rollout of up to 500 Bergner Galleries across India.

By the end of FY26, Bergner had established 40 Bergner Galleries through general trade outlets across the country. The brand has also strengthened its offline presence through shop-in-shop formats at Reliance Smart Bazaar stores.

The company has reported steady financial growth over the past few years. Bergner’s revenue increased 27 percent to Rs 255 crore in FY25 compared to Rs 200 crore in FY24. According to company estimates, revenue crossed approximately Rs 340–350 crore in FY26, continuing its growth momentum.

Managing Director Umesh Gupta stated that Bergner has delivered a 33 percent compound annual growth rate during the last three years, outperforming the broader cookware industry.

Unlike several consumer brands that rely heavily on price-led promotions and discounting, Gupta noted that Bergner’s growth has been driven by premium and higher-value categories, including tri-ply cookware, toxin-free ceramic coatings, and enamelled cast-iron products.

Looking ahead, the company is targeting revenue exceeding Rs 400 crore by FY27. This growth is expected to be supported through diversification into adjacent categories such as small domestic appliances, storage solutions, bakeware, vacuum flasks, and premium dinnerware. Bergner is also strengthening its India-focused portfolio through launches, including the Vikas Khanna-endorsed Argent Samsara range and the Excalibur enamel cast-iron collection.

International fashion brand MANGO has strengthened its retail network in Italy with the opening of a new flagship store in Palermo, located at Via Ruggero Settimo 57, one of the city’s key shopping destinations.

With the latest addition, MANGO now operates 11 stores across Sicily, further supporting its strategy to expand and strengthen its retail footprint in the Italian market.

Spread across 420 square metres over three floors, the Palermo flagship houses both the Woman and Man collections, offering apparel, footwear, and accessories designed at the brand’s Barcelona atelier.

The opening also marks the first MANGO Man space in Sicily, expanding the brand’s menswear presence in the region and broadening its local product offering.

The store has been developed under MANGO’s Mediterranean-inspired New Med retail concept, which focuses on architectural integration, natural materials, and sustainability-led design. The outlet features spacious fitting rooms with adjustable lighting, a click-and-collect zone for online order pickup and returns, recycling boxes for used garments, and RFID-enabled stock management systems.

The Palermo flagship employs 20 staff members, reflecting its focus on local employment alongside retail expansion.

The launch forms part of MANGO’s Strategic Plan 2024–2026, which is focused on strengthening the brand’s retail and digital channels while enhancing store productivity and customer experience.

MANGO has operated in Italy for 25 years since entering the market in 2001. By the end of 2025, the company had built a network of 120 stores across the country, covering more than 40,000 square metres, supported by its online platform and third-party digital marketplaces.

Luxury menswear brand Kora by Nilesh Mitesh has expanded its retail footprint in Tamil Nadu with the launch of a new store in Chennai’s Anna Nagar. The outlet marks the brand’s third store in the state, following its presence in Nungambakkam and Coimbatore.

Spread across 4,200 square feet, the new store is located on 2nd Avenue in Anna Nagar and has been introduced to strengthen the brand’s reach among consumers in North Chennai. The outlet offers a range of wedding, occasion, and formal wear while reflecting the brand’s ethnic and celebration wear focus. 

The store’s design combines cream-toned interiors with chequered flooring and black detailing to create a setting that places emphasis on the merchandise.

Nilesh Chhadva and Mitesh Sumbad, Founders, Kora said, “The love we've received from Chennai has been overwhelming and truly humbling. Our customers in Nungambakkam and across Tamil Nadu have embraced Kora as their destination for meaningful celebrations and everyday elegance. Opening our third store in Tamil Nadu at Anna Nagar is our way of saying thank you and bringing the Kora experience even closer to the wonderful people of Chennai who have made us part of their most cherished moments."

The Anna Nagar store offers product categories tailored to local preferences, including veshti sets, angavastram-inspired sherwanis, pancha with coordinated kurtas, and festive silk kurta sets designed for weddings, temple visits, and celebrations. The outlet also provides made-to-measure services and personalised styling consultations.

To mark the launch, the brand hosted preview events for local customers featuring new collections.

Founded in 2011, Kora by Nilesh Mitesh currently operates 28 stores across India, the UK, and Dubai.

Premium men’s ethnic wear brand TASVA has expanded its retail network with the launch of a new store at Felix Plaza in Gurugram. The development was shared by a company official and forms part of the brand’s ongoing expansion across premium fashion markets in India.

Located at Felix Plaza, a growing lifestyle and retail destination in New Gurugram, the store is aimed at meeting rising demand for wedding and occasion wear among modern consumers.

TASVA, a joint venture between Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited and designer Tarun Tahiliani, focuses on contemporary Indian menswear that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern design and comfort-led tailoring.

The brand offers a portfolio of occasion wear including sherwanis, bandhgalas, kurtas and Indo-western ensembles designed for weddings, festive celebrations and formal occasions.

The Gurugram launch comes as India’s wedding wear market continues to evolve, with consumers increasingly seeking premium shopping experiences, personalised styling and occasion wear that combines heritage-inspired aesthetics with comfort and versatility.

The new outlet at Felix Plaza aligns with TASVA’s strategy of creating experience-led retail spaces while strengthening its presence among wedding shoppers and premium fashion consumers in North India.

With the addition of the Gurugram store, TASVA continues to scale its retail footprint across the country as it expands its position in the premium menswear and celebration wear segment.

Pre-owned two-wheeler platform DriveX has expanded its retail footprint with the launch of a new company-owned and company-operated (COCO) outlet in Thirumullaivoyal, Chennai. The new outlet strengthens DriveX’s presence in Chennai and adds to its network of more than 50 outlets across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, operated through a combination of company-owned and franchise-led formats.

The Thirumullaivoyal outlet forms part of the company’s broader strategy to expand across urban micro-markets with rising mobility demand and strengthen access to organised pre-owned two-wheeler solutions.

Customers at the new store will have access to a selection of quality-verified pre-owned two-wheelers, along with financing options through DriveX Finance. According to the company, each vehicle undergoes detailed quality checks before sale. The outlet will also offer warranty coverage and post-purchase support services.

DriveX said it remains focused on bringing greater structure and standardisation to India’s largely fragmented pre-owned two-wheeler market through its expanding retail network and integrated customer services.

Devesh Taparia, CEO, DriveX Mobility said, “Chennai continues to emerge as a high-potential market for organized and trusted pre-owned mobility solutions, and the response from customers across the region has been extremely encouraging. With the launch of Thirumullaivoyal outlet, we are strengthening our presence in a strategically important micro-market while further accelerating our expansion plans across South India."

“At DriveX, we are focused on creating a seamless and transparent ownership ecosystem by offering customers quality-assured two-wheelers, wide choice across brands and models, financing support, exchange options, and after-sales assistance — all under one roof. This integrated approach has played a key role in building customer trust and driving adoption in the organized pre-owned two-wheeler segment,” Taparia added.

The company plans to continue expanding across major cities and regional markets through a mix of company-owned and dealership-led outlets, while focusing on affordability, accessibility, and customer trust.

Poppadum, a new restaurant in Kilpauk, Chennai, has opened with a concept centred on reinterpreting regional Indian cuisine through contemporary presentations and familiar flavours.

Spread across 2,200 sq. ft. with seating capacity for 60 guests, the restaurant takes inspiration from the poppadum, positioning it as a symbol of versatility and shared dining experiences. The concept focuses on revisiting traditional Indian dishes while presenting them in updated formats.

The menu features dishes inspired by culinary traditions from across India. Small plates include Khaman Chaat, Burrata “Masala Papad,” and Thattai Tostada, while offerings such as Railway Beetroot Cutlet and My MIL’s Daal Pakwaan draw from regional recipes with contemporary elements.

The main course selection includes Burrata Tikka Masala, White Dal Makhani, Tawa Kheema, and Smoked Masoor Pulao. Side dishes such as Scallion Parmesan Chur Chur Parotta and Poppadum Garlic Naan continue the restaurant’s approach of blending familiar flavours with newer interpretations. Desserts include Nichani’s Filter Coffee Pudding and Falooda Baraf Gola.

Designed as an intimate dining space, the restaurant combines warm interiors with a community-focused setting aimed at encouraging shared meals and social interaction.

Abbas Shahzad, Founder, Poppadum said, “Across India, almost every meal comes with something crisp on the side. A papadum, an appalam, something fried, roasted, crumbled, crushed. It’s rarely the main part of the meal, but somehow, it changes everything around it. That feeling stayed with us. The surprise of texture. The sudden excitement. The way one unexpected bite can completely transform something familiar. That’s what Poppadum really means to us. The food at Poppadum begins with dishes and flavours people already know and love. We just spend more time with them. Sometimes through technique, sometimes through texture, sometimes through contrast. The goal isn’t to reinvent Indian food. It’s to make you experience it differently for a moment. It’s to bringing back the excitement of eating Indian food."

American casual dining chain TGI Fridays has expanded its India footprint with the launch of a new flagship restaurant in Connaught Place, New Delhi. The outlet has been introduced by Bistro Hospitality, the brand’s master franchisee in India, in partnership with Feastary Hospitality, which oversees franchise operations in North India.

The launch forms part of TGI Fridays’ broader expansion strategy in India, with additional outlets planned across key markets.

Kuunal Maiti, CEO, Bistro Hospitality said, “TGI Fridays currently operates restaurants in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Gurgaon, and now at Connaught Place, with another outlet at Vasant Kunj set to open shortly. This expansion will double the store count from three to six within a span of 12 months. Several additional locations are already being planned, underscoring the brand’s continued expansion and long-term commitment to the Indian market.”

The Connaught Place restaurant marks another milestone in the partnership between Bistro Hospitality and Feastary Hospitality, which are jointly driving the brand’s North India growth strategy.

Suraj Mahant, Managing Partner, Feastary Hospitality shared, “When we launched in Gurugram, we had outlined a clear vision for North India. Connaught Place marks another key milestone in that journey. This flagship restaurant further strengthens the brand’s presence in the region while laying the foundation for sustained expansion across important northern markets.”

TGI Fridays operates in more than 40 countries and is recognised for its American-style food and beverage offerings. Earlier this year, the company announced its “1-2-3 Strategic Vision,” under which it plans to open over 1,000 outlets globally and target annual revenue of $2 billion by 2030.