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Brands-To-Retail 16/04/24

Milind Soman to be the new running ambassador for Puma India

Renowned sports brand, Puma has announced esteemed fitness model, Milind Soman, as its new running ambassador for the Indian market. As a part of this collaboration, Soman will promote Puma’s Nitro range of footwear and apparel through diverse campaigns across various platforms. He will also participate in top running events and campaigns throughout the year, representing the brand with his unmatched vigor.

Emphasising on Soman’s pivotal role as a running icon in India, Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director, Puma India, highlights, the association underscores the brand’s unwavering commitment to support athletes across all spectrums, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. Soman’s addition to the Puma would further propel the running movement in the country, adds Balagopalan.

Through this collaboration Soman aims to inspire individuals across the world to transcend their perceived limitations and surpass challenges. Recognising the importance of quality running gear in enhancing the running experience, he pledged to collaborate closely with Puma.

Brands-To-Retail 16/04/24

Milind Soman to be the new running ambassador for Puma India

Ace Turtle bags ‘Award of Excellence’ at India Fashion Forum 2024

India's foremost technology-native retail company, Ace Turtle has bagged the prestigious Images 'Award of Excellence' at the India Fashion Forum 2024.

Organised by India’s prominent retail industry publication, Images, this accolade celebrates Ace Turtle's pioneering strides in establishing itself as India's premier fully digitally integrated retailer.

The Images Award of Excellence recognises trailblazing companies that have reshaped the retail landscape. Ace Turtle's steadfast dedication to seamless omnichannel integration across all facets of its operations - from online shopping experiences to in-store customer engagement - deeply impressed the jury.

Nitin Chhabra, CEO, Ace Turtle, states, this award validates the company’s distinctive tech-driven operational model, its unrivaled omnichannel technology prowess, and inherent technology-oriented mindset. It is further developing several pioneering retail technology innovations harnessing emerging technologies such as AI and IoT.

As part of its commitment to spearheading the next phase of evolution in the Indian retail industry through its Retail Nxt approach, Ace Turtle has been at the forefront with its tech-powered business model and development of proprietary tech platforms, namely Rubicon & Connect. Rubicon 3.0, the latest iteration of the omnichannel technology platform, empowers Ace Turtle to maintain a unified view and facilitate effortless, optimised management of commerce operations across channels for its licensed global brands like Lee, Wrangler, Toys"R"Us, Babies"R"Us, and Dockers. This encompasses a single view of catalogue, inventory & price across channels such as online marketplaces, websites, endless aisles, social commerce, and conversational commerce, extending to customer order management, optimised fulfillment, deliveries, returns, and customer support.

Currently deployed across more than 110 stores of Lee, Wrangler, Toys
R’Us, and Dockers in India, the Connect 2.0 app digitises the store’s operations, streamlining numerous manual activities. The app empowers retail store teams by enhancing their efficiency and engagement through communications, training, helpdesk services, and workflows. It equips store teams to execute vital store activities like omnichannel order fulfillment and visual merchandising using their smartphones. Additionally, the Connect 2.0 app incorporates new modules such as Settlement Reports, Retail Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Leaderboard, Store Weekly Performance, Training, and Attendance, enhancing overall operational effectiveness.

Brands-To-Retail 15/04/24

Ace Turtle bags ‘Award of Excellence’ at India Fashion Forum 2024

Resortwear brand Verandah attains Blue Mark certification

Resort wear and swimwear brand, Verandah has attained the prestigious Butterfly Mark certification for its dedication to the well-being of the planet.

The certification places Verandah among the esteemed ranks of global luxury giants like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Tom Ford Beauty, all recognised by Positive Luxury, a UK-based organisation specialising in sustainability within the luxury industry.

Anjali Patel Mehra, Founder, Verandah, explains, the brand embarked on a comprehensive evaluation spanning environmental impact, social responsibility, governance practices, and innovative initiatives.

The assessment covered an extensive criterion including labor standards, fair trade practices, alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), sustainable sourcing methods, waste management strategies, and corporate social responsibility efforts.

Receiving the Butterfly Mark certification marks a significant milestone for Verandah, with reassessments scheduled every two years. The brand aims to continue to excel in all sustainability aspects and embracing best practices to further minimise their ecological footprint, adds Mehra.

Verandah soon plans to unveil two collections, Anjuna and Parra, named after two enchanting villages in Goa, These collections embody the essence of Goa, known not just for its beaches and music but also for its captivating landscapes, adds Mehra.

Brands-To-Retail 5/04/24

Lee launches new collection of women’s denims

Iconic denim brand Lee launched a new women’s collection called ‘Denim Beyond Definition.’

Designed by couturier Suneet Varma, the collection features jackets, shirts, skirts, pants and dresses made from the denim fabric with unique embellishments. Targeting Gen-Z customers, the collection is priced between Rs 7,999 and Rs 16,999 and will be sold in Lee stores and online.

Collaborating with an Indian designer for the first time, Lee has designed its maiden collection in gold foil prints, plaid patterns, and metallic detailing. It aims to offers consumers a premium and unique product.

Not expecting high sales in the first season, Lee aims to use it to learn about his customers’ preferences and use that feedback to improve future collections.

The brand also plans to open 60 new stores in India by next year. It currently has 40 stores in the country. The brand’s products are currently sold in its exclusive stores, department stores, online marketplaces

Brands-To-Retail 2/04/24

Inditex to introduce two new brands Berkshka, Zara Home in India

In its latest annual report, Spanish fashion giant Inditex announced plans to introduce two of its renowned brands, Bershka and Zara Home, into the thriving Indian market. The brand will launch the inaugural store of Bershka will be located in Mumbai while the Zara Home store will be launched in Bengaluru.

Known for its previous successful ventures like Zara in 2010 and Massimo Dutti launched eight years ago, Inditex now plans to target India’s youth population. Through its Bershka store, the company aims to directly challenge Reliance Retail's new store Yousta, which also caters to the younger consumer segment.

According to experts, Bershka will be primarily geared towards teens to mid-20s, distinguishing itself from Zara's target audience of 20-40-year-old fashion enthusiasts. Devangshu Dutta, Founder, Third Eyesight, a retail consulting firm, notes, with its emphasis on knits and casual wear says, Bershka's product range will perfectly align with the lifestyle of its intended customer base, thus ensuring minimal cannibalisation of Zara's market share.

Whether Bershka will be able to strike the right price points demanded by young Indian consumers remains to be seen. According to a recent report by Motilal Oswal, valued at Rs 2.5 lakh crore and constituting 57 per cent of India’s total apparel market, the value fashion segment is one of the fastest-growing in India. The market is being explored by consumers with rising disposable incomes beyond metro and Tier-1 cities.

A unit of the Tata Group's Trent, Zudio has witnessed remarkable growth since its inception in 2016-17, boasting nearly 400 standalone stores. The store’s success has spurred the entry of national retailers like Yousta by Reliance Retail, Style-Up by Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, and InTune by Shoppers Stop into the affordable youth clothing segment. This competitive landscape underscores the significance of understanding and catering to the evolving preferences of Indian consumers in the fashion industry.

Brands-To-Retail 15/04/24

Inditex to introduce two new brands Berkshka, Zara Home in India

Levi’s expands brick-and-mortar presence in Rajasthan

Denim and casual wear brand Levi’s has expanded its brick-and-mortar presence in Rajasthan by opening first exclusive brand outlet in Ajmer. Located in the Mittal Mall in the city, the store houses a selection of apparel and accessories for men and women.

The store offers the ‘Denim for Life’ collection of classic jeans by Levi’s. Additionally, it also houses chinos, shirts, and tapered pants, etc. Shoppers can also select from a wide range of graphic t-shirts, casual separates, and more feminine designs for women such as denim maxi skirts.

Established in 1873 in the US, Levi’s is present in over 110 countries worldwide. The brand has several exclusive brand outlets in India besides a dedicated e-commerce store.

Brands-To-Retail 5/04/24

Puma India collaborates with IPL team ‘Delhi Players’ for new campaign

Sportswear brand Puma India has collaborated with the IPL team ‘Delhi Players’ to launch a new campaign to connect with the team’s passionate fanbase.

Titled ‘Delhi Save the Light’, the campaign stars cricketers Ishant Sharma, Yash Dhull and Rishab Pant. It portrays Delhi’s strong-willed nature, says Dhull. Shreya Sachdev, Marketing Head, Puma India, believes, the campaign celebrates the unwavering spirit of Delhities.

The campaign enables Puma India, the official kit partner for Delhi Capitals to not only spread the excitement of cricket across the country but also boost sales of their merchandise by riding the wave of the team's strong fanbase.

Brands-To-Retail 2/04/24

Zodiac launches 2024 Positano Pure Linen Collection

The menswear brand by Zodiac Clothing Company (ZCCL), Zodiac has launched the 2024 Positano Pure Linen Collection crafted from linen woven from flax grown in the Normandy region of France which is amongst the best quality in the world. The unique soil and climatic conditions of this region coupled with generations of expertise inherited by the local flax growers result in taller, more slender flax plants which results in very high quality Linen fabric.

The color palette of this collection reflects the mesmerising sight of Positano, a quaint town situated at the Amalfi Coast on the Italian Riviera- beige, pink, yellow and terra cotta houses cascading down the side of hills to the crystal blue Mediterranean waters.

They are available in a wide range of solids, stripes and checks in both short and long sleeves, and can be paired with Zodiac Linen Jackets, Trousers & Bandhgalas for a very elegant ensemble.

Salman Noorani,, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Zodiac Clothing Company, says, the colors of shirts in Zodiac’s 2024 Positano Collection showcase the hues of the Italian Riveira in the linen fabrics woven from French flax.

A vertically integrated, trans-national, ZCCL controls the entire clothing chain from design, manufacturing, distribution to retail sales.

With a manufacturing base in India and sales offices across India, UK, Germany and the US, ZCCL employs around 2,500 people. The company operates a 5,000 sq ft Italian inspired design studio at its Mumbai Corporate office which is a LEED Gold certified building. The brand is retailed across India at premium prices through over 100 company-managed stores and over 1,000 multi – brand retailers.

Brands-To-Retail 13/04/24

MBL extends partnership with Crocs India

Leading footwear and accessories specialty retailers, Metro Brands (MBL), has extended its partnership with Crocs India (CIL), a global leader in innovative casual footwear. The two companies have signed a retail partnership agreement, granting MBL exclusive rights to operate and own Crocs ‘full price’ stores across the western and southern states in India and increase in residual balance term of the contract.

Further, the agreement gives MBL the right to continue, renew and operate all existing Crocs stores currently operational in Northern & Eastern states of India.

Initiated in 2008, the partnership introduced Crocs' products within MBL multi-brand outlets. In 2015, both the the brands inked a nonexclusive retail license agreement authorising MBL to distribute Crocs products in India, aligning seamlessly with the MBL mission of bringing global brands to India and offering a dynamic retail experience to its customers. Today, MBL operates over 200 exclusive stores of Crocs across India.

Sumit Dhingra, Vice President & General Manager, India, Middle East & Africa, Crocs says, the brand’s partnership with Metro Brands has played a pivotal role in translating its unique value proposition of self-expression, personalisation and iconic comfort – into a retail experience that resonates deeply with Indian consumers.

Nissan Joseph, CEO, Metro Brands adds, the company’s partnership with Crocs has been extraordinary, and it is poised for further growth in advancing Crocs' presence in our country.

Brands-To-Retail 2/04/24

MBL extends partnership with Crocs India

Business Standard organises ‘BS Manthan’ to explore luxury’s sector’s potential in India

With global luxury brands turning their attention to India, and indigenous luxury labels venturing into international markets, the luxury sector is poised to play a pivotal role in India's aspiration to position itself as a developed nation by 2047.

However, navigating the luxury business terrain demands steadfast relationship-building, time, and infrastructure support. To explore India’s potential to keep pace with these demands, Business Standard organised a two-day national
two-day national summit titled ‘BS Manthan,’ on Mar 27 and 28 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Held under the theme ‘Ramp to resorts to retail: How can luxury in 2047 redefine a developed India,’ the summit comprised forward thinking discussions by industry leaders and observers. These leaders envisioned the luxury industry's trajectory over the next 23 years.

According to ‘The State of Fashion 2024’ report by The Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company, India is deemed one of the most promising destinations for luxury consumption globally. This sentiment was echoed by Benedicte Epinay, CEO, Comité Colbert, France's luxury association, citing a 75 per cent increase in the desire for luxury products. Pushpa Bector, Senior Executive Director, DLF Retail, termed the next decade as ‘the decade of retail for India.’

Industry stalwarts like Kapil Chopra, Founder, The Postcard Hotel, and Abheek Singhi, Managing Director, Boston Consulting Group, dissected the luxury sector's potential to propel India towards its development goals. Featuring luminaries such as Alexis de Ducla, Mathieu Lustrerie and Nikhil Sethi, KPMG India, the panel aimed to catalyse ideas among policymakers, government officials, industry leaders, and innovative entrepreneurs attending the summit.

Brands-To-Retail 30/03/24

Business Standard organises ‘BS Manthan’ to explore luxury’s sector’s potential in India

Trent’s revenue grow to Rs 82.13 billion in fiscal 2023

In the fiscal year 2023, Trent revenues grew to Rs 82.13 billion while its profit after tax rose to Rs 5.55 billion. Boasting a remarkable 25.6 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last five years, along with a commendable dividend payout of 20 per cent, this growth trajectory reflects the exceptional leadership of Venkatesalu P, CEO and Executive Director.
Under the dynamic leadership of Venkatesalu P, Trent has experienced an impressive market capitalisation of Rs 1.45 trillion. His strategic prowess has propelled Trent to achieve substantial growth in both revenue and net profit, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the retail sector.
Trent's retail portfolio comprises a diverse range of brands and concepts in the fashion and lifestyle space, including Westside, Zudio, Utsa, Misbu, and Samoh.
As a testament to Venkat's adept execution of innovative concepts that deliver value to stakeholders, analysts' subsequent reports have confirmed the resounding success of Trent's retail brands with Zudio shining brightly as a beacon of affordable fast fashion
Zudio has excelled not just in offering a compelling customer value proposition, but also swiftly launching trendy collections, leveraging robust customer insights, implementing vertical integration to streamline the product creation life cycle, establishing a robust retail brand within a relatively short period and creating a competitive advantage through offline stores in an e-commerce-driven landscape.

Brands-To-Retail 8/04/24

Westside launches three stores in South India

A subsidiary of Tata Group’s Trent Ltd, Westside expanded its South India operations by launching three new stores in Kalamassery (Kochi), Velachery (Chennai), and Hesaraghatta (Bengaluru).

These newly launched stores retail an extensive range of Westside's 22 in-house brands including Bombay Paisley, Vark, Noun, LOV, Gia, Noun Men, ETA, Studio West, Westside Kidwear, Westside Footwear and Westside Home.

They sell various categories including womenswear, menswear, kidswear, footwear, lingerie, cosmetics, perfumes, accessories, and home furniture.
Raja Kasim, Regional Head, Trent describes the new stores as ‘ultimate fashion destinations’ tailored to meet every style need.

Established in 1998, Westside has been steadily expanding its footprint. By April 2022, the brand opened 200 stores across India. It currently operates 231 stores across the country.

In addition to Westside, Tata Trent manages several other apparel brands including Zudio, Utsa, and Samoh. They also oversee the beauty, accessories, and decor brand Misbu, as well as the hypermarket and supermarket chain Star. Furthermore, the company has joint ventures with Spain’s Inditex SA, operating Zara and Massimo Dutti labels in India.

Brands-To-Retail 2/04/24

Metro Brands renews partnership with Crocs India

Metro Brands (MBL) has renewed its partnership with Crocs India with notable adjustments to the agreement terms. The renewed agreement gives Metro Brands exclusive rights to own and operate Crocs ‘full price’ stores across the western and southern states of India along with an extension of the contract's residual balance term.

Additionally, the agreement retains MBL’s rights to maintain, renew, and operate all existing stores currently operational in the Northern and Eastern states.
This renewal marks the evolution from the previous Non-Exclusive Retail License Agreement signed in April 2015 between the two companies, effectively superseding it.

Launched in 2008, the partnership between MBL and Crocs India began with the introduction of Crocs' products within MBL's multi-brand outlets. Subsequently, in 2015, the companies entered a non-exclusive retail license agreement, allowing MBL to distribute Crocs products in India. Presently, MBL operates over 200 exclusive Crocs stores.

Commending MBL’s role in enhancing Croc’s presence in India, Sumit Dhingra, VP and General Manager, India, Middle East, and Africa emphasised their contribution in creating a retail experience resonating deeply with Indian consumers.

Besides Crocs, Metro Brands also boasts an array of Indian labels like Metro Shoes, Mochi, Walkway, and international brands such as Crocs, Fila, and FitFlop. Additionally, the company recently partnered with the US-based footwear giant Foot Locker.

Brands-To-Retail 30/03/24