Next expands India footprint with maiden store launch in Mumbai

British multinational apparel and lifestyle retailer Next has officially inaugurated its maiden storefront in Mumbai, occupying a sprawling 8,000-sq-ft space at Infiniti Mall in Malad.

Operated locally through a strategic joint venture with Reliance Retail, the launch marks a critical milestone in the brand's aggressive expansion across high-growth South Asian metropolitan clusters. Industry data reveals, international fashion brands expanding into Tier-I Indian suburban malls experience an average 28 per cent increase in initial customer acquisition rates, driven by a rising demand for contemporary western wear. Mumbai represents an essential frontier for international high-street brands seeking scale, observes Vikram Mehta, Senior Retail Leasing Consultant, Apex Urban Spaces. Securing prominent anchor real estate allows foreign labels to establish immediate brand resonance among affluent urban shoppers.

Navigating supply chain logistics and market competition

Establishing a physical footprint in competitive urban markets involves distinct challenges, particularly managing import duties, localized inventory replenishment, and soaring commercial real estate rentals. To counter these cost pressures, Next leverages Reliance Retail’s robust supply chain infrastructure and localized warehousing networks, ensuring seamless product availability across seasonal collections. While domestic fast-fashion competitors aggressively capture price-sensitive segments, international brands leverage superior fabric quality and global design prestige to capture high-margin discretionary spending.

Expanding rapidly across South Asia

Founded in 1864 in the United Kingdom, Next designs and retails contemporary apparel, footwear, and home furnishings. Operating across global markets through digital channels and brick-and-mortar storefronts, the brand pursues rapid expansion in South Asia, backed by stable financial performance and robust multi-channel profitability.