Banarasi couture brand Warp 'n Weft has joined forces with fashion label World of Asra to create 'Aadhyavi,' a contemporary women's occasion wear collection, a modern take on traditional Indian textiles.
The collection features youthful mini dresses, tailored trench coats, and intricate Banarasi patterns.
A campaign featuring seven inspiring women highlights the collection's versatility and style. 'Aadhyavi' is now available at Warp 'n Weft and World of Asra stores.
Virgio, India’s leading sustainable fashion brand, has launched its first offline retail presence through a partnership with Broadway, a new-age multi-brand retail outlet. This collaboration brings Virgio’s eco-conscious collections to Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, Delhi, marking a major milestone for the brand.
Virgio’s presence at Broadway offers a unique shopping experience, combining style and sustainability. Customers can explore a wide selection of garments made from upcycled and eco-friendly materials, blending fashion with environmental responsibility. The store also features tech-enhanced garments, offering a seamless fusion of fashion and technology.
Broadway revolutionizes retail by merging physical and digital commerce, creating an immersive environment for both brands and consumers. It includes creator studios, consultation rooms, and sampling stations, designed to enhance the overall shopping experience.
The three-day launch event featured prominent interactions with industry leaders, including Rana Daggubati, part of Broadway’s founding team. Virgio’s community members were invited to engage with the brand through personalized shopping experiences, rewards, and styling consultations.
Amar Nagaram, Founder & CEO of Virgio, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the brand’s mission to make sustainable fashion more accessible. Broadway Co-Founder Vivek Biyani emphasized their shared vision of promoting eco-conscious, homegrown brands.
Virgio remains committed to reducing textile waste and embracing circular economy principles, offering customers sustainable and innovative fashion choices.
The Retailers Association of India (RAI) reported a modest 2 per cent growth in retail business for August 2024 compared to the same period last year. Despite positive economic conditions, many retailers recorded negative growth on a like-for-like basis, and double-digit growth remains elusive.
Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO of RAI, emphasized that retail performance in August was weak, with many retailers experiencing negative growth. However, he expressed optimism that the upcoming festive season could lead to positive growth, given the overall positive economic outlook.
Regionally, North and South India posted 3 per cent growth each, while East and West India lagged at 1 per cent. Among retail categories, food and grocery outperformed others with a 7 per cent rise, followed by jewellery at 5 per cent.
RAI has urged stakeholders to adopt strategies that boost consumer demand, paving the way for long-term growth in the sector.
Subdued consumption due to prolonged heat waves, election and inflation led to a Rs 22.72 crore consolidated net loss for retail chain Shoppers Stop during the first quarter of this fiscal ended June 2024. The retailer had recorded a net profit of Rs 14.49 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.
The retail chain’s consolidated revenue from operations increased to Rs 1,069.31 crore during the quarter from to Rs 993.61 crore in the same period last year. Its total expenses rose to Rs 1,104.51 crore from Rs 980.92 crore in the previous fiscal year.
To recover from these losses, the retail company plans to enhance focus on premiumisation, increase investment in marketing and set up high-end coffee shops in stores to enhance customers’ shopping experience, says Kavindra Mishra, Managing Director, Shoppers Stop.
The retailer also plans close a few unviable stores and rationalise costs during the year, adds Mishra.
As the festive season approaches, major e-commerce players like Flipkart and Amazon, along with direct-to-consumer brands, are preparing to tighten their return policies. This move aims to maximize profits and minimize logistical challenges during a period known for a surge in returns.
Experts predict that product returns for categories like fashion, accessories, home decor, and kidswear could be more difficult this festive season. Companies are looking to eliminate the costs associated with reverse logistics, staffing, and packaging, which can significantly impact margins.
High returns during festive season
As per Return Prime, a returns and exchange optimization platform’s estimates product returns can be as high as 30 per cent during the festive season, which typically sees a spike in e-commerce sales. And estimates suggest product returns could cost Indian e-commerce companies a almost $20-30 billion in revenue by 2025. The problem is further compounded by the fact that the rate of returns doubled during the pandemic, despite a 38 per cent growth in e-commerce sales.
What’s more fashion category sees the highest number of returns, followed by groceries and personal care. Impulsive buying driven by attractive festive deals often leads to buyer's remorse and subsequent returns. The cost of reverse logistics, which includes everything from product pickup and shipping to quality checks and refunds, can significantly impact profit margins. Industry experts estimate that returns can account for 10-12 peer cent of the entire product cost, leaving brands with slim earnings.
Steps to discourage returns
To counter returns, companies are reportedly considering a range of measures, including shorter return windows, imposing fees on frequent returners, restricting refunds to store credits, and limiting cash-on-delivery options. While e-commerce companies are keen to curb returns, they are treading cautiously to avoid alienating customers. Returns and replacements remain key drivers of online sales, with many consumers prioritizing the option to return products when shopping online. Any drastic policy changes could negatively impact sales, as eliminating returns entirely could lead to a 50 per cent drop in gross merchandise value (GMV).
E-commerce companies are exploring various tactics to reduce returns:
• Shortening the return window
• Charging a return fee for frequent returners
• Offering only store credit instead of refunds
• Disallowing payments at the time of delivery
Some sellers may also choose to be lenient with loyal customers while restricting return options for others. Platforms like Nykaa and Myntra now charge customers a platform fee to offset potential return expenses. However, the effectiveness of such measures in balancing customer satisfaction with profitability remains to be seen.
Overall, the festive season is likely to witness a subtle tightening of return policies as e-commerce companies seek to protect their margins in the face of increasing return rates. While the industry grapples with this challenge, customers can expect a more cautious approach to returns and exchanges in the coming months.
A renowned name in India’s artisanal and handcrafted retail industry, Jaypore has penetrated the Northeast market by opening its first store in Guwahati.
Known for its curated collections of artisanal apparel, home décor, and jewelry, Jaypore’s expansion into the Northeast marks an important milestone in the brand’s nationwide growth.
The new store offers a variety of unique, handcrafted items, each meticulously created by skilled artisans from various regions across India. It features an array of beautifully handcrafted products, from elegant apparel to intricately designed jewelry and home décor items. Each piece reflects a deep commitment to preserving India’s traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern design sensibilities.
Known for championing India’s cultural legacy, Jaypore aims to offer a more personalised and immersive shopping experience at its Guwahati location. The store's thoughtfully designed interior not only highlights the intricate craftsmanship of its products but also tells the stories of the artisans behind them. Each item on display is a testament to India’s vibrant and diverse heritage, making the store a destination for those who want to connect with the country’s cultural roots.
The Guwahati store represents a key step in Jaypore’s mission to make artisanal products accessible across India. This new venture not only makes the brand’s products more accessible to a wider audience but also provides a platform for local artisans to showcase their crafts on a national scale.
Gen Z-focused apparel brand Bonkers Corner has teamed up with Japanese brand Hello Kitty to launch a unique womenswear collection.
A part of a broader strategy by the House of Sanrio and its licensing agency, Dream Theatre, this collection will help expand Hello Kitty’s presence in India significantly.
The Bonkers Corner collection showcases Hello Kitty graphics on various garments, including skirts, oversized t-shirts, crop tops, bottoms, and caps.
Launching at Bonkers Corner’s flagship store in Lower Parel, Mumbai, the collection is priced between Rs 299 and Rs 1,099 and caters to Hello Kitty enthusiasts of all ages.
Shubham Gupta, Founder, Bonkers Corner says, a global icon, Hello Kitty embodies positivity and fun. The collaboration between these two brands enables Hello Kitty fans to experience the wacky and wonderful world of Bonkers Corner. The collaboration leads to creative explosion resulting in some crazy but awesome creations.
Japanese fashion retailer Uniqlo has introduced the UTme! India Art Project to showcase designs from emerging Indian artists. This marks the first time Uniqlo has collaborated with Indian artists to create unique designs for their UTme! T-shirts and tote bags. The exclusive collection will be available at Uniqlo’s Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj store in New Delhi
Collaborating with talented local artists on this collection helps the retailer further its commitment to the Indian community and celebrate its diversity, says Nidhi Rastogi, Marketing Director, Uniqlo India.
UTme! offers customers an opportunity to design their own Uniqlo T-shirts by selecting from a range of stickers available at the UTme! Machine. The designs are printed on-site, allowing customers to personalise their T-shirts and tote bags in just 20 minutes. Additionally, the sotre also sells pre-printed T-shirts featuring the new designs.
Uniqlo entered the Indian market in September 2019, opening a flagship store in New Delhi's Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj. It now operates eight stores in Delhi NCR, two in Mumbai, and one each in Chandigarh, Lucknow, and Zirakpur. The brand plans to open six to eight more stores in Mumbai and Pune over the next two years and is negotiating with several major malls in these cities.
Sidhant Keshwani, Founder and CEO, Libas, says, the D2C-first women’s fast fashion ethnic brand has ambitious plans to expand its physical presence across India. Over the next 18 months, Libas aims to open around 100 to 150 stores, targeting both major metros and key smaller state capitals, such as Chandigarh and Pune.
In September, Libas will open a store in Omaxe Mall in Delhi followed by another in Ghaziabad. It also plans to open a flagship store in Karol Bagh in early October, with additional stores planned for Bengaluru and Lucknow. By the end of the year, the brand will open stores in Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and more locations in Bengaluru. Beyond these initial launches, Libas plans to continue expanding its retail footprint across India in the coming year and a half.
Founded in 2004, the Delhi-based Libas specialises in modern ethnic wear, offering a range of apparel that blends contemporary style with traditional elegance. With a focus on quality and affordability, Libas caters to women of all ages, from loungewear to bridal lehengas. The brand has effectively leveraged digital platforms and D2C strategies to broaden its customer base, experiencing significant growth in recent years.
Libas’s growth has been fueled by its expanding product line, robust online presence, and strategic digital marketing efforts. In FY2025, The brand’s turnover increased to Rs 500 crore from Rs 300 crore in FY 2022. The brand’s omnichannel approach helped it grow, with around 18 stores currently operational. From September onward, Libas plans to launch three to four new stores every month.
The brand’s flagship store in Lajpat Nagar offers a wide range of products, from casual nightwear to bridal outfits. It also features an in-house stylist to assist customers, with the option for personalized consultations with a celebrity stylist by appointment. Additionally, the store offers a unique service where shoppers can book an entire day for personalised wedding and trousseau shopping.
Expanding its retail presence in Gujarat, leading sports and athleisure footwear brand, Campus has opened 10th store in the Vadodara. The brand currently operates 254 stores across India.
Most of the brand’s stores are located in Uttar Pradesh with the state having 52 Campus EBOs followed by Delhi with 32 stores.
The recent store opening in Vadodara is part of the brand’s strategic expansion to make its products more accessible to a broader audience. The company's focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has been the key to its growth and success in the competitive footwear market.
Founded in 2005 by Hari Krishan Agarwal, Campus offers a wide range of products including running shoes, walking shoes, casual shoes, sports shoes, sneakers, casual sandals and floaters, flip flops, and slides for men, women, and kids. Some of the notable collections include The Dark Knight, Campus Ogs, Clogs, Nitrofly, Air Capsule, and Nitro Boost.
Amid growing protests from retail trade bodies over deep discounts offered by major e-commerce players such as Amazon and Flipkart, all leading online platforms have announced their biggest sales of the year.
Led by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), trade bodies have called these deep discounts unethical and urged the government to intervene, accusing e-commerce giants of undermining the retail ecosystem.
Although aimed at attracting consumers, these discounts blatantly violate rules governing fair trade and pricing, says BC Bhartia, National President, CAIT. Heavy discounting distorts market competition and creates an uneven playing field, especially for smaller retailers and businesses unable to compete with the deep price cuts offered by large e-commerce companies, he adds.
Despite these concerns, major players in the e-commerce sector continue to offer significant price cuts to draw in consumers during this crucial shopping period. Saurabh Srivastava, Vice President – Categories, Amazon India, informs, this year, over 1.6 million sellers and brand partners are ready to present never-before-seen offers across categories such as fashion, health, beauty, electronics and groceries.
On being asked about concerns raised by small businesses over these discounts, Srivastava states, Amazon has always focused on enabling sellers, especially small and medium businesses, women entrepreneurs, artisans, and weavers. The e-commerce company helps them digitise and reach customers across the country. It remains supports sellers by facilitating their exports, he adds.
However, aggressive pricing tactics of e-commerce giants continue to damage their businesses, argue small traders. Steep discounts make it impossible for traditional retailers to compete, especially during the festive season when small businesses would typically see an increase in sales, they state.
While customers eagerly await these sales, the conflict between large e-commerce platforms and small retailers highlights the ongoing tension within India's retail landscape as deep discounting strategies remain a contentious issue.
Leading handbags and footwear brand, Lino Perros has made its offline debut with the launch of its first flagship store in Gurgaon. Located on the first floor of Airia Mall, the new store showcases the brand’s latest collection of handbags and footwear.
With nearly 25 years of experience in the fashion industry, Lino Perros plans to expand its operations. Featuring a palette of soft whites and peach tones, the new store’s interiors create a serene and balanced atmosphere. The gentle hues of the store not only add to the aesthetics but also highlight our products, enhancing the overall shopping experience, says Natasha Dua, Director.
Founded in 1999 by Sanjay Dua and Natasha Dua, Lino Perros boasts over 2,000 points of sale across 300 cities in India and is available on major e-commerce platforms including Flipkart, Amazon, and Myntra.
A recent report by JLL India paints a picture of a retail sector on steroids. Titled ‘India to add 45 mn. sq. ft of retail space in 5 Years, surpassing last decade's growth’, the report predicts a construction frenzy with a projected addition of a staggering 45 million sq. ft. of retail space by 2028. This growth, significantly outpacing the previous decade's 38 million sq. ft., indicates a booming market hungry for new shopping experiences.
Demand outpaces supply
The demand for retail space is being fueled by a combination of factors. India's growing economy, rising consumer confidence, and increasing brand presence are all contributing to a retail boom. JLL estimates that the current operational retail space in shopping malls across the top seven cities (Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai) stands at approximately 89 million sq. ft. However, the projected influx of 45 million sq. ft. suggests a potential gap between demand and supply in the short term. This presents an opportunity for developers to capitalize on the growing demand.
Table: Projected retail space growth by city (2024-28)
| Delhi NCR | 18.5 |
| Bengaluru | 12.2 |
| Mumbai | 7.8 |
| Hyderabad | 3.1 |
| Other Cities (Combined) | 3.4 |
Luxury, premium, and value, catering to diverse needs
The JLL report also indicates a trend towards diversification within the retail space segment. Malls are increasingly catering to different consumer segments with a mix of luxury, premium, and value brands. For example, Delhi’s DLF Emporio is a prime example of a luxury mall, it houses high-end designer boutiques, attracting a clientele with a taste for the finer things. Pune’s Phoenix Marketcity mall offers a diverse mix of premium and value brands, catering to a wider range of shoppers. This diversification reflects the evolving Indian consumer who is no longer a monolithic entity.
Malls vs high street, a co-existing future
The rise of malls doesn't necessarily spell doom for traditional high-street shopping. Experts believe that both formats can co-exist and thrive. Malls offer a curated shopping experience with a controlled environment, while high streets provide a more personal touch and a wider variety of local stores.
The JLL report suggests metros will be major contributors to the upcoming retail space expansion, accounting for a significant portion of the projected 45 million sq. ft. However, tier-II and tier-III cities are also expected to witness healthy growth as brands expand their reach and consumer spending power increases in these regions.
The report also highlights the fashion and lifestyle sector as a key driver of growth in the retail space. The increasing disposable income of young Indians is fueling a demand for trendy clothing, footwear, and accessories. This trend is expected to continue, with other sectors like electronics and homeware also witnessing significant growth.
JLL's report paints a picture of a vibrant and evolving retail landscape in India. With a surge in retail space, a focus on diverse experiences, and city-wise growth, the future of Indian retail appears bright. This retail renaissance presents exciting opportunities for brands, developers, and investors alike, catering to the ever-evolving needs of the Indian consumer.
