Varun Muralidharan has been appointed as the Head- Retail Operations and Projects at Snitch, a direct-to-consumer menswear brand.

Muralidharan brings with him valuable experience, having previously served as the retail manager at Bestseller India.

Expressing confidence in Murlidharan’s capabilities, Siddarth Dungerwal, Founder Snitch says, with his innovative thinking and customer-centric approach, Muralidharan will promote Snitch’s mission to provide seamless and enjoyable shopping experiences for its customers.

In his new role, Muralidharan will oversee Snitch’s retail operations and store management. He will focus on enhancing the customer experience to ensure satisfaction and loyalty. Having commenced operations in 2020, Snitch gained significant traction after securing an All Shark Deal on Shark Tank India Season 2.

The brand recently completed a successful Series A funding round, raising Rs 110 crore to fuel its growth and expansion plans.

Luggage manufacturer VIP Industries has opened the first outlet of its handbag brand Caprese in Delhi’s South Extension.

Spanning 300 sq ft, the new store will showcase a range of handbags and accessories for women. Caprese also offers wallets, purses, and other accessories.
It will serve as a dynamic launchpad for showcasing the company’s innovative designs and expanding its presence in the thriving Delhi market, says Neetu Kashiramka, Managing Director, VIP Industries.

VIP Industries recently launched its exclusive Cartlon store at Mumbai airport, Headquartered in Mumbai, the company manufactures luggage and travel accessories. It has more than 10,000 points of sale (POS) with a network of retailers in 45 countries.

The company began its journey in 1971. To date, VIP Industries Ltd. has sold over 100 million pieces of luggage to travellers around the world. Its products are available across the Middle East, the UK, and select African and Southeast Asian countries.

The brand portfolio includes brands like VIP, Skybags, Carlton, Aristocrat, and Caprese.

Renowned global apparel brand, Dockers has made its debut in the Indian fashion retail market by inaugurating its first store at Pacific Mall Delhi. The brand aims to strengthen its retail presence in the country by opening five additional stores this year in Tier I and metro cities like Hyderabad, Pune, Bangalore, and Mumbai.

In the forthcoming year, Dockers plans to launch 20 more stores, with offline expansion complemented by partnerships with department stores such as Shoppers Stop. Additionally, the brand will launch its online channel, scheduled to go live this week, outlines Berry Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Ace Turtle, the retail technology firm collaborating with Dockers for its Indian market entry.

Known for its expertise in managing licenses for esteemed fashion and lifestyle brands including Lee, Wrangler, Toys ‘R’ Us, and Babies ‘R’ Us in India, Ace Turtle will spearhead Dockers' expansion endeavors both offline and online.

Natalie MacLennan, CEO, Dockers, affirms, the vast potential of the Indian market will enable the brand to connect with the new generation of consumers who prioritise quality, comfort, and style. Its partnership with Ace Turtle will ensure the seamless delivery of the brand experience to consumers across the country.

Dockers aims to tap customers in the 22-35 age group with its California-style Khaki range of products. Characterised by its laid-back California vibe, Dockers' signature Khaki range is poised to resonate with the discerning tastes of Indian consumers.

India holds a prominent place in Ikea's investment strategy, says Jesper Brodin, Global CEO, Ingka Group. expressing admiration for the country's rapid development in both digital and physical infrastructure. He emphasised India's leadership in economic growth and its optimistic outlook.
The furniture giant, sourcing from India since the 1980s, has invested significantly in the country. With approval for a substantial investment proposal, Ikea aims to open 25 stores by 2025. Presently, it operates three large format stores and two smaller city outlets, with plans for expansion in the National Capital Region and online operations in major cities.
India's furniture market, valued at $32 billion, is expected to reach $38 billion by 2026, driven by growing demand from the middle-class segment and infrastructure development.
Brodin sees India as Ikea's primary expansion focus, aligning with the company's vision to cater to diverse needs at affordable prices. By reducing costs and global product prices, Ikea aims to stimulate sales volumes.
Despite being the world's fifth-largest producer and fourth-largest consumer of furniture, India's per-capita furniture consumption remains low, indicating substantial growth potential. While standalone stores and local carpenters dominate the market, ecommerce players like Flipkart and Amazon have entered the fray.
Ikea is collaborating with the Indian government to establish quality standards, ensuring safer and standardized products. This initiative supports India's aspiration to achieve a $2 trillion export target while providing consumers with reliable goods.
As the largest global franchisee of Ikea, Ingka Group accounts for the majority of its sales. Ikea's entry into India has been successful, surpassing local competitors in its first year of operations. In 2023, it recorded substantial sales growth, though net losses widened due to infrastructure investments.
To benefit from economies of scale, Ikea aims to establish 8-10 stores in India. Brodin highlights the importance of reaching major cities to serve India's vast population, reflecting positively on the country's economic prospects.
Thus, Ikea views India as a crucial market for expansion, driven by its economic growth, evolving consumer preferences, and the company's commitment to affordability and quality.

The increasing reliance on third-party players in Indian retail industry is a double-edged sword, presenting both growth opportunities and challenges. The Indian retail market is undergoing rapid digitization, with e-commerce expected to reach $350 billion by 2026. This presents a significant opportunity for third-party platforms and the retailers who partner with them.
What’s driving the trend?
The market is being driven by many factors. One major growth driver is wider reach and market access. Third-party platforms like Flipkart, Amazon, Myntra, and Snapdeal offer retailers access to a vast customer base across India, especially in Tier II and III cities, where physical presence might be limited. This expands reach and drives sales growth. It is especially beneficial for small players who wouldn't have the resources for nationwide expansion on their own.
Also, these platforms have established logistics networks and delivery infrastructure, allowing retailers to tap into efficient and cost-effective delivery solutions, improving customer satisfaction and reducing delivery hassles. Moreover, these platforms offer marketing tools, data analytics, and promotional opportunities, helping retailers reach target audiences and optimize campaigns, leading to increased brand awareness and customer acquisition. In fact, third-party platforms are constantly innovating and investing in cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and big data analytics. These advancements can help retailers personalize customer experiences, optimize pricing, and improve supply chain efficiency.
Outsourcing warehousing, fulfilment, and delivery to third parties can free up resources for retailers to focus on core competencies like product development and marketing, potentially reducing operational costs. By leveraging third-party fulfilment centers and inventory management systems, retailers can reduce inventory holding costs and improve cash flow. This is crucial in a market like India, where access to working capital can be a significant challenge.
Logistics, infrastructure still a challenge
While the segment does hold a lot of promise, challenges like fragmented logistics infrastructure, limited internet penetration, and varying consumer preferences across regions need to be addressed for widespread adoption. Indian regulations on data privacy and foreign direct investment (FDI) in e-commerce are evolving, requiring retailers and platforms to adapt and comply.
On major concern is when relying on third-party platforms, retailers relinquish some control over pricing, promotions, and customer interactions. This can dilute brand identity and make it difficult to stand out in a crowded marketplace. The presence of numerous sellers on these platforms creates intense competition, often leading to price wars and reduced profit margins for retailers.
There are concerns about data sharing and privacy also as sharing customer data with third-party platforms raises concerns about privacy and security. Retailers need to ensure they have robust data protection measures in place and transparent communication with customers about data usage. Valuable customer data generated on these platforms might not be readily accessible to retailers, hindering their ability to personalize marketing and build long-term customer relationships.
Third-party platforms charge commission fees on every sale, which can eat into retailer margins, especially for smaller businesses. Additionally, platform policies and algorithms can sometimes favor larger players, making it difficult for smaller retailers to compete effectively. Retailers are at the mercy of the performance and reputation of the third-party platforms they use. Delivery delays, customer service issues, or platform outages can negatively impact a retailer's brand image and sales. Indeed, over-reliance on third-party platforms can make retailers vulnerable to changes in platform policies, fees, and algorithms, impacting their control over brand identity and customer relationships.
Then there is the whole issue of inventory management and visibility. Coordinating inventory across multiple platforms and physical stores can be complex, leading to stockouts and inaccurate product information, impacting customer experience.
However, the bottomline is India's vast geography and diverse terrain pose logistical challenges, making third-party platforms' expertise valuable. And Indian consumers increasingly value convenience and access to a wide variety of products, making third-party platforms attractive. The third-party trend in Indian retail is a double-edged sword. It presents opportunities for growth, careful consideration of the challenges is crucial for success. Retailers need to develop strategies to leverage the benefits of these platforms while mitigating risks by diversifying their sales channels, building brand identity, and maintaining control over customer data. Striking the right balance will be key to navigating this evolving landscape.

Expanding its lifestyle portfolio, e-commerce platform, Snapdeal onboarded approximately 1,200 retail brands within the last three months.

Among the notable brands that have joined Snapdeal include Jockey, Rosaline by Zivame, Varanga, House of Ramraj Cotton, John Players, Clovia, Red Tape, Carlton London, Sparx, Campus, and Action.

Himanshu Chakrawarti, CEO, Snapdeal, states, the platform aims is to establish itself as the go-to destination for a value-centric lifestyle.

In the forthcoming two months, the e-tailer aims to include an additional 800 brands. Approximately 95 per cent of the products available on the platform are priced below Rs 1,000, ensuring accessibility and affordability for a broad consumer base.

Prominent ethnic wear brand, Avantra by Trends has inaugurated a new physical store within the Lulu Mall in Thiruvananthapuram. The store showcases an extensive collection of occasion wear and bridal ensembles, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

Featuring a wide array of exquisite silk sarees, wedding sarees, handcrafted sarees, etc Avantra offers a comprehensive range to suit every need.

The store itself boasts a striking exterior with a glossy red and gold façade, echoing the opulence found within its interior. Additionally, shoppers are offered tailoring services, allowing them to personalise their chosen outfits to perfection.

Besides Avantra by Trends, the Lulu Mall Thiruvananthpuram houses other esteemed labels such as The Body Shop, Rare Rabbit, and Sunglass Hut.

Notably, Lulu Mall Thiruvananthapuram is a part of the Lulu Group's ventures, which also operates malls across various cities including Kochi and Lucknow, tracing its origins to the UAE. This expansion signifies the group's commitment to offering unparalleled retail experiences across diverse locales.

E-commerce venture by Reliance Retail, Ajio added 1.6 million customers to its platform in Q4 FY24.

With a network of over 5,000 delivery nodes spanning the country, Ajio prioritises a seamless shopping experience for its users. This involves leveraging various customer journeys tailored to individual preferences, such as Ajio Luxe and the Exclusive D2C Brand store Ajiogram, which are based on buying and browsing behaviors.

Recently, Ajio announced plans to invest in and support the growth of 100 direct-to-customer fashion startups. Additionally, the company aims to onboard 200 exclusive Indian fashion and lifestyle D2C brands onto Ajiogram in the coming year.

Flagship events like the Big Bold Sale (BBS) have been instrumental in Ajio's success. During BBS, customers from over 19,000 PIN codes across the country indulged in exclusive collections from international brands, owned labels, and homegrown brands. Deals and offers spanned across various categories including fashion, lifestyle, home decor, jewelry, beauty, and personal care.

Over 51 per cent of total orders for Ajio originate from non-metros like Mysore, Ghaziabad, Karnal, Surat, and Bhubaneswar. This underscores Ajio's strong foothold in smaller cities and towns where online shopping for top global brands is increasingly popular.

Driven by the wedding season and festivities, the platform observed a surge in demand for western wear, footwear (especially sneakers), and ethnic wear. Its curated sneaker store, Sneakerhood, expanded its selection by 200 per cent Y-oY- to meet the growing demand.

In the third quarter of FY2024, Ajio launched a content-driven interactive platform for D2C brands, offering a unique solution focused on brand building and visibility. This platform empowers homegrown fashion brands to challenge norms and showcase their vision and innovative products.

Overall, Ajio's holistic marketing approach, combined with its focus on customer experience and strategic partnerships, has solidified its position as a leading player in India's e-commerce landscape, driving growth and innovation in the fashion retail sector.

A leading footwear company, Khadim India is strategically pursuing the demerger of its distribution business, aiming to unlock significant value for its core retail operations.

Indrajit Chaudhuri, Chief Financial Officer, says, with approvals from stock exchanges and the NCLT pending, the demerger is expected to complete by September this year.

The demerger entails segregating the distribution business and manufacturing activities into KSR Footwear (KFL), to enhance market focus and operational efficiency. The move is expected improve Khadim India’s EBITDA margins by 100-200 basis points in the first full year of operation in FY’25-26.

Currently, Khadim's retail business contributes about 67 per cent of its total revenue through approximately 848 stores nationwide. Currently valued at Rs 500 crore, the retail segment is expected to surpass Rs 600 crore by 2025-26, opines Chaudhuri,

Constituting 33 per cent of the total turnover, the distribution business faces challenges due to the GST hike on footwear below MRP of Rs 1,000 since January 2022. With a network of 732 distributors serving lower and middle-income consumers across Tier I to Tier III cities, this segment specialises in providing affordable footwear, with 96 per cent of its products manufactured in-house.

The demerger is expected to enable each business to address its priorities effectively. With distinct focuses, Khadim India believes that separating the entities will allow for better alignment with their respective market dynamics and consumer demands.

In his address as the Chair of the Great India Retail Summit 2024 held in Mumbai on February 15 and 16, Ashish Dikshit, Managing Director, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, articulated the profound evolution of India's retail realm. He underscored the remarkable strides witnessed in India's retail landscape over the past few decades, attributing this progress to a potent mix of creativity, technology infusion, and a relentless focus on consumer-centric services.

While acknowledging India's initial lag compared to global retail giants like Walmart, he celebrated the nation's recent rapid advancement, propelled largely by the exponential growth of e-commerce.

Highlighting the staggering expansion of the e-commerce sector, Dikshit said, from a modest $2-3 billion in 2013, the sector has expanded to an astounding $ 60-65 billion today. This meteoric rise has been instrumental in propelling India to the forefront of modern retail, he emphasised. The amalgamation of e-commerce platforms, evolving consumer preferences, and the burgeoning digital payment ecosystem has fueled India's ascent in the retail arena.

Emphasising on the transformative role of technology, Dikshit cited deeper mobile penetration, affordable data rates, and widespread access to entertainment and shopping as key drivers of change. Coupled with the emergence of a new generation of millennial consumers, these technological enablers are reshaping the retail landscape and positioning India as a global innovator, he said.

Dikshit envisioned a future where India would lead the charge in global retail innovation. He envisaged an ecosystem, where creativity, technology, and consumer-centric strategies converge to redefine the retail experience.

India’s retail sales grew by a mere 5 per cent in January 2024, according to a survey by the Retailers Association of India (RAI).

Despite the festive season, sales growth remained subdued in October and November, surging by only 7 per cent increase, while sales in December grew by 4 per cent resulting in a sluggish October-December quarter for retailers.

The RAI noted a discouraging trend in January 2024, with minimal growth observed across various categories, except for segments like jewellery, food, and grocery, which were buoyed by the marriage season.

Many retailers reported negative growth on a like-for-like basis, particularly in the east and south regions of the country, where consumer demand for discretionary products remained weak.

Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India, highlights the challenges faced by retail businesses in January. Even consumer durables and IT retailers experienced hurdles in achieving growth, while garment retailers struggled despite discount offers for non-occasion wear garments, he says.

West India led the growth at 6 per cent, followed by North and South India, each at 5 per cent, and East India trailing behind with only a 3 per cent increase in sales compared to January 2023.

Among categories, Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), food and grocery, and jewelry sectors reported the highest growth rates at 9 per cent each, followed by sports goods and beauty products compared to January 2023 sales levels.