Swarovski to unveil Beauty & the Beast jewellery line

Jack & Jones is set to strengthen its retail presence in the UK with the opening of a new flagship store at Bluewater shopping centre this October. The upcoming outlet will span 6,370 sq. ft. on Lower Thames Walk and will become the brand's second UK location to showcase its 'One Concept' retail format, following its debut at the Jack & Jones and JJXX store on London's Oxford Street in late 2024.

Strategically located next to Stradivarius, the new flagship store will house Jack & Jones' complete menswear range alongside an expanded childrenswear offering. The outlet will feature the brand's everyday wardrobe essentials, signature denim collections and the largest kidswear assortment available across its UK store network.

The Bluewater store will also become Jack & Jones' second-largest store in the UK, reinforcing the brand's focus on enhancing its physical retail footprint through larger, experience-led formats in key shopping destinations.

Tom Shutlar, Head of Retail at Jack & Jones, said:

“Securing a space at Bluewater is a huge win for us. This will be our second-largest UK store, delivering the same premium flagship package as our London site. It’s a major step forward for our retail footprint, and we can’t wait to welcome customers to this incredible new space.”

James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, said:

“We’re always looking to bring new, standout brands to our guests, so securing Jack & Jones and their biggest UK kidswear offering is a big win for us here at Bluewater. It’s a testament to the continued strength of our retail lineup, and we’re confident this unique new store will be a hit when it opens this October.”

The opening further strengthens Jack & Jones' UK expansion strategy while adding another international fashion retailer to Bluewater's growing brand portfolio.

Van Heusen Innerwear has strengthened its retail presence in Maharashtra with the launch of a new exclusive brand store in Karad. The latest addition takes the brand's exclusive store count to six in Maharashtra and 160 across India, reinforcing its strategy of expanding into emerging markets through dedicated retail formats.

Spread across 700 sq. ft., the new outlet has been designed to offer an enhanced shopping experience, featuring Van Heusen Innerwear's complete portfolio of innerwear, athleisure, loungewear and sleepwear for both men and women. The store showcases the brand's latest collections, combining comfort, innovation and functionality in a modern retail environment.

The store was inaugurated by Preeti Gupta, Chief Business Officer, Van Heusen Innerwear, along with franchise partner Shri Shivaji Keshav Salunkhe.

Preeti Gupta, Chief Business Officer, Van Heusen Innerwear, said:

"We are seeing a growing preference among consumers for products that seamlessly combine functionality with style, especially in emerging cities like Karad. The launch of this store is part of our larger vision to strengthen our retail presence and create more touchpoints where consumers can experience our products firsthand. Through this exclusive brand store, we are bringing our portfolio of premium essentials closer to consumers in Karad, offering thoughtfully engineered products that deliver everyday comfort, innovative fits and all-day performance."

The Karad outlet offers dedicated sections for men and women, featuring signature collections such as the Cotton Minimizer and Seamless Bra range for women, along with the Bonded Innerwear collection for men. Customers can also explore an extensive range of loungewear and sleepwear designed for everyday comfort.

To mark the launch, the brand has introduced a series of promotional activities, including complimentary bra-fit consultations, exclusive Power Club membership benefits and a limited-period offer of ₹500 off on purchases above ₹1,499. Interactive in-store activities have also been planned during the launch week to enhance the customer experience.

With the opening of its Karad outlet, Van Heusen Innerwear continues to expand its offline retail network while making its premium essentials more accessible to consumers across high-potential markets in India.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Max Fashion has strengthened its retail network in North India with the opening of a new store in Sector 82, Faridabad. The latest outlet takes the brand's presence in the city to three stores and increases its North India store count to 91.

The new store is located in one of Faridabad's emerging retail corridors, an area witnessing increasing commercial and residential development. The opening reflects the brand's continued focus on expanding into high-growth urban markets and improving accessibility for customers.

Designed with a three-side glass façade, the outlet offers a modern shopping environment and houses a wide range of fashion products across apparel, footwear and accessories for men, women and children. The store also features the brand's latest seasonal collections and everyday fashion essentials.

The announcement was shared by a company official on LinkedIn, who acknowledged the efforts of employees, partners and project teams involved in successfully launching the new store.

Part of the Landmark Group, Max Fashion has built one of India's largest value fashion retail networks since entering the country in 2006. The brand offers affordable fashion across multiple categories through its extensive physical store network and omnichannel platform.

The Faridabad opening further strengthens Max Fashion's presence in the National Capital Region as the retailer continues to invest in expanding its brick-and-mortar footprint across key consumption markets. The latest addition supports the company's strategy of bringing value-driven fashion closer to customers while enhancing the overall shopping experience.

Indian sneaker brand Comet has added a new retail location in New Delhi with the opening of a store at Vegas Mall, Dwarka. The outlet, situated on the mall's first floor, marks another step in the brand's efforts to build a stronger physical presence alongside its online business.

The new store gives shoppers in Dwarka access to Comet's sneaker range while adding another youth-focused fashion brand to the retail mix at Vegas Mall. The launch is expected to appeal particularly to younger consumers and sneaker enthusiasts in the area.

Comet has emerged as part of India's growing homegrown sneaker market, which has seen increasing interest from consumers seeking contemporary designs and lifestyle-led footwear. The brand's offline expansion allows customers to engage with its products through a physical retail environment while strengthening its visibility in key urban markets.

Welcoming the brand to the mall, Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas Mall, said, "We are delighted to welcome Comet to Vegas Mall. The brand's strong appeal among young consumers and sneaker enthusiasts makes it a valuable addition to our retail portfolio. We remain committed to offering an exciting mix of fashion, lifestyle, dining, and entertainment experiences that keep our destination fresh and relevant."

The launch forms part of Vegas Mall's ongoing efforts to refresh its brand portfolio across fashion, lifestyle, food and entertainment categories. The addition of Comet further strengthens the mall's offering for consumers looking for emerging and contemporary fashion labels.

For Comet, the new outlet provides an opportunity to expand its customer reach in the National Capital Region and deepen its connection with sneaker and streetwear consumers through a physical retail format.

The Vegas Mall opening reflects the broader growth of India's sneaker and streetwear market, where digitally native and homegrown brands are increasingly investing in brick-and-mortar stores to improve product discovery and create more direct consumer experiences.

Indian ethnic wear brand Sabhyata has strengthened its retail footprint in North India with the launch of a new store at City Mall, Srinagar, further expanding its presence in Jammu & Kashmir. The latest opening forms part of the company's ongoing offline growth strategy, aimed at increasing accessibility to its contemporary ethnic wear collections across key markets in the country.

The newly opened outlet marks another milestone in Sabhyata's retail expansion journey and reflects the brand's focus on deepening its presence in emerging and established markets. According to the company, the Srinagar store has been launched with the objective of becoming part of Kashmir's rich cultural landscape while bringing its range of ethnic fashion closer to women across the Valley.

In its announcement, the company highlighted its appreciation for Kashmir's vibrant culture, warmth and timeless heritage. Sabhyata said the new outlet will offer ethnic wear that celebrates India's traditional craftsmanship while combining it with contemporary designs and everyday versatility to meet evolving consumer preferences.

The brand also expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential of Jammu & Kashmir, stating that the region's continued economic and social progress reinforces its decision to expand its retail presence. According to the company, the development of Jammu & Kashmir contributes significantly to the country's overall growth, making it an important market within its expansion strategy.

Sabhyata also acknowledged the contributions of its teams and business partners who played a key role in the successful launch of the Srinagar outlet. The company invited customers to visit the new store and explore its latest ethnic wear collections.

Established with the vision of making elegant Indian ethnic wear accessible to modern women, Sabhyata has built a strong presence in the organised fashion retail sector. Its product portfolio includes kurtas, kurta sets, salwar suits, dupattas, dresses, fusion wear and festive collections that blend traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary silhouettes. The brand focuses on delivering comfort, affordability and everyday style to women across different age groups and occasions.

Over the years, Sabhyata has expanded its retail network through exclusive brand outlets and stores in leading shopping destinations across India. The company has built a loyal customer base by offering quality craftsmanship, vibrant prints, intricate embroidery and comfortable fabrics. However, it has not officially disclosed its current store count.

The opening of the Srinagar store underscores Sabhyata's continued investment in strengthening its brick-and-mortar retail network while enhancing customer engagement in high-potential markets. As organised ethnic wear retail continues to grow in India, the brand remains focused on expanding its market presence through strategic store launches and bringing its contemporary interpretation of traditional Indian fashion to a wider consumer base.

Stanley Lifestyles has marked its international expansion with its entry into the Sri Lankan market through a strategic partnership with Singer Sri Lanka PLC. As part of the collaboration, the Bengaluru-headquartered luxury furniture manufacturer and retailer has opened its flagship Stanley Boutique Homes showroom at Ward Place in Colombo, strengthening its presence beyond India and advancing its long-term global growth strategy.

The newly launched showroom will showcase Stanley Lifestyles' portfolio of premium furniture collections tailored for customers in Sri Lanka. The launch represents the company's first retail presence in the country and is aimed at addressing the growing demand for premium, design-led home furnishing solutions in the market.

The partnership brings together Stanley Lifestyles' expertise in luxury furniture manufacturing with Singer Sri Lanka PLC's established retail network and strong local market presence. Through this collaboration, the two companies aim to strengthen the premium furniture segment in Sri Lanka by offering a range of luxury home furnishing products to consumers.

Commenting on the launch, Sunil Suresh, Founder and Chairman, Stanley Lifestyles, said, "Sri Lanka represents an exciting opportunity for Stanley Lifestyles as we continue our international growth journey. We see a growing appreciation among Sri Lankan consumers for quality, craftsmanship, and design-led living. At Stanley, we have always believed that thoughtfully crafted products have the ability to enhance everyday living and create spaces that people truly love to call home. This belief has shaped our journey over the years and continues to inspire us as we expand into new markets. Through our partnership with Singer Sri Lanka, we are delighted to bring the Stanley experience to a market that values authenticity, excellence, and timeless design. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our customers by delivering not just exceptional furniture, but meaningful living experiences."

Speaking on the collaboration, Mahesh Wijewardene, Group Managing Director of Singer Sri Lanka PLC, said, "At Singer, we are committed to partnering with globally respected brands that deliver exceptional quality and innovation. Stanley Lifestyles brings an outstanding legacy of craftsmanship, premium design, and manufacturing excellence, making it a natural addition to our portfolio. We are pleased to introduce a brand that reflects the evolving aspirations of Sri Lankan consumers seeking sophisticated living spaces and internationally benchmarked luxury furniture."

Stanley Lifestyles said its expansion into Sri Lanka aligns with its long-term strategy of entering selected international markets while reinforcing its position in the premium and luxury furniture segment. The company added that increasing consumer interest in high-quality, design-focused home furnishings in Sri Lanka presents a significant opportunity to expand its market presence through strategic partnerships and flagship retail destinations.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, Stanley Lifestyles designs, manufactures and retails premium and luxury furniture under its brands Stanley Level Next, Stanley Boutique and Sofas & More. The company operates 68 retail outlets across India through a combination of company-owned and franchise formats. The launch of the flagship Stanley Boutique Homes showroom in Colombo further strengthens Stanley Lifestyles' international footprint while leveraging Singer Sri Lanka's retail ecosystem to support its growth in the South Asian market.

Demi-fine jewellery retailer Palmonas has crossed the 75-store milestone with the launch of its newest outlet at DLF Galleria, Gurugram, as the company steps up its nationwide retail expansion to strengthen its omnichannel presence. The latest opening marks another milestone in the brand's offline growth strategy, with additional stores already in the pipeline across key markets.

The company has expanded its retail footprint from 57 stores to more than 75 in about two months, opening 14 outlets within nearly 40 days. The new stores span Gurugram, Delhi, Jaipur, Noida, Gorakhpur, Patna, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, reflecting Palmonas' focus on strengthening its presence across metropolitan centres while expanding into emerging cities.

The expansion drive is continuing with stores under development at DLF Summit Plaza in Gurugram, Pacific Jaipur, Magneto Raipur and other premium malls and high streets. The retailer has also opened a new outlet at Wave Mall, Noida, and is targeting the 100-store milestone in the coming season as part of its next phase of growth.

Founded in 2022 by Pallavi Mohadikar and Dr. Amol Patwari, Palmonas has built its business around the demi-fine jewellery category, offering products crafted using 925 sterling silver and surgical-grade stainless steel with premium gold plating. Positioned between fine jewellery and fashion jewellery, the category targets consumers seeking premium-quality products designed for everyday wear at comparatively accessible price points. The company has also introduced platinum-coated silver jewellery to further diversify its product portfolio.

While the brand initially established itself as a digital-first business, it has increasingly invested in physical retail to enhance customer engagement. According to the company, direct-to-consumer channels, online marketplaces and quick-commerce platforms currently contribute nearly three-fourths of total revenue, while offline retail accounts for approximately 27 percent. With the store network expanding rapidly, the contribution from offline retail is expected to increase to nearly 40 percent over time.

Palmonas has also expanded its presence on quick-commerce platforms, including Blinkit and Zepto, where it has witnessed encouraging demand, particularly for gifting purchases. The company views quick commerce as an additional consumer touchpoint that complements both its digital and physical retail operations.

The retailer's aggressive expansion has been supported by robust financial performance. Palmonas reported revenue of around ₹40 crore in FY25, a significant increase from nearly ₹1 crore in the previous financial year. It also reported a net profit of approximately ₹4.3 crore while investing over ₹15 crore in marketing and brand-building initiatives to strengthen consumer awareness.

The company has also attracted strong investor backing. After raising ₹55 crore in its Series A funding round led by Vertex Ventures, Palmonas secured US$40 million (around ₹373 crore) in Series B funding from Xponentia Capital and Vertex Growth Fund earlier this year. The fresh capital will be deployed towards retail expansion, technology, supply-chain infrastructure and product development.

According to the company, it closed FY26 with revenue of around ₹200 crore and plans to significantly expand its offline footprint over the next few years. Beyond its immediate target of 100 stores, Palmonas is working towards building a network of more than 200 outlets across the country.

The retailer currently operates nearly 60,000 sq. ft. of retail space, with an average store size of around 850 sq. ft., while its largest outlet at Gaur City spans close to 2,000 sq. ft. The company also recorded more than 30 percent like-for-like sales growth during FY26, indicating sustained performance across its existing stores alongside network expansion.

As organised retail continues to evolve and consumer demand shifts towards premium everyday jewellery, Palmonas is strengthening its position through a combination of retail expansion, omnichannel capabilities and category-led product innovation. With a growing presence across metro, Tier II and emerging Tier III markets, the company is positioning itself for its next phase of nationwide growth.

Premium fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger has strengthened its retail presence at Nexus Seawoods with the opening of its newly upgraded and relocated store. The outlet is now operational on the Upper Ground Floor, D Zone, introducing a refreshed retail environment designed to enhance the overall customer shopping experience.

The relocated store features a contemporary retail format with a redesigned façade and updated interiors that reflect Tommy Hilfiger's signature combination of classic American heritage and modern sophistication. The upgraded format has been developed to provide customers with a more refined and immersive shopping environment while showcasing the brand's latest fashion collections.

The new store forms part of the brand's continued focus on elevating its physical retail experience through modern store concepts and premium customer engagement. By relocating and upgrading the outlet within Nexus Seawoods, Tommy Hilfiger further reinforces its presence at the shopping destination while enhancing accessibility for shoppers.

According to the announcement, the redesigned store has been curated to offer an elevated shopping journey, combining contemporary aesthetics with the brand's established design philosophy. The refreshed retail environment also strengthens the premium fashion offering available at Nexus Seawoods, adding to the destination's portfolio of international lifestyle and apparel brands.

The successful completion of the upgraded retail project was supported through the collaboration between the Tommy Hilfiger leadership and project teams, whose planning and execution facilitated the launch of the new-format store.

The opening of the upgraded and relocated outlet reflects Tommy Hilfiger's continued investment in enhancing its brick-and-mortar retail presence through modern store formats. As fashion retailers increasingly focus on experiential shopping environments, the refreshed Nexus Seawoods store represents another step in the brand's strategy to deliver a premium in-store experience while strengthening its visibility within key retail destinations.

Bengaluru based Gen Z fashion brand NEWME has further strengthened its offline retail network with the opening of its largest store in Bengaluru at Kammanahalli. The launch marks another milestone in the company's aggressive retail expansion strategy, reinforcing its commitment to building an omnichannel fashion ecosystem that seamlessly connects digital convenience with immersive in-store experiences. The development was announced by a company official on LinkedIn.

The new Kammanahalli outlet expands NEWME's growing retail footprint in its home city, where the brand already operates multiple stores. As its largest Bengaluru location to date, the store reflects the company's continued investment in physical retail while supporting its broader vision of making stores an integral part of the customer journey rather than simply points of sale.

Designed around the evolving preferences of Gen Z consumers, the outlet has been conceptualised as an experience first fashion destination that blends shopping with content creation and community engagement. The store features aesthetically designed interiors, creator-friendly zones, statement mirrors, and visually engaging displays that encourage visitors to explore, interact, and share their experiences, reinforcing NEWME's identity as a digitally connected fashion brand.

The launch event drew nearly 200 creators, who experienced the store through a series of interactive activities, including live entertainment and permanent tattoo stations. By integrating creator-led experiences into its retail strategy, NEWME continues to transform its stores into lifestyle hubs where fashion, social engagement, and digital culture come together, helping strengthen customer loyalty and brand affinity.

Founded in 2022, NEWME has quickly established itself as one of India's fastest-growing Gen Z-focused fashion brands. Headquartered in Bengaluru, the company operates a technology-driven and data-led business model that enables it to rapidly introduce global fashion trends while responding to changing consumer preferences. Its expanding network of physical stores complements a strong digital platform, creating a seamless omnichannel shopping experience for customers.

Beyond retail expansion, NEWME has positioned itself at the intersection of fashion, technology, and community. The brand continues to strengthen its presence across India while also expanding into Southeast Asia, reflecting its broader business growth strategy. Through frequent store launches, curated in-store experiences, and youth-centric marketing initiatives, the company is steadily building a scalable retail network that supports long-term brand growth.

The opening of the Kammanahalli store further underscores NEWME's strategy of redefining fashion retail by creating destinations where shopping extends beyond transactions to include discovery, self-expression, and community engagement. As it continues to invest in experiential retail, the brand is strengthening its market presence and reinforcing its position within India's rapidly evolving fashion landscape. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Riyaasat Lifestyle, a growing player in India's ethnic wear segment, is set to launch its initial public offering (IPO) on June 18, aiming to raise approximately Rs 30.77 crore to support its next phase of expansion. The public issue will remain open for subscription until June 22, 2026, and will be listed on the BSE SME platform, providing investors an opportunity to participate in the company's growth journey within the country's expanding fashion retail market.

The Ahmedabad-based company has fixed the IPO price band at Rs 102 to Rs 108 per share and plans to issue 28,48,800 equity shares with a face value of Rs 10 each through the book-built route. The issue is being managed by Mark Corporate Advisors Pvt Ltd, which is acting as the lead manager for the offering.

Riyaasat Lifestyle has established itself in the ethnic apparel space by offering a wide range of traditional and contemporary ethnic wear collections for both men and women. The company caters to the growing demand for occasion wear, festive clothing, and wedding-related apparel, segments that continue to witness strong consumer interest across urban and semi-urban markets in India.

The proceeds from the IPO will play a crucial role in supporting the company's expansion roadmap. A significant portion of the funds will be utilized for capital expenditure related to the establishment of four new exclusive brand outlets (EBOs). These new stores are expected to strengthen the brand's market presence and improve accessibility for customers in key retail markets. In addition to expansion, the company plans to deploy part of the proceeds towards working capital requirements, enabling it to support inventory management, operational efficiency, and future business growth. The remaining funds will be used for general corporate purposes.

Currently, Riyaasat Lifestyle operates six exclusive brand outlets across Gujarat and Maharashtra. The stores vary significantly in size, ranging from approximately 1,790 square feet to over 9,400 square feet, allowing the company to cater to different consumer demographics and shopping preferences. The retail network has been instrumental in building brand visibility and driving customer engagement in its core markets.

The company's decision to tap the capital markets comes at a time when India's ethnic wear industry continues to demonstrate strong growth potential. Rising disposable incomes, increasing spending on weddings and celebrations, growing demand for premium ethnic fashion, and the expansion of organized retail have collectively created favorable conditions for brands operating in this category. Ethnic wear remains one of the most resilient segments within the Indian apparel industry, supported by year-round demand from festivals, cultural events, and family celebrations.

Financially, Riyaasat Lifestyle has reported healthy growth and profitability. For the financial year ended 2025, the company recorded a total income of Rs 25.19 crore and posted a profit after tax of Rs 4.87 crore. The performance reflects the company's ability to maintain profitability while expanding its retail operations and strengthening its position in a competitive fashion market.

With the planned store additions and enhanced capital base, Riyaasat Lifestyle aims to accelerate its growth trajectory and capitalize on the increasing consumer preference for branded ethnic wear. The IPO marks an important milestone for the company as it seeks to expand its footprint, strengthen its retail presence, and create long-term value in India's evolving fashion and lifestyle sector.

Menswear brand Banana Club has strengthened its retail presence in India with the launch of its 20th store in Tirupati, marking another step in its aggressive offline expansion strategy. The opening reinforces the brand’s focus on expanding its footprint across South India and key urban markets as it scales its operations in the competitive menswear segment.

The latest store launch follows recent expansions in Mysore and Hyderabad’s Himayatnagar locality, reflecting the company’s consistent push into high-demand retail destinations. With the new outlet in Tirupati, Banana Club continues to build momentum in its offline-first retail approach, which remains central to its long-term growth strategy.

Founded in 2023 in Bengaluru by Neel Bafna and Prashanth Lalwani, Banana Club has quickly positioned itself as a growing player in India’s men’s fashion market. The brand operates on an offline-first model, focusing on physical retail stores to drive customer engagement while also leveraging digital channels to complement its sales strategy.

Currently, Banana Club operates 20 stores across major Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Indore, and Chennai. The company has outlined an ambitious expansion roadmap, with plans to scale its retail network to 50 stores by the end of the year. This rapid expansion highlights the brand’s confidence in the growing demand for organized menswear retail in India’s evolving fashion landscape.

In addition to its physical retail presence, Banana Club has built a strong omnichannel ecosystem. The brand sells through its official direct-to-consumer website, mobile applications, and leading online marketplaces such as Myntra. This hybrid approach allows the company to reach a wider audience while maintaining a strong offline brand experience.

Banana Club also gained significant visibility in 2025 after securing ₹12.25 crore in funding at a valuation of ₹245 crore through its appearance on the television show Pitch to Get Rich on JioHotstar. The funding milestone has supported the company’s expansion plans and strengthened its position in the competitive startup ecosystem.

According to the company, it is currently operating at an annualised revenue run rate (ARR) of ₹150 crore and aims to double this to ₹300 crore by 2027. The latest store opening in Tirupati is aligned with this growth trajectory and underscores the brand’s continued focus on scaling its offline presence across India.

As competition in the menswear segment intensifies, Banana Club’s aggressive expansion strategy positions it as one of the emerging retail brands to watch in India’s fast-growing fashion market.