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Retail 14/07/26

Myntra scales luxury fragrance footprint with Chloé launch

Myntra Beauty has further solidified its position in the premium retail segment by onboarding the iconic French fragrance house, Chloé, to its Luxe storefront. This strategic inclusion introduces nearly 30 distinct fragrance variants from the brand’s celebrated Eau de Parfum, Nomade, and Lumineuse collections to the Indian market. With price points commencing at INR 9,000, the launch caters to a burgeoning cohort of affluent Indian consumers who view premium fragrances not merely as grooming essentials, but as vital instruments of personal branding and self-expression. By offering these scents in various sizes ranging from 30ml to 100ml, Myntra is effectively addressing both the demand for accessible luxury and the gifting market.

Tapping into a resurgent fragrance economy

The integration of a heritage brand like Chloé underscores a significant shift in India’s beauty landscape, where consumer preferences are migrating toward global luxury standards. Deepak Joshi, Senior Director of Category Management for Beauty and Personal Care at Myntra, notes that today's Indian beauty enthusiasts are highly discerning, globally aware, and increasingly seek premium brands that align with their personal identity. This move is part of Myntra’s broader initiative to bridge the gap between international innovation and local demand. By leveraging its expansive distribution infrastructure, which reaches both major metropolitan hubs and emerging Tier-II and Tier-III markets, Myntra is facilitating a discovery-led shopping experience that enables global luxury houses to attain meaningful scale within the Indian subcontinent.

Focusing on tech-enabled personalization

Myntra is a premier Indian destination for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle e-commerce, offering a curated catalog of global and domestic brands. The platform focuses on tech-enabled discovery, personalization, and rapid delivery. Through its Luxe storefront, Myntra continues to expand its premium beauty portfolio to capture the growing aspirational market.

Retail 14/07/26

Myntra scales luxury fragrance footprint with Chloé launch

India’s retail leasing hits 2.4 mn sq ft in Q2 as fashion brands expand aggressively

India's organized retail market is witnessing one of its strongest growth phases in recent years, with retailers increasing physical store rollouts despite tight availability of premium retail space. The latest ‘Retail Market Beat Report’ for Q2 2026 by Cushman & Wakefield reveals, retail leasing reached 2.4 million sq. ft. during the quarter, a 17.6 per cent year-on-year increase and a 23.2 per cent sequential rise. The momentum reflects growing confidence among retailers, particularly fashion and lifestyle companies, which continue to expand aggressively across metros and other consumption hubs. With cumulative leasing during the first half of 2026 touching 4.35 million sq. ft, retailers are prioritizing speed in securing locations as competition for quality assets intensifies.

The report also indicates that constrained Grade A supply is reshaping expansion strategies, prompting brands to diversify beyond malls into high-street locations rather than delaying store launches.

Malls and high streets share growth story

India's retail leasing activity is no longer driven by malls alone. Instead, retailers are adopting a balanced location strategy as limited premium inventory forces them to look beyond traditional shopping centres. Organized malls accounted for 1.23 million sq. ft, which is 51.3 per cent of total leasing during the quarter and growing 21.9 per cent year-on-year. Main streets followed closely with 1.17 million sq. ft, contributing 48.7 per cent of leasing activity while expanding 13.3 per cent annually.

A major factor behind this trend is the shrinking availability of quality mall space. Grade A mall vacancy declined to just 5 per cent, leaving retailers with limited options for immediate expansion.

Table: Q2 2026 Retail leasing overview

Market	Leasing volume	Year-on-year growth
Total Leasing Volume	2.4 mn sq ft	17.60%
Malls (Organized)	1.23 mn sq ft	21.90%
Main Streets	1.17 mn sq ft	13.30%
Grade A Mall Vacancy	5%	(163 bps decline)

The narrowing vacancy levels have effectively transformed malls and high streets into complementary channels. While malls remain the preferred destination for flagship stores and premium positioning, high streets are becoming increasingly important for maintaining expansion momentum where quality mall inventory is unavailable.

Domestic fashion brands take the lead

Fashion and apparel remained the single largest occupier segment during the quarter, accounting for 28.2 per cent of all retail leasing activity. Domestic retailers emerged as the principal growth engine, leasing 1.98 million sq. ft. of the total space absorbed during Q2. Their expansion strategies continue to focus on widening physical networks across Tier-I cities while simultaneously entering high-potential Tier-II markets. International retailers, in comparison, accounted for 17.6 per cent of leasing volumes and largely maintained their preference for premium Grade A malls, where store ambience and customer experience align with global brand positioning.

Geographically, activity remained concentrated in India's largest consumption centres. Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Hyderabad together contributed nearly 64 per cent of overall leasing, reflecting retailers' preference for densely populated markets offering stronger purchasing power, higher footfalls and established retail ecosystems.

Expansion models become more flexible

The tightening supply environment is encouraging retailers to rethink traditional location strategies. Rather than relying exclusively on shopping malls, several large domestic apparel companies are adopting a dual-format expansion model. Premium collections and flagship concepts continue to anchor themselves inside Grade A malls, preserving brand visibility and customer experience. Simultaneously, value-fashion formats and mass-market brands are increasingly opening standalone outlets on prominent high streets.

This diversified approach allows retailers to continue network expansion without waiting for new mall developments, while also strengthening visibility across commercial districts where organized retail supply remains limited. The sustained double-digit growth in high-street leasing suggests this strategy is becoming an industry-wide response to constrained supply rather than a temporary adjustment.

New supply may ease pressure

Although current demand continues to outpace available inventory, the supply outlook over the next two years appears considerably stronger. Approximately 12.7 million sq. ft.of organized retail space is expected to enter the market between 2026 and 2028. Of this, nearly 1.6 million sq. ft. is scheduled for delivery during the second half of 2026.

Delhi NCR is expected to account for over half of the upcoming supply, potentially easing pressure in one of India's most competitive retail markets. Until these projects become operational, however, landlords are expected to retain significant negotiating power. Limited vacancy in existing Grade A malls is likely to keep rentals high while reducing incentives and concessions for incoming retailers.

For retailers, the coming supply pipeline offers greater visibility for long-term expansion planning. Yet in the immediate term, the competition for premium retail space is expected to remain intense, particularly among fashion brands seeking strategic locations before the next wave of inventory enters the market.

As India's consumption story continues to strengthen, retail real estate is becoming a strategic differentiator rather than simply an operational requirement. The latest leasing figures suggest that apparel and lifestyle companies are not merely expanding store counts, they are competing for the country's most productive retail destinations to secure future market share in a competitive consumer market.

Retail 13/07/26

India’s retail leasing hits 2.4 mn sq ft in Q2 as fashion brands expand aggressively

Flipkart to strengthen market position with focus on seller retention

Flipkart aims to strengthen its market position by prioritizing seller retention. The e-commerce company has extended its zero-commission policy to the entire fashion category to enable approximately 90,000 transacting sellers to retain their full margins across every fashion segment. This strategic decision serves as a significant capital injection for the merchant ecosystem, allowing homegrown brands, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and direct-to-consumer (D2C) labels to reinvest revenue into product innovation, inventory expansion, and brand development. By prioritizing seller retention, the platform aims to strengthen its competitive positioning against regional retail rivals while catering to a rapidly evolving consumer base.

Data-driven retail empowerment

The initiative is deeply integrated with the platform’s advanced seller dashboard, which now provides merchants with AI-powered demand insights and trend analytics. This technological support is particularly vital as Gen Z consumers, who currently constitute nearly half of the platform’s fashion audience, drive a shift toward fast-changing lifestyle trends. By extending this seller-first initiative across the entire fashion category, we are making a long-term investment in our sellers so they can invest more confidently in innovation, assortment expansion, and brand building, notes Kapil Thirani, Vice President, Flipkart Fashion. This ecosystem approach ensures that merchants can respond to localized demand fluctuations with greater agility, ultimately providing consumers with a more diversified and premium product selection.

Supporting a vast network of sellers

Founded in 2007, Flipkart is a leading Indian e-commerce marketplace serving over 500 million registered users. The platform supports a vast network of 1.4 million sellers across categories including fashion, electronics, and home essentials. Current initiatives prioritize digital empowerment for MSMEs, quick commerce expansion, and sustainable supply chain growth.

Retail 10/07/26

Flipkart to strengthen market position with focus on seller retention

Sabhyata blends contemporary design with rich heritage in new Jammu & Kashmir store

A major player in the Indian ethnic fashion landscape, Sabhyata enhances its North India presence with its store launch at City Mall in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. In this store the brand integrates its contemporary design philosophy with the rich cultural heritage of the Kashmir Valley. The store enables the brand to serve a growing demographic that increasingly favors the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern functional aesthetics.

Capitalizing on regional consumer sentiment

The decision to open a flagship-style store in Srinagar reflects a broader industry trend where retailers are prioritizing deep-rooted engagement in Tier-II and Tier-III markets over sheer metropolitan saturation. Sabhyata’s focus remains on delivering versatile apparel - ranging from everyday office wear to curated festive collections - that addresses the needs of the modern Indian woman. The brand’s expansion into Srinagar is not merely about increasing their store count; it is about becoming an integral part of the local lifestyle by offering garments that resonate with the cultural pulse of the Valley, remarks a company official. The brand’s ability to maintain a consistent price-value proposition while navigating the logistical complexities of Himalayan retail underscores its mature supply chain capabilities and operational resilience.

Strategic scalability and market penetration

As the brand continues its aggressive growth trajectory, it maintains a lean and efficient operational model that allows for rapid store rollouts. With a robust portfolio exceeding 120 exclusive brand outlets across the country, Sabhyata leverages a mix of company-owned stores and strategic franchise partnerships to drive revenue. By emphasizing high-footfall shopping destinations like City Mall, the brand ensures maximum visibility and accessibility for its target audience. Looking ahead, this move signifies a proactive effort to solidify its market share in the North, ensuring that local consumers have direct access to its evolving collections without the dependence on secondary or online-only channels.

For women seeking affordable traditional clothing

Founded in 2003 by Anil Arora and Pankaj Anand, Sabhyata is a prominent Indian ethnic wear brand offering kurtas, salwar suits, and fusion apparel. Headquartered in Noida, the brand caters to modern women seeking affordable, high-quality traditional clothing. Sabhyata currently operates over 120 exclusive outlets nationwide and continues to expand its physical footprint through a calculated franchise and company-owned store model.

Retail 7/07/26

Sabhyata blends contemporary design with rich heritage in new Jammu & Kashmir store

Myntra intensifies market penetration with data-driven campaign

Myntra has launched its ‘Mega Savings Sale’ for July 2026, marking a strategic shift toward sustained demand generation beyond its traditional flagship event windows. Moving away from the conventional reliance on deep-discount cycles alone, the platform is now utilizing AI-driven personalization to map consumer intent across both metro and non-metro markets. By leveraging predictive analytics to curate inventory - spanning from premium international beauty labels to high-growth categories like gender-neutral streetwear - the company is effectively lowering customer acquisition costs. Senior analysts note that this ‘always-on’ promotional philosophy allows the platform to maintain high conversion velocity while simultaneously helping domestic D2C brands scale operations through integrated performance dashboards and logistics support.

Strategic impact on the digital fashion ecosystem

The current campaign underscores a broader shift in Indian e-commerce: the transition from volume-based price wars to an ‘insight-led’ retail model. By integrating features such as AI-powered skin analyzers and virtual try-on tools, Myntra is reducing return rates - a critical margin-killer in onlinpe fashion - by roughly 15 per cent across key segments. Success today is determined by the ability to match inventory depth with localized demand signals long before the sale window opens, states an industry observer. With the platform’s ‘Rising Stars’ program providing newfound market access to emerging labels, the initiative serves as both a consumer-facing value driver and a foundational growth engine for the broader domestic apparel industry.

A dominant name in Indian e-commerce

Myntra is a premier Indian fashion and lifestyle e-commerce platform offering extensive apparel, beauty, and home accessories. It focuses on scaling D2C brands via its technology-led ecosystem. The company maintains a dominant position in online retail, continuously expanding its logistics network and high-tech shopping experiences to drive long-term consumer retention.

Retail 13/07/26

Myntra intensifies market penetration with data-driven campaign

Style Union strengthens Mumbai presence with second store at Inorbit Vashi

The rapidly scaling value-fashion retailer under Apparel Group India, Style Union has reinforced its footprint in the Mumbai metropolitan region with the inauguration of its second store at Inorbit Mall, Vashi. This latest addition represents a calculated maneuver to secure high-visibility space in established suburban retail hubs, shifting the brand’s focus toward affluent micro-markets that demand immediate access to current trends. By securing a premium location on the second floor, the brand aims to capture high-intent footfall, positioning itself as a primary destination for consumers seeking affordable, trend-led apparel and accessories.

Data-driven replenishment drives velocity

To counter the inventory stagnation that often plagues the value-retail sector, Style Union is leveraging a high-velocity replenishment model. The brand introduces over 150 fresh styles every week across its menswear, womenswear, and kidswear lines. This agility is underpinned by a technology-first supply chain architecture, which integrates real-time inventory tracking to ensure high sell-through rates. By maintaining this rapid product refresh cycle, the company effectively mitigates the risks associated with fashion obsolescence. As noted by a company spokesperson, the Vashi store serves not merely as a point of sale but as an integral node in the brand's broader ‘phygital’ infrastructure, harmonizing its expansive e-commerce operations with a tactile, in-store discovery experience.

Offering trend-focused clothing for the entire clothing

Launched in 2022, Style Union is a fast-growing fashion retailer specializing in affordable, trend-focused clothing for the entire family. The brand operates a hybrid model across 140+ stores and digital platforms. With a focus on fast-fashion cycles and tech-enabled logistics, it reported a Rs 1,400 crore business scale recently.

Retail 9/07/26

Style Union strengthens Mumbai presence with second store at Inorbit Vashi

Baazar Style Retail accelerates expansion following strong Q1 performance

Baazar Style Retail has maintained its growth trajectory into the new fiscal year, reporting a 29 per cent Y-o-Y rise in standalone revenue to Rs 486 crore for Q1, FY26 ended June 30, 2026. This performance, underpinned by a 7 per cent same-store sales growth (SSSG), demonstrates the company’s ability to retain consumer interest in an increasingly competitive value fashion landscape. The Kolkata-based retailer ended the quarter with 276 operational stores, following a net addition of 13 outlets, effectively increasing its total retail footprint to 25.80 lakh sq ft.

Operational efficiency drives market gains

The company’s expansion strategy is increasingly characterized by a focus on ‘densification’ -strengthening its presence within existing geographic clusters to capture a larger share of the organized retail market. Beyond physical expansion, Baazar Style Retail is refining its supply chain efficiency to support its ambitious target of reaching 450–500 stores by 2029. By leveraging data-backed inventory management and a growing portfolio of private labels, which currently contribute over 50 per cent to its revenue mix, the company is successfully insulating its margins from external pricing pressures. Our ability to scale rapidly while maintaining positive same-store metrics validates our value-focused, family-oriented retail model, noted a senior company executive during recent investor disclosures.

Navigating strategic diversification

While apparel remains the primary revenue driver, contributing roughly 87 per cent of sales, the retailer is actively diversifying its assortment. The strategic infusion of capital through its recent partnership with Cupid Limited is currently being deployed to strengthen the balance sheet and facilitate a move into personal care and wellness products. This integration is designed to increase footfall and average transaction value (ATV) across its store network. As the company continues to invest in SAP-led digital infrastructure and advanced warehouse management, it is positioning itself to outperform regional competitors by improving stock turnover and responsiveness to seasonal demand shifts.

Baazar Style Retail is a prominent value fashion retailer established in 2013, headquartered in Kolkata. It offers apparel and lifestyle products for families across Tier II and Tier III cities. With over 276 stores, the company targets 25 per cent annual revenue growth and aims to reach 500 stores by 2029.

Retail 6/07/26

Baazar Style Retail accelerates expansion following strong Q1 performance

CCI evaluates anti-trust complaint against Flipkart

India’s e-commerce landscape is facing renewed regulatory tension as the Competition Commission of India (CCI) evaluates a fresh antitrust complaint against the Walmart-owned platform, Flipkart. Filed in July 2026 by the Forum for Internet Retailers, Sellers, and Traders (FIRST), the petition alleges that the e-commerce giant leverages a self-replenishing subsidy pool - reportedly valued at approximately Rs 3,000 crore - to facilitate deep discounting. The grievance contends that these financial structures allow a select cohort of 33 preferred sellers to undercut broader market prices, thereby creating an uneven playing field for over 1.4 million independent merchants operating on the platform. The complaint specifically posits that Flipkart functions as an inventory-led business model in substance, despite its formal registration as a neutral marketplace.

The shift to seller-inclusive incentives

This regulatory friction arrives as Flipkart simultaneously broadens its seller-centric initiatives to bolster ecosystem participation. The platform recently expanded its zero-commission policy to encompass all fashion product categories, removing previous price-point caps. According to corporate statements, this policy adjustment is designed to assist nearly 90,000 sellers, including MSMEs and direct-to-consumer labels, by improving profit retention. While Flipkart maintains that its operations adhere to all legal mandates and that it remains committed to fostering long-term value for its stakeholders, the CCI probe highlights a critical sector-wide struggle: balancing aggressive consumer-facing price wars with the equitable treatment of the digital supply chain.

Flipkart is a premier Indian e-commerce platform offering a diverse range of products, including electronics, fashion, and home goods. Key categories include apparel, lifestyle, and consumer durables. The company focuses on scaling its seller ecosystem through digital infrastructure while expanding its logistics footprint, maintaining a dominant position in India's competitive retail market.

Retail 13/07/26

CCI evaluates anti-trust complaint against Flipkart

Raymond Group strengthens strategic communications role with new appointment

The Raymond Group has appointed communications veteran Shalini Singh as Group Head of Corporate Communications, a move signaling the conglomerate’s intent to fortify its brand equity during a period of rapid industrial diversification. Singh, who brings over 27 years of experience in reputation management and strategic advisory, will oversee internal and external messaging, crisis management, and stakeholder engagement. This appointment follows a series of high-profile leadership changes at the group, most notably the on-boarding of Bhanu Prakash Shrivastava, Former Chairman, Bharat Electronics as the new CEO of its burgeoning defence and aerospace business. Collectively, these strategic hires reflect Raymond’s transition from a legacy textile manufacturer into a multifaceted industrial powerhouse.

Aligning communications with diversification

As Raymond pivots toward high-margin sectors - including precision engineering and defence electronics - the group requires a robust narrative framework to manage evolving stakeholder perceptions. With the recent Rs 682 crore acquisition of Maini Precision Products and a strategic push into aerospace systems, the company’s corporate communications function is now tasked with effectively articulating this complex growth story to investors and regulators. According to industry analysts, the integration of seasoned leadership like Singh is instrumental in ensuring that the group’s identity remains cohesive as it balances its traditional lifestyle and retail dominance with its ambitious new manufacturing verticals.

Pursuing market-led growth

Raymond Group is a diversified conglomerate with a legacy in high-quality textiles and apparel. Beyond its core retail and lifestyle business, it is rapidly expanding into aerospace, defence, and precision engineering. The group is currently undergoing a structural transformation, focusing on market-led growth, technology-driven manufacturing, and enhanced institutional governance.

Retail 9/07/26

Organized retail, e-commerce drive India’s lingerie market towards $9.6 bn

India’s lingerie market is evolving from a largely functional apparel category into a premium, comfort-driven segment, attracting consumer spending. As per estimates, the market, valued at $5.06 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $9.57 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2 per cent. The shift reflects broader changes in consumer lifestyles, rising disposable incomes, rapid urbanization, and the growing purchasing power of financially independent women. As consumers become more discerning, demand is being driven by fit, comfort, fabric innovation, and product specialization rather than price alone.

Refer

Organized retail changed shopping experience

One of the strongest growth drivers has been the expansion of organized retail formats. For decades, innerwear purchases in India were largely confined to neighborhood hosiery stores where product selection was limited and customer experience remained basic. Today, exclusive brand outlets, specialty lingerie stores, and modern retail chains are redefining the category. Retailers are investing heavily in personalized fitting services, curated store layouts, and trained customer advisors to improve consumer confidence and encourage premium purchases.

Leading brands have increased their physical expansion across Tier I and II cities, reflecting growing demand beyond the traditional metro markets. The organized retail push has also contributed to greater category awareness, helping consumers explore specialized products such as shapewear, sports bras, seamless innerwear, and maternity collections.

Innovation moves to center stage

Product innovation is emerging as a key differentiator in a competitive market. Consumers are no longer satisfied with basic functionality and are actively seeking products that address comfort, performance, and lifestyle requirements. Manufacturers are incorporating moisture-management fabrics, anti-bacterial treatments, seamless construction technologies, and lightweight performance materials into mainstream collections. These features, once considered premium add-ons, are rapidly becoming standard expectations.

Brands are also tailoring products to specific use cases, including office wear, athleisure, travel, and wellness-focused categories. Seamless innerwear, designed to eliminate visible garment lines and improve comfort during extended wear, has witnessed strong traction among urban consumers. Similarly, climate-responsive products designed for India's tropical conditions are gaining popularity.

Shapewear emerges as the fastest-growing segment

While brassieres and panties continue to dominate category sales, growth patterns reveal changing consumer preferences and significant opportunities in specialized segments.

Table: Market share distribution by product category (current valuation lifecycle)

Product segment	Current market share	Compounded annual velocity (CAGR)	Dominant consumer material
Brassieres/ Tops	46.00%	8.90%	Cotton Blends, Spacer Fabrics
Briefs/Panties	38.00%	6.40%	Premium Micromodal, Pure Cotton
Shapewear/ Active	11.00%	15.00%	High-Spandex Elastane, Nylon Blends
Loungewear/ Others	5.00%	9.20%	Viscose, Rayon, Silk Synthetics

Brassieres and tops account for nearly half of total market value, while briefs and panties represent another 38 per cent. However, the standout performer is the shapewear and activewear category, which is increasing at a CAGR of 15 per cent, significantly outpacing the broader market. The growth highlights rising consumer interest in body-sculpting products, active lifestyles, and occasion-based intimate wear. Experts view this segment as one of the most attractive opportunities for margin expansion over the next several years.

Digital platforms increase market reach

E-commerce has emerged as a critical growth engine for the lingerie sector by addressing two longstanding consumer concerns: privacy and product availability. Digital-first brands and online marketplaces have grown access to premium intimate wear across Tier II and Tier III cities, where organized retail penetration remains relatively low. Advanced technologies such as AI-powered fit calculators and personalized recommendations are helping consumers make more confident purchase decisions while reducing product return rates.

The direct-to-consumer model has also enabled brands to bypass multiple layers of traditional distribution, allowing them to invest more aggressively in product development, customer acquisition, and brand building. This digital expansion is proving particularly effective in bringing premium products to consumers outside major metros, increasing the addressable market.

Northern India leads consumption

Regionally, Northern India has emerged as the largest market, accounting for approximately one-third of total domestic demand. Cities such as Delhi-NCR, Chandigarh, and Jaipur are witnessing particularly strong growth, supported by higher concentrations of dual-income households, greater mall penetration, and increasing acceptance of premium apparel categories. Experts note the purchasing behavior in these markets mirrors trends seen in more mature global intimate wear markets, where consumers prioritize comfort, quality, and brand trust.

Despite strong momentum, the sector continues to face operational challenges. Intimate wear manufacturing involves complex production processes, multiple garment components, and exposure to fluctuations in raw material costs. At the same time, digital advertising expenses continue to rise, increasing customer acquisition costs for brands.

Yet some of the most promising opportunities lie in underserved consumer segments, particularly plus-size and size-inclusive categories. Brands are utilizing customer data and digital fitting technologies to develop more precise sizing that move beyond conventional small, medium, and large classifications. The strategy is helping companies address long-standing market gaps while building stronger customer loyalty and repeat purchase behavior.

Premiumization defines the next growth phase

The broader retail sector reflects growing consumer willingness to spend on specialized and premium apparel categories. International brands entering India through strategic partnerships are intensifying competition, compelling domestic players to improve operational efficiency and accelerate innovation.

Companies such as Page Industries, the exclusive licensee of Jockey in India, continue to strengthen their presence through extensive retail networks and deeper penetration into smaller cities. Meanwhile, digital-first players are expanding category awareness among younger consumers.

As the market approaches the $10 billion milestone, the next phase of growth is expected to be shaped by premiumization, technology-led personalization, and greater inclusivity. For retailers, the opportunity extends beyond selling essentials; it lies in transforming intimate wear into a lifestyle category where comfort, innovation, and consumer experience command premium value.

Retail 3/07/26

Shift focus to operational excellence, new report urges retailers

As India prepares for the upcoming festive season, retailers are being urged to recalibrate their strategies, shifting focus from aggressive discounting to operational excellence. According to the ‘Festive Readiness Report 2026’ by AI-native retail technology firm Fynd, the most successful brands this year will be those that prioritize early planning and agile execution rather than relying on margin-eroding price cuts. The report, which analyzed market data through June 2026, highlights that success is increasingly determined before the first sale event goes live.

Strategizing for emerging demand hubs

The report identifies Tier-III cities as a significant growth engine, contributing 46 per cent of festive demand in the 2025 season- surpassing both Tier-I and Tier-II markets. To capture this segment, brands are advised to optimize their inventory allocation and delivery promises specifically for smaller urban centers. Furthermore, the reliance on marketplace channels remains heavy, with platforms like Myntra, JioMart, and Flipkart accounting for nearly 80 per cent of demand. Consequently, an effective festive strategy now requires a unified operating layer that provides real-time stock visibility across these platforms to prevent stockouts during peak shopping windows.

Operational agility as a competitive lever

Fulfilment speed has emerged as a primary factor in margin protection, with data indicating that 77 per cent of returns are linked to deliveries exceeding three days. Brands are increasingly turning to store-led fulfilment, which grew to 51 per cent of orders in 2025, to bypass warehouse bottlenecks. This "ship-from-store" approach, combined with a prepaid-first checkout strategy, is becoming essential to reduce high return-to-origin rates associated with cash-on-delivery transactions. As consumer preference shifts toward value-led pricing and experiential shopping, the brands that can integrate inventory, pricing, and fulfilment into a single, cohesive framework will be best positioned to capitalize on the festive momentum.

An AI-native retail technology company backed by Reliance Retail Ventures, Fynd provides a comprehensive platform for marketplace integration, unified inventory management, store-led fulfilment, and demand intelligence. The company empowers fashion and lifestyle brands to optimize their retail operations and enhance consumer engagement across digital and physical touchpoints.

Retail 12/07/26

Shift focus to operational excellence, new report urges retailers

XY Retail enhances global infrastructure with new leadership appointment

The purpose-built operating system for global luxury and specialty brands, XY Retail has appointed Vivek Veeramani as Vice President-Ecosystem and Delivery. This strategic move is designed to fortify the company’s partner network as it accelerates its international footprint. A former executive at ThoughtWorks, Veeramani brings over 25 years of experience in enterprise technology and business transformation across diverse global markets, including India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. His mandate focuses on establishing repeatable delivery frameworks that enable retailers to deploy the XY platform with greater consistency and speed, a critical requirement as the firm manages operations for brands like the Giorgio Armani Group and Golden Goose across more than 50 countries.

Bridging technology and operational excellence

The appointment follows a period of aggressive expansion for the retail-tech provider, which has recently secured contracts with brands such as Moleskine and Damiani. By formalizing a more robust ecosystem strategy, XY Retail aims to solve the industry-wide challenge of fragmented commerce infrastructure. The company’s success is increasingly tethered to the strength of the ecosystem surrounding their platform, notes Susan Jeffers, CEO, XY Retail. Veeramani’s role will involve transforming partners into an extension of the brand's value delivery mechanism, ensuring that technical integrations do not compromise the seamless omnichannel experiences demanded by modern luxury consumers. This leadership addition arrives at a juncture where luxury retailers are prioritizing high-performance, cloud-native systems to unify physical boutiques with digital fulfillment.

Integrating order management into single system

XY Retail provides a unified cloud-native operating system for luxury, fashion, and specialty retail. The platform integrates point-of-sale, order management, and clienteling into a single system. Supporting over 1,500 stores globally, the company’s growth is driven by its "Retail Continuum" strategy, consistently securing major global brand partnerships.

Retail 8/07/26

XY Retail enhances global infrastructure with new leadership appointment

Tier-II Retail Boom: Visakhapatnam emerges as South India’s next premium retail hub

India’s retail is passing through a geographical shift as premium fashion and lifestyle brands look beyond metros to unlock growth. Among the emerging destinations, Visakhapatnam has established itself as one of the most attractive Tier-II cities for organized retail expansion. Traditionally known for its port operations, heavy industries, and public-sector enterprises, the city is now gaining prominence as a high-potential consumer market supported by rising incomes, expanding white-collar employment, and modern retail infrastructure.

The transition comes at a time when India’s fashion retail market, valued at approximately $60.12 billion, continues to grow at a CAGR of 12.87 per cent, encouraging brands to diversify beyond saturated tier-1 markets and build stronger regional footprints.

Changing economics lead to consumer demand

Visakhapatnam’s retail rise is closely linked to its evolving economic structure. With a population of nearly 2.6 million and an estimated GDP of $48.5 billion, the city ranks among India’s wealthiest urban economies. More importantly, the composition of that economy has changed considerably over the past decade.

Table:

Economics	Status & contribution	Industry impact
City Gross Domestic Product	Estimated $48.5 bn	Enters Top 10 Indian municipal economies
Service Sector Contribution	55% of regional GDP	Expands white-collar, corporate buying power
Industrial / Logistics Base	35% share of regional GDP	Sustains high baseline household incomes
Tech & Infrastructure Influx	Adani Data Center, IT/ITeS parks	Attracts corporate professionals and young families

Large-scale investments in technology parks at Madhurawada and Kapulappada, coupled with infrastructure projects such as the Bhogapuram International Airport, have boosted the growth of a young professional workforce. The service sector now contributes 55 per cent of regional economic output, creating a sizeable demography with discretionary spending power. This shift has directly benefited categories such as premium apparel, athleisure, footwear, beauty, and lifestyle products.

Modern retail reshapes market

The development of large-format retail destinations has played an important role in transforming consumer behavior. The launch of Inorbit Mall at Salagramapuram has significantly strengthened Visakhapatnam’s ability to attract premium and international brands. Developed through a public-private partnership involving K Raheja Corp and the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, the project has an investment of approximately Rs 600 crore and spans 1.4 million square feet, making it the largest integrated retail development in Andhra Pradesh.

The arrival of more than 350 domestic and international brands has addressed a long-standing gap in the local retail ecosystem. Previously, premium brands relied heavily on traditional high streets and multi-brand retail networks concentrated around established commercial districts. Today, organized retail environments provide the scale, store formats, visual merchandising standards, and customer experience required by global fashion operators.

The presence of brands such as H&M, GANT, Birkenstock, and American Eagle has further reinforced the city's position as a premium consumption destination, reducing the need for consumers to travel to larger markets such as Hyderabad or Chennai for branded shopping experiences.

Dual retail takes shape

Unlike many emerging cities where malls rapidly replace traditional retail, Visakhapatnam has developed a hybrid retail model. Established shopping destinations such as CMR Central Mall and Vizag Central continue to attract strong footfall through a mix of fashion, lifestyle, and department-store offerings. At the same time, major commercial corridors including Waltair Main Road and VIP Road have become preferred locations for stand-alone flagship stores and exclusive brand outlets.

Traditional shopping districts remain equally relevant. Jagadamba Junction continues to serve as one of the region’s busiest fashion markets, drawing consumers from across coastal Andhra Pradesh. Long-established retailers such as CMR Shopping Mall and Kalanikethan maintain strong demand, particularly in ethnic wear and occasion-based apparel.

This coexistence of organized malls and traditional retail corridors has created a diversified shopping ecosystem capable of serving both aspirational consumers and value-conscious shoppers.

Organized retail gains market share

The most visible outcome of the city’s retail transformation is the growing shift from unorganized commerce to structured retail formats. As consumers seek branded merchandise, enhanced shopping experiences, and product authenticity, organized retail operators are steadily capturing market share.

Retail format	Local market share (2020)	Local market share (2026)	Projected share (2030)
Unorganized Retail (Traditional High Streets, Standalones)	88%	72%	58%
Organized Brick-and-Mortar (Grade-A Malls, EBOs, Chains)	4%	14%	24%
Digital Commerce (Fashion Marketplaces, D2C Apps)	8%	14%	18%

The data highlights a clear shift. While traditional retail continues to dominate, organized formats are expanding rapidly. Exclusive brand outlets, department stores, and mall-based retail are benefiting from growing consumer preference for curated shopping experiences and international product assortments.

Digital commerce has also become a significant contributor, accounting for 14 percent of the local fashion market. However, online channels are also working as discovery platforms rather than direct substitutes for physical stores. Consumers often research products online before completing purchases at physical outlets where they can verify fit, quality, and authenticity.

Brands follow the new consumer

For decades, Visakhapatnam’s fashion spending was concentrated within multi-brand retail environments that catered to a broad customer base. The city’s changing demographic profile is now driving demand for more specialized retail formats. Professionals employed in technology, logistics, and service industries are seeking differentiated product offerings and globally recognized brands.

As a result, retailers are prioritizing exclusive brand outlets and experiential store concepts over traditional multi-brand formats. This mirrors a broader national trend where consumers place greater emphasis on brand identity, product specialization, and shopping experiences.

The city’s retail prospects are further strengthened by Andhra Pradesh’s industrial and textile ambitions. The state’s Textile and Apparel Policy aims to attract Rs 10,000 crore in fresh investments and create approximately 200,000 direct jobs. Combined with Andhra Pradesh’s position among India’s leading cotton-producing states and the logistical advantages offered by the Visakhapatnam Port, the region is developing a more integrated textile and apparel value chain.

For fashion and lifestyle brands, this creates a compelling combination of supply-side efficiency and demand-side growth. Rising consumer spending, growing organized retail infrastructure, and supportive government policies are positioning Visakhapatnam as one of India’s most important Tier-II retail markets.

As retailers look beyond metros for the next wave of growth, Visakhapatnam is emerging as a city where industrial development, infrastructure investment, and aspirational consumption are coming together to create a powerful new retail engine.

Retail 2/07/26