Hettich Opens First Exclusive Store in Mohali

Book retail chain Crossword has opened a new store in Vijaya Bank Layout, Bengaluru, expanding its physical retail presence in the city.

The new bookstore adds to Crossword’s efforts to reach more readers through its retail network, offering customers access to books across genres and categories. The store is also expected to serve local readers looking for books and learning resources.

The opening marks another addition to Crossword’s Bengaluru presence, as the retailer continues to connect with readers through its physical stores and promote book discovery among customers.

Goenka India has opened a new fine jewellery store at Jio World Plaza in Mumbai, expanding its retail presence beyond its existing outlet at DLF Emporio in New Delhi. The Indian jewellery brand designs, manufactures and retails its own creations, with a focus on natural gemstones and bespoke jewellery.

Spread across more than 1,000 sq ft, the new store combines contemporary interiors with elements inspired by Indian craftsmanship and heritage. Its design features a golden colour palette, curved glass, antique gold finishes and a facade incorporating a jali pattern based on the brand’s signature motif. A carved Indian stone installation at the entrance introduces the design elements used throughout the store.

Nitin Goenka, CEO and Chief Designer at Goenka India said, “Most luxury stores have a minimal facade where the story of the brand gets lost. We wanted the opposite. The moment you enter, you know you are in Goenka India; contemporary in language, but deeply Indian at heart. In the last five years we have opened two stores, a jewellery lounge, two design houses and a new manufacturing facility is coming this year. But for us, growth is not just about new cities; it is about how much finer, how much more technically sound our next piece can be.”

The store’s interiors feature custom artwork inspired by the construction of jewellery. The front wall incorporates beadwork, net, three-dimensional butterflies and stones, while the rear wall uses burgundy and gold embroidery with small cut gold-glass pieces to represent the structure that holds gemstones in place. The brand developed both installations specifically for the store.

The brand’s geometric rose logo, inspired by the traditional Indian gulab, is reflected in the store’s design, alongside shades of old rose, rust and burgundy. Other elements include marble inlay, a bronze rose carved into marble, a replica of the company’s first jewellery-making tool and a shloka about good work. PAV Architects designed the store in collaboration, developing the concept to extend the design language of the brand’s Delhi outlet.

Goenka India offers necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets and bangles, including pieces designed to be worn as coordinated sets. Its earring range includes everyday styles, studs, jhumkas, chandbalis, cuffs and solitaire settings. The brand also offers hair accessories, belts and men's accessories such as cufflinks, kurta buttons, kalgis and brooches.

The brand’s latest Emerald collection features statement jewellery pieces, while emeralds and rubies remain key categories within its product portfolio. According to the company, it works exclusively with natural gemstones and does not use CVD or other lab-grown stones. The design process begins with the gemstone, with its characteristics and cut informing the final creation.

Bespoke jewellery is a key part of the store’s offering. A combined discussion and display table provides space for customer consultations, while two personal dressing areas, including one in the VIP room, feature three-way mirrors that allow customers to view jewellery from different angles. The private room also includes crystal chandeliers and chairs embroidered with bird and floral motifs.

For pieces that are not displayed in the store, the brand uses an in-house application to help jewellery experts present additional designs to customers. Clients can also bring fabric swatches from their outfits, allowing the team to develop customised jewellery inspired by embroidery details, colours and motifs. The opening at Jio World Plaza adds to Goenka India’s physical retail presence as the company continues to develop its jewellery business through retail stores, design facilities and manufacturing capabilities.

The Body Shop India has opened a new store at Pacific Mall in Jaipur, expanding its retail presence in the Indian beauty and personal care market. The British-born beauty brand operates more than 200 stores across India and plans to open 20 to 30 additional outlets during the current fiscal year. The new store reflects the company’s strategy of expanding its physical retail network while incorporating local cultural elements into its store design. Located in Jaipur, the outlet features artwork inspired by the city’s architecture, historical forts, traditional textiles and craft heritage.

A custom wall mural depicts Jaipur’s landmarks, decorated elephants and local market scenes, alongside representations of pottery artisans and traditional crafts. The store also incorporates botanical elements that reflect the brand’s focus on ethical beauty and cruelty-free products. The outlet houses The Body Shop’s product range across skincare, bodycare, haircare, fragrance and makeup. Customers can explore the brand’s products and formulations across these categories.

Vishal Chaturvedi, Chief Revenue Officer, The Body Shop said, “Our retail approach goes beyond expanding our store network; it is about creating spaces that feel relevant to the communities we serve. Jaipur’s rich artistic heritage and distinctive cultural identity offered an opportunity to bring local stories into the retail experience. Through our new store at Pacific Mall, we continue to strengthen our presence while creating engaging spaces where customers can discover our products and connect with The Body Shop’s purpose-led approach to beauty.”

The Jaipur opening is part of The Body Shop India’s wider retail expansion strategy. With more than 200 stores nationwide, the company is looking to increase customer access to its beauty and personal care products through additional outlets. The brand plans to open 20 to 30 new stores during the current fiscal year, with a focus on expanding its physical retail presence and making its ethically sourced beauty portfolio available to more consumers across India.

Lenskart has opened its first concept flagship store in India, named Lenskart evolv, in Worli, Mumbai. The store was unveiled in the presence of Peyush Bansal, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lenskart, as the eyewear retailer explores new formats for its physical retail business.

Located at Trade View Utopia City on Pandurang Budhkar Marg, the store combines eyewear retail with technology-led services and interactive design elements. The concept focuses on integrating fashion, technology and culture into the customer shopping experience. Lenskart evolv features a chrome-finished interior and is designed to encourage customers to explore eyewear as an element of personal style alongside its functional use. The company plans to develop a limited number of similar concept stores in the future.

Peyush Bansal, Chairman and CEO of Lenskart said, “We believe the future of eyewear will be shaped not just by the products we create, but by how people discover, experience and connect with them. At Lenskart, technology has always been central to reimagining what’s possible in eyewear, and with Lenskart evolv, we are extending that thinking to the retail experience itself. We want to challenge the conventional boundaries of the category, bringing together design, culture and technology to make eyewear a more expressive and immersive experience. As the first expression of a broader vision for concept eyewear retail, Lenskart evolv reflects our belief that there is an opportunity to fundamentally rethink what an eyewear destination can be.”

The new flagship store incorporates technology-enabled services, including AI-assisted eye testing, remote consultations with optometrists, and a digital shopping assistant to help customers explore eyewear collections.

The store also uses intelligent retail technology, including Tango Eye, as part of its approach to improving the in-store shopping experience. These features are intended to help customers navigate product choices and access eye-care services within a connected retail environment. Through Lenskart evolv, the company is exploring how physical eyewear stores can combine product discovery, digital tools, and customer services beyond the conventional purchase process.

The store opening was marked by an event attended by Bansal and guests from the fashion, media, creator and entrepreneurial communities. Activities included a live window display featuring Lenskart eyewear, a humanoid installation, an interactive Polaroid photo booth, personalised eyewear utility cases and other installations.

The opening adds a new concept to Lenskart’s physical retail network as the company explores different ways to bring technology and design into its stores. Lenskart evolv is located at Trade View Utopia City, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli, Mumbai, and is now open to customers.

Nandani Creation Limited, the company behind Jaipur Kurti, has opened its fifth retail store of October 2026 in Model Town, Ludhiana, Punjab. The new outlet is the brand’s second store in Ludhiana and is part of its Project 50 expansion programme, which aims to establish 50 exclusive brand outlets by March 2027. The latest opening follows the launch of four Jaipur Kurti stores in a single day earlier this month.

The five October openings add to the company’s physical retail network as it works to expand its presence across key Indian markets. The new Ludhiana store adds another customer touchpoint in Punjab, where the company is looking to strengthen its regional presence. Jaipur Kurti’s retail expansion is also intended to complement its existing distribution network across e-commerce marketplaces, department stores and other retail formats.

Project 50 is Nandani Creation Limited’s retail expansion initiative, with a target of opening 50 Jaipur Kurti exclusive brand outlets by March 2027. The programme aims to improve access to the brand through physical stores while building on its existing online presence. With the latest opening, the company has added five stores during the month, including its second outlet in Ludhiana. The expansion forms part of its efforts to build a wider retail network and strengthen its presence in regional markets.

Alongside increasing its store count, Nandani Creation Limited is focusing on operational capabilities to support its growing retail business. These include inventory management, technology-enabled operations and coordination across physical stores and digital sales channels. Jaipur Kurti is working to integrate its exclusive brand outlets with its direct-to-consumer (D2C) website, mobile application and online marketplaces. The approach is intended to expand customer reach, improve inventory utilisation and support operational efficiency as the company increases its physical presence.

The brand operates through multiple retail formats, including company-owned company-operated (COCO) and franchise-owned franchise-operated (FOFO) stores, department stores and shop-in-shop (SIS) outlets. Its retail partners include Shoppers Stop, Reliance Trends, Avantara, Kalanikethan, Reliance Centro, Fashion Factory and Lulu Malls, among others.

Jaipur Kurti also sells through e-commerce platforms such as Myntra, AJIO, Nykaa, Flipkart and Tata CLiQ. Customers can purchase products through its official website, www.jaipurkurti.com, and mobile application, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The brand has also expanded into quick commerce through Swiggy Instamart, adding another channel for reaching customers.

Anuj Mundhra, Chairman and Managing Director of Nandani Creation Limited said, “Project 50 is moving from vision to execution, and every new store represents another step towards building Jaipur Kurti’s next phase of growth. Opening four stores in a single day and following that with our fifth store opening in October is an encouraging milestone for the Company. With our second store in Ludhiana, we are further strengthening our presence in Punjab and bringing Jaipur Kurti closer to more consumers. Our objective extends beyond expanding the store count. We are working towards building a stronger, more scalable and integrated Indian women’s fashion brand, supported by physical retail, digital channels and robust operating capabilities. As we progress towards our target of 50 exclusive brand outlets by March 2027, our focus remains on disciplined execution, market expansion and building a sustainable foundation for long-term growth.”

The company plans to continue expanding its physical retail network while strengthening the integration of its stores, distribution partners and digital channels. Progress under Project 50 will be central to Jaipur Kurti’s efforts to increase its market presence and build a larger retail business ahead of the March 2027 target.

LuLu Hypermarket has expanded its presence in the National Capital Region with the opening of the new store at IThums Galleria Mall, Alpha II, Greater Noida.

Noida and Greater Noida have emerged as important hubs for business, technology, infrastructure and modern urban living, making this an exciting and strategically significant market for the brand.

‘‘As we strengthen our footprint in Uttar Pradesh, we look forward to becoming an integral part of the community and contributing to the evolving retail landscape of Greater Noida. A new destination, a new beginning, and another step forward in our journey of bringing the LuLu experience to more communities,’’ says Nishad M A, Director and CEO, Lulu Group India.

Lulu Hypermarket is a part of LuLu Group International, a highly diversified, Emirati-Indian multinational conglomerate headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Founded in 1980 by visionary Indian entrepreneur M. A. Yusuff Ali, the group is widely recognized for its retail chain. It operates the largest full-line retail network in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The company operates over 260 multi-format stores, including hypermarkets, express stores, and mini-market, across the GCC, Egypt, India, and Southeast Asia.

A hypermarket is a blending of a supermarket and a department store under one roof, offering everything from staples and fresh food to apparel, electronics, household goods, and personal care items. Hypermarkets would usually be very large-space centers that facilitate one-stop shopping convenience, competitive pricing, and a wide assortment of products. They use a self-service model and concentrate on moving products in large volumes at attractive discounts and promotions.

The hypermarket sector in India is a rapidly growing part of organized retail, driven by fast urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and the shift from traditional grocery stores to self-service convenience. According to market research, the India Hypermarket Market is expected to witness stable growth, from USD 30.05 Billion in 2025 to USD 43.63 Billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 4.23% from 2026–2034. The growth factors include increasing urbanization, disposable incomes, and changing consumer preferences toward one-stop retail formats. Long-term market growth has been facilitated by the expansion of organized retail, improved supply chains, competitive pricing, and growing demand for wide product assortments in metropolitan and tier-II cities. 
 

The Souled Store has opened a new retail outlet at Pooja Plazzio in Zirakpur, expanding its physical store presence in the region. The store offers the brand's range of pop-culture merchandise, licensed products and casual fashion apparel.

The product range includes merchandise inspired by superheroes, anime, films and popular entertainment franchises. The store brings together apparel and accessories designed around entertainment properties and pop-culture themes. The opening adds another physical retail location to The Souled Store's network, giving customers in Zirakpur access to its collections through an offline shopping format.

The brand caters to consumers interested in character merchandise, graphic apparel and licensed pop-culture products. Its retail model combines these categories with casual fashion, targeting shoppers who want to express their interests through clothing and accessories. The new outlet at Pooja Plazzio provides a local shopping destination for customers looking for fandom-based merchandise and pop-culture fashion in Zirakpur.

PureSil Paints, the mineral-based architectural coatings brand from Relic Coatings LLP, plans to establish 100 distribution points across major metropolitan cities and state capitals in India over the next 12 months. The expansion is aimed at increasing its market reach and building a distribution network for its domestically developed architectural coatings.

The company has appointed channel partners in Nagpur, Cuttack, Pune, Kolkata, Raipur and Vadodara as part of the first phase of its expansion. Since its commercial rollout in August 2026, PureSil Paints has focused on product trials, customer engagement, distributor appointments and institutional project opportunities.

The company describes its products as 100 percent Made in India, using indigenous technology and locally sourced raw materials. It said this approach keeps its dependence on imported raw materials negligible while supporting domestic manufacturing and supply chain development. PureSil Paints uses mineral silicate technology, incorporating a rice husk ash-based silicate binder and proprietary silicification technology. Its formulations use rice husk ash and fly ash, allowing agricultural and industrial by-products to be utilised in construction materials.

The product range features zero-VOC formulations and breathable coating technology. These coatings allow moisture vapour to pass through the surface, helping walls release trapped moisture. The company is positioning its mineral-based paints as an alternative for residential, commercial and other construction projects seeking coatings with lower environmental impact.

The range is available in multiple colours and stock-keeping units (SKUs) to meet different architectural requirements across residential and commercial applications. The architectural paints and coatings industry is seeing increased interest in products that reduce environmental impact. Low-VOC and zero-VOC formulations, along with construction materials that use resources more efficiently, are becoming areas of focus for manufacturers and buyers.

PureSil Paints aims to address this demand through its mineral-based coating range and locally developed manufacturing technology. Its target customer segments include residential and commercial real estate, institutional buildings, urban infrastructure and industrial establishments.

Dr Nikhil Dhote, Founder and Chief Technologist of PureSil Paints said, “We believe the future of the coatings industry lies in combining performance, sustainability and indigenous innovation. Our focus is to build a strong pan-India presence while offering an alternative that addresses evolving environmental expectations and India's growing emphasis on self-reliance.”

PureSil Paints plans to expand its distribution network based on market demand, with an emphasis on appointing capable channel partners and strengthening its operations in new markets.

Its target of 100 distribution points over the next 12 months will extend its reach across major cities and state capitals. The company will focus on developing its presence in construction and infrastructure markets while building demand for mineral-based architectural coatings. The expansion comes as manufacturers explore alternatives to conventional paint formulations and increase their focus on locally sourced materials and sustainable construction products.

Chapter2Drip, the streetwear brand founded by Rhea Chakraborty and Showik Chakraborty, has opened its first store in Dehradun at Mall of Dehradun on October 21, 2026. Spanning 700 sq ft, the new outlet expands the brand's offline retail presence to another Indian city.

The Dehradun store adds to Chapter2Drip's existing network of two stores in Mumbai and one in Delhi. The brand offers contemporary streetwear, everyday apparel and casual clothing for men, women and children, with Gen Z and millennials forming its core customer base. The new outlet gives consumers in Dehradun direct access to the brand's apparel collections.

It also features Chapter2Drip's latest LAYERS collection alongside its broader range of streetwear and everyday clothing. Influencers and members of the brand's community attended the store opening and shared updates from the event on social media.

Rhea Chakraborty, Co-Founder of Chapter2Drip said, “As Chapter2Drip continues to grow, we’re excited to bring the brand to new cities and connect with more people through our stores. For us, fashion is a way of expressing who you are and where you are in life. Expanding into Dehradun is another step in making Chapter2Drip accessible to a wider community.”

Showik Chakraborty, Co-Founder of Chapter2Drip added, “Building Chapter2Drip has been about creating a streetwear brand that feels relevant to how people approach fashion and self-expression today. With our first store in Dehradun, we’re continuing to expand our retail presence while bringing our collections closer to consumers across different parts of the country.”

The Dehradun opening marks the brand's latest step in expanding its physical retail network beyond its existing markets. By adding stores in new cities, Chapter2Drip is seeking to increase access to its collections and build a wider customer base across India. The company's current retail footprint includes four stores across Mumbai, Delhi and Dehradun, as it continues to develop its presence in India's streetwear and casual fashion market.

PNGS Reva Diamond Jewellery Limited reported a 35.01 percent year-on-year increase in sales during the combined Navratri and Dussehra festive period of FY2026-27, supported by demand for natural diamond jewellery in India. The company recorded revenue of Rs 12.19 crore during Dussehra FY2026-27, excluding gold sales, compared with Rs 7.50 crore in the corresponding period last year. This marked a year-on-year growth of 62.40 percent.

For the combined Navratri and Dussehra period, PNGS Reva Diamond Jewellery reported sales of Rs 38.53 crore, up 35.01 percent from the previous year. The performance reflects the company's festive sales momentum in the natural diamond jewellery segment. The company, backed by the P. N. Gadgil and Sons Group, is focused on expanding access to certified natural diamond jewellery and strengthening its presence in India's organised jewellery retail market.

PNGS Reva Diamond Jewellery recently opened a company-owned and company-operated (COCO) store in Jaipur, extending its retail presence beyond its established markets in Western India. With the new store, the company's retail network has grown to 39 locations. This includes five exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) and company-owned and company-operated stores, alongside 34 shop-in-shop (SIS) locations.

The company plans to expand its presence across key markets, with a focus on the COCO model as part of its retail expansion strategy. The approach is intended to support the development of its store network as it enters additional markets.

Drawing on the jewellery expertise and sourcing capabilities of the P. N. Gadgil and Sons Group, PNGS Reva aims to grow its business in the natural diamond jewellery category through an expanding retail network and a focus on certified diamond products. The company's festive sales growth and entry into Jaipur mark two developments in its efforts to expand its presence in India's diamond jewellery retail market.

Skechers has expanded its retail presence in Karnataka with the opening of a new store in Chikmagalur. The store adds to the footwear brand's offline retail network in India, giving customers in the city access to its range of footwear and related products.

The new outlet is part of Skechers' physical retail presence, as footwear brands continue to reach consumers in cities beyond major metropolitan markets. The store opening extends the brand's reach in Chikmagalur, where customers can visit the outlet to explore its footwear collection and find products suited to their preferences.

The company has not disclosed the store's size, investment or details of its product range in the announcement.

SocksXpress! has opened a new store at Pacific Mall, Jaipur, strengthening its footprint in the region.

Commenting on the store launch, the company shared: ‘‘It is our first store in the city and another milestone in our growing retail journey.The store brings together the many worlds of SocksXpress! - everyday favourites, statement pairs, fandom-led collections, elevated essentials and gifting picks - creating a space where there is always something new to discover.’’

The post adds, ‘‘SocksXpress! is where people can experience the brand up close, explore different collections, discover a fandom they connect with, find a pair that feels like them or simply walk in and leave with something unexpected. Every new store also gives us the opportunity to bring SocksXpress! to a new audience and become part of the way people in that city discover, style and experience the brand.’’

Jaipur is an exciting addition to the brand’s  journey. A city with a strong identity, a distinct visual culture and its own sense of style.

SocksXpress! (formerly known as Balenzia) is an Indian fashion and apparel brand specializing in vibrant, high-quality socks and lifestyle accessories. Founded in 2007 as Balenzia (part of the Jagran Group), the brand officially rebranded to SocksXpress! on November 16, 2024, to focus more heavily on bold self-expression and modern identity.

Headquartered in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, the brand has physical retail presence across various malls and airports in India, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Gwalior, and Kanpur. The socks band also features limited-run wearable art collaborations with popular illustrators and creators like Alicia Souza, Neha Doodles, and Doodle Mapuls, and carries licensed pop-culture and fandom merchandise such as Marvel, Disney, and Warner Bros.

Muscle & Strength India has opened a new retail store in Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka, as the fitness supplement retailer looks to expand its presence in South India. The store was inaugurated by bodybuilder Syed Israr and fitness model and influencer Mohmmad Iqbal.

The expansion comes amid growing interest in fitness, sports nutrition and wellness products. Bengaluru, with its active fitness community and health-conscious consumers, is an important market for the retailer as it seeks to reach more customers through its physical stores.

Muscle & Strength India operates across multiple cities in the country, offering more than 1,000 fitness supplement and nutrition products from various international brands. Its portfolio includes proteins, vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements used for fitness, athletic performance and general wellness.

Praveen Chirania, Founder of Muscle & Strength India, said, “We are excited to expand our presence while building closer connections with our customers, and we will continue to expand our footprint in newer cities.”

He added that the company was witnessing demand beyond major metropolitan areas, where access to genuine and competitively priced supplements remained a challenge. Chirania also stressed the importance of purchasing supplements from authorised dealers to avoid counterfeit products.

The company plans to strengthen its retail network as it looks to serve consumers across different markets. Its expansion strategy also reflects the growing need for accessible retail outlets where customers can explore nutrition products and seek guidance based on their requirements.

Vikram Yesudas, franchise owner of the Bengaluru store, said the outlet would cater to gym-goers, sports enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers.

“We aim to help customers make informed choices based on their individual fitness and nutritional requirements,” Yesudas said.

Muscle & Strength India offers products across multiple nutrition categories and has exclusive distribution partnerships with several global nutrition brands. With its latest Bengaluru outlet, the retailer is looking to strengthen its regional presence while addressing consumer demand for genuine sports nutrition products.

Japanese furniture and home furnishings retailer NITORI has opened its second store in India at Sky City Mall in Borivali, Mumbai, expanding its presence in the Indian home and lifestyle retail market ahead of the festive season. Located on the mall’s Lower Ground Floor, the new outlet marks NITORI’s second store in the country since its India debut in Mumbai in December 2024.

The opening also takes the NITORI Group’s global store count to 1,093. The company plans to expand its product range for Indian consumers by introducing new products and reviewing prices on an ongoing basis. The move forms part of its broader strategy to increase its international retail presence.

Toshiyuki Shirai, COO, Representative Director and President of NITORI said, “We are pleased to open our second store in India at Sky City Mall, marking another important step in our journey in the Indian market. India is an important market for NITORI, and we see significant potential to bring our approach to furniture and home furnishings to more customers here. With our focus on design, functionality, and value, we look forward to offering products that make everyday living more comfortable and enjoyable. We are grateful for the warm response we have received in India and look forward to continuing to grow our presence in the country.”

Tanu Prasad, CEO - Malls at Oberoi Realty said, “We are pleased to welcome NITORI to Sky City Mall. We are delighted to be part of NITORI's India journey as it opens its second store in the country at Sky City Mall. With its distinctive Japanese design philosophy, functional approach, and accessible pricing, the brand brings an interesting new dimension to our home and lifestyle offering. Its arrival ahead of the festive season is particularly timely, as consumers look to refresh their homes and explore new ideas for everyday living."

Sky City Mall, developed by Oberoi Realty, spans one million sq ft and houses retail, dining, and entertainment outlets. The mall holds LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council and is connected to the metro network and the Western Express Highway. It also provides parking space for 1,900 vehicles.

NITORI’s latest store opening adds to the range of international home furnishing brands available to Indian consumers. Its plans to introduce additional products and review pricing indicate a focus on adapting its retail offering as it builds its presence in the Indian market.

Fashion retailer Snitch has expanded its retail presence in North East India with the opening of its second store in the region, marking its entry into Tripura. The expansion adds another location to the Bengaluru-based fashion brand’s offline retail network as it continues to increase its physical presence across India. The new store reflects the company’s efforts to reach consumers in emerging retail markets and expand beyond its existing locations.

The store opening involved planning and coordination across multiple teams, from initial preparations to execution. The milestone also highlights the operational work involved in expanding a retail network across different regions.

Snitch has been expanding its offline presence alongside its digital business, with physical stores providing customers with an opportunity to explore its fashion collections in person. Its entry into Tripura adds to the brand’s regional footprint and creates another customer touchpoint in the North East.

The latest store opening comes as fashion retailers continue to explore opportunities in markets beyond major metropolitan cities. Growing retail infrastructure and changing consumer preferences have encouraged brands to consider new locations as part of their expansion strategies.

With its second store in North East India now operational, Snitch is continuing to build its physical retail network across the country. The company's expansion in Tripura marks another step in its efforts to establish a presence in additional regional markets.

U.S. Polo Assn. has opened a 1,700 sq ft store in Puducherry, marking the brand's first New Identity store in the city. The opening expands the American casualwear brand's retail presence in South India and introduces its updated store format to the local market. The store offers menswear and footwear from the brand's Autumn-Winter 2026 collection, including Varsity, Indigo, Corduroy, Denims and Shirts.

The assortment covers seasonal apparel and footwear designed around the brand's sport-inspired identity. A key feature of the new store is a dedicated Shirt Bar that brings together the brand's shirt collection in one area. The display is intended to make it easier for shoppers to browse different styles within the category.

The store also features a Resort Wear Wall on the first floor, with linen shirts, shorts, and caps. The dedicated section focuses on holiday and resort clothing, reflecting Puducherry's association with leisure travel. Interactive elements have also been planned as part of the in-store experience. The opening event was attended by Tamil entertainment personalities, including actress Ramya Ranganathan and Aaryan, along with other influencers. Their participation introduced the new store to local audiences as U.S. Polo Assn. expanded its presence in the city.

Amitabh Suri, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Polo Assn India said, “Puducherry is a distinctive market with a strong connection to leisure, travel and contemporary lifestyle, making it an exciting market for us to introduce our New Identity store format. With the introduction of the Shirt Bar and our Resort Wear Wall, we are bringing new retail experiences that are designed to make the store more engaging and relevant to how consumers shop today. The launch also reflects our continued focus on strengthening our presence across South India while creating spaces that bring together the heritage of U.S. Polo Assn. with a more contemporary retail experience.”

The Puducherry outlet adds to U.S. Polo Assn.'s retail network in India as the brand introduces updated store formats and dedicated product displays. The opening also expands its access to consumers in the region through a physical store offering apparel and footwear across seasonal collections.

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited's fashion brand Pantaloons has opened a new store in Mota Varachha, Surat, expanding its retail presence in Gujarat. The store opening adds to Pantaloons' physical retail network in the state, giving shoppers in the Mota Varachha area access to the brand's apparel and fashion collections.

The expansion reflects the continued presence of organised fashion retailers in Surat, a key market for clothing and lifestyle shopping. With the new outlet, Pantaloons strengthens its reach in the Surat market as fashion retailers continue to serve customers through physical stores alongside their online channels.

Malabar Gold and Diamonds has reopened its expanded showroom on Ambedkar Road in New Gandhi Nagar, Ghaziabad, as the jewellery retailer strengthens its presence in the Delhi NCR market ahead of the festive season. Spread across more than 4,200 sq ft, the showroom offers gold and diamond jewellery, including bridal collections.

The showroom was inaugurated by Sunita Dayal, Mayor of Ghaziabad, along with Jishad N.K., Regional Head for North; Anees K.P., Zonal Head; and Yedu Krishnan, Deputy Showroom Head, in the presence of customers and other guests.

M. P. Ahammad, Chairman of Malabar Group said, “Ghaziabad is an important market for us, with customers who value quality, design, and trust when choosing jewellery. The relaunch of our expanded showroom reflects our continued commitment to this market and our focus on strengthening our presence in the region. With a wider selection of jewellery, including bridal collections, we aim to cater to the evolving preferences of our customers while building on the trust and relationships we have established over the years.”

The showroom reopening coincides with the company's festive jewellery offers, valid from October 9 to November 15, 2026. Customers can explore the Manahaari yellow gold collection, available in 18K and 22K. The offers include discounts of up to 30 percent on making charges for gold, uncut and gemstone jewellery, and up to 30 percent off the value of diamond jewellery. The company is also offering zero deduction on old gold exchanges. Under its advance booking scheme, customers can reserve jewellery for Dhanteras by paying 10 percent of the purchase value upfront and receive a complimentary silver coin, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Malabar Gold and Diamonds said the expanded showroom follows its focus on transparent pricing and responsible jewellery retailing. All its gold jewellery is BIS hallmarked with a Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number, while its diamond jewellery is tested and certified. Under its Malabar Promises programme, the company offers 100 percent value on gold and diamond exchanges, transparent pricing, lifetime free maintenance and responsibly sourced products.

The showroom expansion adds to Malabar Gold and Diamonds' retail presence in Ghaziabad and provides customers with access to its gold, diamond and bridal jewellery collections ahead of Dhanteras and Diwali.

Reliance Retail's premium fashion and lifestyle brand AZORTE has expanded its presence in Rajasthan with the opening of a 11,760 sq ft store at Pacific Mall in Jaipur. The outlet is the brand's 47th store in India, as it continues to expand its physical retail network in the country's fashion market. Actor Radhika Madan inaugurated the new store and interacted with shoppers. The opening also featured a fashion show showcasing AZORTE's latest collection.

Located on the ground floor of Pacific Mall in Mansarovar, the store offers apparel and accessories across women's wear, men's wear and kidswear. Its product range includes the brand's Fall Edit and Festive Collection, along with exclusive Hello Kitty and NBA collections.

The store's opening comes as fashion retailers continue to expand their presence in shopping malls and adopt technology to improve in-store shopping and product discovery. The Pacific Mall outlet incorporates several technology-based features designed to support product discovery and the shopping process. These include smart trial rooms that provide contextual styling recommendations, interactive digital screens to help customers explore the wider product assortment, and RFID and QR code technology for inventory management and product discovery.

The store also features self check-in and check-out counters intended to simplify the shopping process. AZORTE's format combines fashion retail with digital tools designed to help customers browse products, access additional assortment options and complete purchases. AZORTE is scheduled to open its second Jaipur store at PinkWalk Mall on October 25, 2026. Spanning 9,508 sq ft, the outlet will be located on a single ground floor and will become the brand's 48th store nationally. The upcoming store will offer AZORTE's fashion and lifestyle collections, extending its presence to another retail destination in Jaipur.

The two store openings mark the brand's continued expansion in Rajasthan. By establishing outlets at Pacific Mall and PinkWalk Mall, AZORTE is increasing its access to shoppers across the city's organised retail market. The Jaipur expansion adds to AZORTE's national store network as the brand develops its presence in premium fashion and lifestyle retail. Its stores combine apparel and accessories with technology-enabled features intended to support the in-store shopping experience.

The addition of the PinkWalk Mall outlet will take AZORTE's national store count to 48, according to the company's announcement. The expansion also reflects the continued role of shopping malls in fashion retail, with brands using physical outlets to reach customers, showcase new collections and offer access to products across multiple categories.

Sunglass Hut has opened a new store at Bhartiya Mall in Bengaluru, strengthening the brand's retail footprint in the region.

Commenting on the new store launch, Rethun M, Head Retail Leasing - Bhartiya Mall said, ''We are thrilled to welcome the global eyewear leader, Sunglass Hut, to our growing retail family! From iconic luxury labels and high-fashion statement pieces to cutting-edge performance shades, Sunglass Hut brings you the ultimate collection of designer eyewear.''

Sunglass Hut is a premier, global specialty retailer that offers a massive selection of high-quality fashion and performance sunglasses. Founded in 1971 as a single mall kiosk in Miami, Florida, the brand has grown into a dominant force in eyewear sector. The brand has a  global footprint across 20 countries, operating at over 3,000 retail locations,including the US, the UK, Australia, South Africa, and other countries.

The brand entered the Indian market in December 2008, through a franchise agreement signedd between its parent company, the Italian eyewear giant Luxottica Group SpA, and the New Delhi-based real estate developer DLF Brands Ltd.The brand opend its first retail store in Mumbai. In March 2022,  Reliance Brands Limited (RBL) acquires the entire franchisee rights from DLF Brand. The brand currrently has a network of 85 brick-and-mortar stores spread across prime retail corridors in India, including IGI Airport Terminal and Jio World Plaza.

According to a market report, the Indian eyewear retail market is valued at approximately USD 11.83 billion in 2026 and expected to grow at USD 20.86 billion in 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.66% during 2026-2034. The maket is actively transitioning from an unorganized sector into a modern, omnichannel retail category. Some of the rominent eyewear retail chain are Lenskart and Titan Eye Plus. Rising vision disorders, growing fashion consciousness, e-commerce expansion, and digital eye strain awareness are the primary forces driving the growth of the market.