18 July, Mumbai 2025

Once primarily recognized as a corporate and tech hub, Gurugram is rapidly transforming into India's premier retail destination. The city is now the preferred launchpad for global giants and homegrown powerhouses alike, who are debuting their most immersive, experience-led flagship stores here. This shift is largely driven by Gurugram's affluent, digitally savvy consumer base and its world-class infrastructure, positioning it to redefine the future of Indian retail.

According to Cushman and Wakefield, retail leasing activity in Delhi-NCR's high streets and malls increased by 57 per cent Y-o-Y in Q1 2025, reaching 4.08 lakh sq ft. Gurugram emerged as the epicenter, accounting for 52 per cent of this total leasing, underscoring retailers' preference for its high visibility and foot traffic, especially near residential hubs.

As the demand for high-quality retail experiences intensifies, Gurugram is experiencing a sharp uptick in demand for Grade A retail spaces, outperforming much of the NCR. Developers and investors are increasingly focusing on mixed-use developments, organized high streets, and hybrid retail formats that blend convenience with immersive experiences. New micro-markets like Golf Course Extension Road, sectors along the Dwarka Expressway belt, and New Gurugram are rapidly evolving into self-sustained retail ecosystems, expanding the city's commercial footprint beyond traditional areas. These zones are fueled by improved metro connectivity, arterial highways, and growing residential populations.

Pankaj Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, SPJ Group, highlights the clear move towards spaces that offer more than just shopping, emphasizing the blend of food, fashion, entertainment, and leisure. Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Malls, notes, Gurugram's malls are playing a much bigger role in shaping Indian retail, driven by consumers seeking ‘richer, more meaningful experiences.’ Prakash Mehta, Chairman & Managing Director, Ocus Group, points out, there is a remarkable traction in retail leasing, with global brands gravitating towards well-positioned high-street developments.

Technology is also transforming Gurugram's retail landscape, enabling smarter, more personalized engagement. Retailers are adopting AI-enabled insights, real-time inventory systems, and omnichannel strategies. Malls and high streets are integrating innovations like digital displays, smart parking, and app-based loyalty programs.

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17 July, Mumbai 2025

Innovative fashion quick-commerce startup, Zulu Club plans to use the $250,000 capital raised in pre-seed funding to expand its 100-minute delivery and try-at-home fashion service across key neighborhoods in the Delhi NCR region.

The capital was raised from TDV Partners, A significant portion of this funding will be used to strengthen the company’s logistics infrastructure, optimize its mobile application, and enhance retail integrations.

Zulu Club aims to tackle persistent challenges in the fashion e-commerce sector, notably high return rates and limited opportunities for product trials before purchase. The platform aims to bridge this gap by offering a rapid delivery and try-at-home model.

Adarsh Bhatia, Founder, Zulu Club, emphasizes, the company aims to build Zulu Club to reintroduce trust and experience into fashion shopping, especially for millennial consumers who crave convenience and personalization.

Founded in 2024, Zulu Club is currently operational in Gurgaon and plans to expand across the entire Delhi NCR region. This funding marks a significant step towards revolutionizing how consumers experience fashion shopping in India.

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17 July, Mumbai 2025

Celebrated for its sophisticated tailoring and rich heritage in fine shirting, renowned Italian menswear brand Camicissima Milano has officially marked its entry into the Indian market. The brand opened its inaugural store in New Delhi, situated at the upscale Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj. This store was launched in partnership with OSL Luxury Collections.

The launch signifies Camicissima’s ambitious foray into India's burgeoning premium menswear segment. The brand aims to cater to discerning consumers who appreciate refined, European-inspired formalwear and high-quality craftsmanship. The New Delhi store itself is meticulously designed to embody Camicissima’s core tenets of artisanal skill and timeless design, presenting a carefully curated collection of men's apparel.

Fabio Candido, President and Owner, Camicissima, states, entering the Indian market in collaboration with OSL Luxury Collections is a significant milestone for the brand built on a family tradition rooted in craftsmanship and elegance. It offers the label a remarkable opportunity to bring authentic 'Made in Italy' fashion to Indian consumers.

Salesh Grover, Business Head, OSL Luxury Collections, adds, this new store opening marks the beginning of a long-term strategy to introduce refined dressing and premium tailoring to India’s rapidly growing base of style-conscious consumers. The brand’s unique blend of comfort, craftsmanship, and elegance will resonate strongly with the Indian audience.

Prem Dewan, Retail Head, OSL Luxury Collections, emphasizes, Camicissima’s arrival aligns perfectly with OSL’s broader mission of bringing globally recognized luxury fashion brands to the Indian market.

With this initial launch, Camicissima aims to thoroughly assess the market potential and gauge consumer demand in India. Following this evaluation, the brand anticipates a wider retail expansion across other major metropolitan cities, as part of its overarching international growth strategy. This expansion promises to offer Indian consumers greater access to authentic Italian sartorial excellence.

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18 July, Mumbai 2025

Department store giant Shoppers Stop reported a significantly narrower loss in Q1, FY26, as the retailer benefited from robust demand by affluent customers for like luxury watches, perfumes, and high-end apparel.

The company narrowed its a net loss of Rs 157.4 million for the quarter ending June, as against Rs 227.2 million loss recorded a year earlier. Their revenue from operations increased by 8.6 per cent during the quarter with like-for-like sales growing by 5 per cent.

The sales growth for Shoppers Stop was led by the watches and apparel categories which registered 19 per cent and 9 per cent growth in sales respectively during the quarter.

Excluding online sales and its budget-friendly Intune retail unit, the average selling price at Shoppers Stop stores rose 3 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 1,740 rupees in Q1, FY26. Premium offerings now constitute a significant 67 per cent of the company's revenue, an 8 percentage point increase from the previous year. Shoppers Stop anticipates this segment will grow to 70 per cent of its total revenue by FY26-end.

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17 July, Mumbai 2025

Following a critically acclaimed showcase at Paris Haute Couture Week, celebrated designer Rahul Mishra is set to open the 18th edition of Hyundai India Couture Week 2025. An initiative of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) in association with Reliance Brands, this prestigious event will feature Mishra's highly anticipated collection, ‘Becoming Love,’ on July 23, 2025, at Taj Palace, New Delhi.

Mishra expressed his immense pride in presenting his work on home soil, where the ‘roots of our craft run deepest.’ He described ‘Becoming Love’ as a deeply personal collection that explores love ‘not just as a feeling, but as a transformation and a journey of becoming,’ aiming for an artistic fusion of craft, emotion, and soul.

Known for his intricate craftsmanship, profound artistic narratives, and immersive storytelling, Mishra is expected to set a high standard for the 18th edition of the couture week. His signature design language, which combines emotion, elegance, and exceptional handwork, has garnered global appeal.

Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, avers, Mishra is a true global ambassador of Indian couture. His ability to push boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in traditional Indian craft is notworthy, he adds. Scheduled to run from July 23-30, 2025, The Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 showcases a stellar lineup of Indian couturiers.

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17 July, Mumbai 2025

Iconic Italian sportswear brand, Lotto has officially launched its operations in India with an ambitious goal to achieve a Rs 1,000 crore brand valuation within five years.

This significant market entry is spearheaded by Agilitas Sports, a rapidly growing entity in India's sportswear landscape, which holds exclusive rights for the Lotto brand across India, South Africa, and Australia.

The launch campaign features prominent cricket stars Yuvraj Singh and Abhishek Sharma, who are central to a new film designed to capture Lotto's vibrant and elaunchxpressive brand identity.

Abhishek Ganguly, Co-founder and CEO, Agilitas Sports, emphasizes, this isn't just a typical market entry. The company isn’t just bringing in a global legacy brand – they are reimagining it for modern India, Their approach is rooted in authenticity, curiosity, and fun,

Yuvraj Singh, Investor, Agilitas and a close associate of the founding team, states, Lotto’s vibe is unique - fresh, cool, and exciting Singh also hinted at an upcoming YWC x Lotto partnership, exciting fans and industry observers alike.

Lotto's debut product offering in India includes the premium sneaker range inspired by Itlian street style from the 1970s to 1990s-Lotto Leggenda. Designed in Italy, these sneakers are manufactured locally in India by Mochiko Shoes, a company owned by Agilitas. Leggenda is the first in a series of product introductions planned over the next year. Looking ahead to next year, the brand will expand its range to include apparel, performance sportswear, and accessories, aiming to firmly establish itself in India's booming athleisure market.

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18 July, Mumbai 2025

In India’s booming fashion and apparel market, Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands are finding out that scaling profits is no longer just about great design or smart digital campaigns. It’s about mastering a number that has become mission-critical: Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC).

As India races toward becoming one of the world’s largest consumer market, CAC is emerging not merely as a financial metric but as a strategic barometer. Brands navigating the fragmented terrain of income disparities, regional cost variations, and omnichannel marketing are realizing that their growth ambitions hinge less on how many customers they acquire—and more on how efficiently they do it. The days of a blended, one-size-fits-all CAC approach are fading, replaced by a strategic imperative to pinpoint precisely who to acquire, where, and how, to ensure sustainable profitability.

Income isn’t equal—and neither is the market

While India’s population is vast, its true premium consumer base is surprisingly narrow. According to data from Bajaj Finserv, Sabrang India, and FICCI, only 2-3 per cent of households earn over Rs 20 lakh per annum (LPA), with another 9 crore households falling into the Rs 10-20 LPA bracket. In essence, only 10 per cent of India’s 300 million households can comfortably afford premium products priced over Rs 2,000.

For D2C brands selling premium activewear, occasionwear, or artisanal luxury, this isn’t just a footnote—it’s the foundation of their addressable market. A brand marketing to ‘fitness-conscious Indians’ must reckon with the fact that the phrase includes people with vastly different spending powers. Failing to align CAC projections with this income reality can inflate marketing budgets, skew campaign returns, and ultimately threaten brand survival.

The channel cost conundrum

In the race for reach, D2C brands are heavily leaning on digital platforms, especially Instagram and Google Ads. But that reach comes at a cost, sometimes a very steep one.

Table: Illustrative CAC by channel (fashion & apparel D2C, India)

Most D2C marketers rely heavily on digital attribution, often underestimating offline and hybrid influences. According to marketing strategists, up to 60 per cent of actual customer journeys include offline touchpoints—whether that’s word-of-mouth, event interactions, or simply store walk-ins. Over indexing on digital can obscure the true cost of acquisition and lead to inefficient media spending.

The regional equation, tiered markets, tiered CAC

Geography in India isn’t just cultural—it’s commercial. A metro customer, while offering a 40 per cent higher Lifetime Value (LTV) than one in a Tier II city, might also cost 70 per cent more to acquire. A CAC of Rs 1500 may work in Bengaluru, but that same spend doesn’t translate to profits in Indore or Surat, especially when products need to be priced 30-40 per cent lower to match regional purchasing power. Brands that adopt a blended CAC model across cities risk falling into the trap of unsustainable growth. For example, Snitch, a Bengaluru-based men’s fashion brand, effectively uses digital channels but publicly acknowledges that CAC without strong retention is “unsustainable.” That’s driving a shift toward hybrid models: marketplaces for broader reach, D2C channels for depth and loyalty.

From ad spend to acquisition efficiency

India’s D2C e-commerce market is forecasted to hit $267 billion by 2030 as per Mordor Intelligence, growing at a staggering 25 per cent CAGR. But this growth story is being undercut by rising acquisition costs. Bajaj Finserv’s 2025 report confirms what most founders whisper in boardrooms: “Higher advertising spend inflates CAC,” and “inefficiencies in the sales funnel amplify the problem.”

Here’s how smart D2C brands are responding:

Reframing CAC as a ratio, not just a number: Experts now emphasize a minimum LTV:CAC ratio of 3:1, with 4:1 being ideal. That means if a customer costs Rs 1,000 to acquire, they should generate at least Rs 3,000-Rs 4,000 in value over their lifetime. Brands like The Bear House are actively enhancing CRM systems and retention campaigns to improve this equation.

Counting the true cost of acquisition: Modern CAC must go beyond ad impressions and clicks as Dariaan notes, fashion startups must also account for:

• Creative shoot budgets

• Influencer gifting

• Freelancer costs

• Referral incentives

• Software tools and subscription.

This granular approach exposes hidden costs and helps improve ROI accuracy.

The rise of organic and micro-influencer channels: With CACs escalating on paid media, brands are investing in organic SEO, Pinterest styling boards, long-form YouTube content, and micro-influencer partnerships. These alternatives offer higher trust and lower cost per customer than mega-influencers or celebrity endorsements.

Data-driven funnel optimization: Brands are increasingly turning to A/B tested landing pages, automated retargeting, and cart recovery campaigns to maximize conversion and reduce CAC leakage.

Hybrid channel strategy: Reports says homegrown brands now view marketplaces like Amazon and Myntra as top-of-funnel discovery engines, while using their own websites for deeper engagement. This dual-channel model helps optimize both CAC and LTV.

Regional strategies

Days of pan-India campaigns are passé as brands are investing in hyperlocal insights, tweaking messaging, product assortment, and pricing strategies based on geography. While metros embrace contemporary, global fashion cues, traditional silhouettes and modest styles continue to drive demand in Tier II and III cities. The regional breakdown of CAC is no longer a back-office statistic—it’s a front-line marketing decision.

Customer experience, the hidden CAC multiplier

The less discussed but critical CAC lever? Customer satisfaction and repeat purchase. A smooth delivery experience, responsive customer service, and honest pricing across platforms increase the chance of referrals—the lowest CAC channel. Platforms like Acviss emphasize trust-building through product verification and loyalty programs. In a market as complex as India, brand authenticity can be a stronger acquisition tool than an Instagram ad.

Table: Average CAC cost by industry (India, 2022-25)

Source: Compiled from reports by Instamojo, Upliftgrowth.in, Dariaan, and Bajaj Finserv)

Smarter, not just faster growth

As India’s fashion D2C sector matures, the days of blanket campaigns and blended CACs are numbered. The brands that will lead the next wave of growth won’t just be those with bold aesthetics or viral launches. They’ll be the ones that treat CAC not as a marketing afterthought, but as a core business strategy—factoring in income segmentation, regional pricing, multichannel touchpoints, and long-term value creation.

In the new order, it’s not just about acquiring more customers—it’s about acquiring the right ones, at the right cost, and keeping them for longer. Those who master this balance will be the brands that scale not just from Rs 100 crore to Rs 1000 crore, but from promising startups to legacy names in India’s fashion future.

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17 July, Mumbai 2025

Launched in Gurugram, the first experiential center of luxury home decor brand Life n Colors offers customers a physical space to immerse themselves in its unique design philosophy. Spread across over 800 sq ft, this outlet is designed to bring textures, patterns, and stories to life, marking a significant step in the brand's retail expansion.

The center showcases a wide array of wallpapers and wall art, alongside Life n Colors' new ventures into soft furnishings, including fabric lamps, table linen, and curtains. These products are presented within fully realized lifestyle zones, helping customers envision them in their own homes.

Apourva, Co-founder and Creative Director, Life n Colors, says, this space is about helping people curate, not just decorate. Every product here has been designed to offer visual harmony and emotional resonance within a home.

Customization is a core offering at the Gurugram center. It offers clients diverse art forms or an opportunity to provide personal inspirations, which the in-house design and artisan team then transform into bespoke wallpapers and furnishings. On-site experts provide instant swatches and digital mock-ups, guiding customers through the visualization and creation process.

Ashutosh Pandey, Co-founder and Business Head, notes, Indian consumers are design-aware, digitally inspired, and looking for cohesive yet customizable solutions. This experiential center is a direct response to this demand, embodying Life n Colors' commitment to making design approachable, sustainable, layered, and truly personal, he adds.

Boasting a global presence, Life n Colors graces several celebrity homes and boutique hotels in over 28 countries. This Gurugram center further solidifies its commitment to bringing personalized, high-quality home decor solutions to the Indian market.

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17 July, Mumbai 2025

India's Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) market is showing a distinct split in consumer behavior between its urban and rural populations. City dwellers are increasingly experimenting with unbranded products and new-age, digital-first brands, while rural consumers are demonstrating stronger loyalty to established names like Nestle, Dabur, and Hindustan Unilever (HUL), as per a report by the Times of India.

Legacy brands are steadily gaining market share in villages, primarily due to their extensive distribution networks and deep rural penetration. Conversely, digital-first brands face a long road to match this expansive reach.

Influenced by inflationary pressures and a growing trend of online product discovery, Urban households are gravitating towards unbranded goods. A recent Kantar report for FY25 reveals, unbranded products saw a notable 8.4 per cent volume growth in cities, significantly outperforming the 2.3 per cent growth in rural India.

However, the same Kantar report indicated, rural markets experienced a 5.1 per cent increase in volume for listed FMCG brands, while urban growth lagged at 2.1 per cent. This rural outperformance has been consistent for five consecutive quarters, according to NielsenIQ data for the March quarter. Analysts attribute this to factors like a strong monsoon last year, supportive government policies, and improved rural incomes.

Urban demand had slowed due to inflation, prompting consumers to opt for smaller packs and cheaper alternatives. Yet, FMCG companies are now observing early signs of a rebound in urban consumption during the June quarter.

Urban consumers are also the driving force behind the surge of digital-first brands. These new-age players, exemplified by Slurrp Farm, have carved out niche offerings and gained traction through e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms. Mayank Rastogi, EY India points out, more prominently, consumers in urban India are trading up across categories and moving away from legacy FMCG brands. New product discovery is largely happening online, a space where many traditional brands have a limited presence, he emphasizes.

In response to these diverging trends, traditional FMCG companies are now tailoring their strategies. For instance, Britannia is launching digital-first products for metro buyers while simultaneously strengthening its rural distribution. Similarly, ITC is leveraging quick commerce for urban growth and innovating on product formats and pricing for rural markets.

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17 July, Mumbai 2025

The racks are still there, the mannequins poised, but the soul of Indian retail has undergone a change. What was once a straightforward transaction — the exchange of currency for clothing — evolved into an intricate scenario full of emotion, trust, and curated experiences. India's vibrant consumer space is no longer content with mere products; it demands narratives, values, and a feeling that lingers long after the purchase.

From transaction to transformation

The days of retail being solely about displaying merchandise are fading. Today, it's about shaping how customers feel, connect, and engage with a brand. This shift isn't a mere trend; it's a fundamental recalibration driven by an increasingly informed and demanding consumer base. Reports from the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) consistently highlight an increase in conscious consumerism, where purchasing decisions are interwoven with a brand's ethical footprint, sustainability efforts, and societal contributions. A 2024 Deloitte report on the Indian retail sector underscored this, revealing that over 60 per cent of consumers aged 18-35 are willing to pay a premium for brands that align with their personal values. The "feeling" a brand evokes has thus grown beyond product quality to encompass its broader purpose and impact.

Emergence of the omnichannel scenario

The digital revolution, while propelling India's e-commerce market to an estimated $188.7 billion by 2025 (Statista), hasn't rendered physical stores obsolete. Instead, it has redefined their purpose. Brick-and-mortar outlets are evolving into experiential hubs, designed for immersive brand engagement rather than just product display.

A 2023 Ernst & Young study illustrated this duality, finding that 70 per cent of Indian consumers prefer a hybrid shopping experience, blending online and offline interactions. This necessitates a seamless, omnichannel approach. Whether browse on a mobile device or stepping into a store, customers expect a unified brand narrative, consistent information, and a cohesive journey. Every touchpoint, from social media advertisements to in-store assistance, must contribute to one grand, well-told story.

Loyalty's new currency

The traditional loyalty model, often defined by reward points and discounts, is giving way to a more profound connection. A 2024 KPMG survey on Indian consumer behavior revealed the rising prominence of emotional loyalty, forged through trust, empathy, and personalized experiences.

Consumers are actively seeking authentic relationships with brands that understand their needs, respect their time, and consistently deliver value beyond the product itself. Retailers are responding by leveraging advanced data analytics to understand consumer preferences, enabling hyper-personalized recommendations online and empowering frontline staff with real-time insights to offer tailored advice in-store.

The human element

This transformative period also underscores the critical role of the human element. Empowering sales associates to act as brand ambassadors and storytellers, rather than mere transaction facilitators, is paramount. Training programs are increasingly prioritizing emotional intelligence and customer empathy, recognizing that genuine human interaction is irreplaceable in forging lasting bonds. This focus on "feeling" extends to the post-purchase experience, with proactive customer service and responsive feedback mechanisms becoming pivotal in shaping brand perception and fostering repeat visits.

In essence, Indian retail is no longer simply about what's on the hanger. It's about the narrative woven around it, the experience shared, and the emotional resonance created. The clothing, in this evolving landscape, becomes a cherished symbol of a deeper, more meaningful connection.

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17 July, Mumbai 2025

Acclaimed artisanal brand under Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, Jaypore has launched its inaugural store in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Spanning over 1,663 sq ft, this new store signifies a key expansion in Jaypore's mission to highlight India's rich craft heritage through immersive shopping experiences.

Known for its vibrant cultural spirit and appreciation for handmade goods, Raipur provides an ideal setting for Jaypore's entry into the state. Featuring a terracotta-hued facade and glowing geometric lattice, the store’s design invites customers into a world that celebrates the intricate work of India's skilled artisans, or ‘karigars.’

Manu Gupta, Vice President and Brand Head, states, Marking a significant milestone, Raipur deepens Jaypore's commitment to India's craft legacy. The brand aims to create ‘sanctuaries of tradition and design’ where Indian craftsmanship can be experienced in its purest form, he emphasizes.

Beyond handcrafted products the store’s offerings include tribal silver, gold-plated heirlooms, stone-studded ornaments, woven textiles, wooden décor, and block prints. Each piece reflects Jaypore's dedication to preserving and celebrating India's enduring craft traditions.

With its Raipur debut, Jaypore continues to establish retail spaces that are not merely shopping destinations but tributes to Indian artisans and the timeless beauty of handmade design, further weaving a larger story of culture and design across the country.

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17 July, Mumbai 2025

Renowned luxury fashion label operating under the Aditya Birla Group, Sabyasachi Couture has appointed former Shein India executive Manish Chopra as its new Chief Executive Officer.

As per a report by the Economic Times, transitioning to Sabyasachi Couture from a senior leadership position at Shein India, Chopra brings extensive experience in the retail and e-commerce sectors to his new role. Before his tenure at Shein India, Chopra held key positions focused on scaling businesses and navigating complex market dynamics. His background in digital-first strategies and consumer engagement is anticipated to be particularly beneficial as Sabyasachi aims to broaden its reach and adapt to changing luxury consumption patterns. This appointment signals a growing trend in the traditional luxury segment to integrate expertise from the agile, digitally-driven e-commerce space.

The choice of an executive with Chopra's background highlights Sabyasachi Couture's ambition to solidify its standing in both the domestic and international luxury fashion markets. Given his experience with a rapidly expanding online retailer, this move suggests a potential focus on enhancing Sabyasachi's digital presence, optimizing its omnichannel strategy, and potentially reaching new consumer demographics, all while preserving its exclusive brand identity.

The Aditya Birla Group acquired a 51 per cent stake in Sabyasachi Couture in 2021 for Rs 398 crore. The group also holds investments in other prominent Indian fashion design houses, including Tarun Tahiliani, Masaba, and Shantnu-Nikhil.

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