The jewellery market in India at present is characterized by high fragmentation and dominated with a strong preference for gold. The diamond market on the other hand, consists of just 15 per cent of the total market share, but ORRA has witnessed double digit growth within the next decade with a rise in income levels. This growing affluence will lead to an increased preference for diamonds and a larger recall in the mind of the consumer.
While, the current retail market sees traditional jewellers making a push for gold on one hand while steadily trying to introduce diamond on the other going forward, the brand can expect an independent push solely for diamonds which will go beyond the tier 1 cities as well. In an interaction with Retailer media, Vijay Jain, CEO, Orra states they expect trade to move towards being in the more organized space and healthy growth.
How has the consumer’s mindset changed for jewellery over the years?
Yes, we see a change in the consumer’s mindset towards precious jewellery as it is no longer about just that one big set or wedding jewellery, but it has rather become an integral part of the wardrobe, whether it is at a social gathering, functions, meeting up with friends or even for work.
For the today’s consumer, the focus lies both on the internal as well as external drivers be it status, beauty or love! At every level, there is a need to stand out from the crowd and establish one’s own identity as distinct from the rest and assert one’s individuality. We have therefore understood the changing perception of the consumer with regards to precious jewellery and have therefore moved beyond just looking at the 4c’s (which is an industry norm) to focus on brilliance in our product (which is a consumer insight). We have therefore matched a consumer insight that is the need to stand out to a product innovation of the most brilliant stone, which is the ORRA Crown star featuring 73 facets vs. the regular 57 facets.
Tell us about your business model?
Our rich diamond heritage and a presence across 15 countries has helped set us apart from other jewellery brands. Not only are we cutting and polishing our own diamonds as a group but also manufacturing and selling jewellery across a number of cites across the globe and even other retail chains. We therefore bring to the table not only diamond and jewellery expertise but also over a decade of expertise of successfully running 32 company owned stores across 24 cities and having won several awards including the award for India’s Most Trusted Brand Award for Diamond Jewellery by International Brand Consulting Corporation, USA for the second time in a row. This expertise has helped us get a clear understanding of various modalities of this intricate business including the ideal store size, ROI models across different format stores, merchandizing and the kind of capital investment required. Armed with this knowledge, we today can offer an almost "plug and play" franchise model with a clear path to break-even and return on investment within 15 to 18 months of operations. The systems and processes for successfully managing a premium jewellery store(s) have been fine-tuned by ORRA over the years.
Typically what kind of investors shows interest in your brand?
Investors who are more interested in luxury and premium brands often show higher levels of interest. We have also seen a good response from automobile dealers, builders and even retail businessmen.
What strategies do you adopt to make value for high priced product such as yours?
We focus on design, craftsmanship, quality of diamonds and consumer experience.
What are your expansion plans?
We are looking at Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Agra, Kochi, Bhubaneshwar, Guwahati, and key states like Punjab, Bihar, UP, Maharashtra, etc.
Subway, the global leader in freshly made, customizable sandwiches, has achieved a significant milestone in India by opening 100 new stores in 2024. This expansion underscores the brand’s rapid growth trajectory in one of its fastest-growing international markets. With a renewed focus on modernization, localization, and customer-centric innovations, the brand is strengthening its position in India’s highly competitive Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry.
India’s dynamic and evolving food industry has presented a lucrative opportunity for Subway to expand its footprint. With the opening of its 100th store in Lokhandwala, Mumbai, Subway now boasts a formidable presence of over 900 stores in more than 160 cities across India.
“Reaching this milestone of 100 new stores in a year is a testament to our customers’ trust in the Subway brand. This marks a significant chapter in Subway India’s growth journey, reflecting our unwavering commitment to delivering fresh, high-quality, and made-to-order sandwiches to our discerning customers,” said Tarun Bhasin, CEO of Culinary Brands, the exclusive master franchisee for Subway in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other countries.
The brand’s aggressive expansion in 2024 is driven by the increasing consumer demand for freshly made, healthy, and convenient food options. As lifestyles change and urbanization accelerates, Subway is strategically positioning itself as a preferred choice among India’s young and working population.
The remarkable success of Subway’s expansion in India can be attributed to multiple key strategies:
While Tier I cities remain key markets, Subway is aggressively expanding into smaller cities to tap into their growing disposable income and rising demand for global QSR brands. Establishing outlets in high-footfall locations such as malls, airports, and highways ensures greater brand visibility and accessibility.
“At Subway, we recognize that every market has unique preferences and challenges. That’s why our menu innovation team continuously researches and adapts offerings to suit regional tastes while maintaining our global standards,” Bhasin explained.
The brand has also introduced new product lines to cater to India’s evolving taste preferences. Recent additions include the Hot & Cheesy Signature Subs and Breakfast Specials.
“Consumers love our Hot and Cheesy Signature Subs. They are the perfect indulgence during winters, offering 1.5x filling, extra cheese, and served piping hot. Options include Cheesy Paneer Tikka, Mexican, American Barbecue, Chicken Tikka, and Lamb Pepperoni,” said Bhasin.
Subway’s Breakfast Specials are another hit, offering fresh, made-to-order sandwiches that cater to professionals and early risers. “It’s a perfect fit for morning meals, and customers can walk in or order online in metros and mini-metros to relish these sandwiches, best paired with hot coffee,” he added.
Subway is harnessing technology to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support its rapid expansion. Key tech initiatives include:
“Technology has been an anchor for multiple departments at Subway. Various specialized tech tools are leveraged to support retail expansion and drive decision-making in the supply chain, quality, and operations,” Bhasin noted.
Looking forward, Subway has set an ambitious goal of becoming India’s largest QSR chain over the next decade. This vision is built on key pillars:
“We recognize that achieving our goal requires strategic planning and agility. However, our unwavering commitment to fresh, high-quality food and a robust expansion plan will drive Subway’s growth and success in India,” Bhasin concluded.
Copyright © 2009 - 2025 Franchiseindia.com Ltd