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From Savings to Splurging: How India’s Rising Workforce and ₹3.3 Lakh Crore Tax Relief Will Double Consumption by 2034

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From Savings to Splurging: How India’s Rising Workforce and ₹3.3 Lakh Crore Tax Relief Will Double Consumption by 2034

India is on track to become the world’s consumption powerhouse, outpacing major economies as spending surges across households. A new report by Angel One and Iconic Asset projects that India’s private consumption, which already makes up 56% of the nation’s GDP, will double by 2034. The rapid rise is being fueled by a growing workforce, increased disposable income, and a shift toward discretionary spending.

More Homes, More Spending

One of the biggest factors driving this growth is the expansion of nuclear families. Household formation is now outpacing population growth, meaning fewer people per household and more individual spending power. As urbanization accelerates and aspirations grow, more families are splurging on consumer goods, services, and experiences.

The report highlights that India’s workforce is also expanding at a faster pace than most countries. With more people entering formal employment, incomes are rising, and so is spending. Additionally, urban migration and the rise of middle-class households are set to create a robust demand for everything from fashion and electronics to entertainment and travel.

A $103 Trillion Savings Powerhouse

India’s massive savings pool is another factor bolstering consumption. Between 1997 and 2023, Indian households saved a staggering $12 trillion. But the real jump is yet to come — the report forecasts household savings will soar tenfold to $103 trillion by 2047. With this financial cushion, consumers will have greater confidence to spend on both necessities and indulgences.

Tax Cuts and a Spending Surge

The government’s recent tax reductions are expected to further boost spending. The report estimates that the ₹1 lakh crore released through tax relief could result in an additional ₹3.3 lakh crore in consumption. This injection of spending power is likely to add 1% to the country’s GDP growth, creating a ripple effect across industries.

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Luxury and Leisure on the Rise

Following global trends, India’s consumption growth will lean heavily toward discretionary spending. Categories like electronics, apparel, jewellery, and travel are expected to see exponential growth, outpacing spending on essentials. As incomes rise, so will aspirations, pushing brands and businesses to cater to an increasingly affluent and experience-driven consumer base.

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With these factors combined, India is set to redefine global consumption patterns, capturing the attention of both domestic and international businesses eager to tap into the country’s immense market potential.

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Chinese Wok Unveils Interactive AR Experience Across Outlets, Blending Culinary Theatre with Tech-Savvy Engagement

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Chinese Wok Unveils Interactive AR Experience Across Outlets, Blending Culinary Theatre with Tech-Savvy Engagement

Chinese Wok has introduced an Augmented Reality (AR) experience at its outlets, bringing a new twist to customer engagement. Now, diners can scan a QR code placed on tables, takeaway bags, or delivery boxes to watch a virtual Chinese Wok chef come to life on their screens. The animated chef flips woks, tosses noodles, and serves up signature Desi-Chinese dishes in a fun, interactive display.

“We love blending innovation with our vibrant brand identity,” said Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder and Director of Lenexis Foodworks. “This AR experience takes customer interaction to the next level, making every visit to Chinese Wok a little more memorable. It’s a fresh, tech-driven way for people to connect with our brand, whether they’re dining in or enjoying a takeaway.”

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To add to the excitement, customers can share videos of their AR encounters on Instagram Stories by tagging @chinesewokin. Participants stand a chance to win exclusive gift vouchers — a playful incentive to spread the experience online.

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With this interactive campaign, Chinese Wok is tapping into the growing demand for digital-first experiences while offering a dash of entertainment along with their signature flavors.

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From INR 71.96 Cr to INR 140 Cr: How Wellbeing Nutrition’s Global Expansion and Whey Protein Push Are Fueling Massive Growth in FY25

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From INR 71.96 Cr to INR 140 Cr: How Wellbeing Nutrition’s Global Expansion and Whey Protein Push Are Fueling Massive Growth in FY25

Wellbeing Nutrition, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) nutraceutical brand, is eyeing a significant leap in its revenue, aiming to close the financial year 2024-25 (FY25) at INR 140 Cr. If achieved, this would represent a nearly 95% surge from its FY24 revenue of INR 71.96 Cr, which had already seen a strong 68.7% year-on-year increase.

Speaking to Inc42, cofounder Avnish Chhabria credited the anticipated growth to the brand’s aggressive expansion in both product range and geographical presence. Over the past year, Wellbeing Nutrition made its mark in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the US, and Europe, while also entering the whey protein segment — a category Chhabria says is seeing “200% month-on-month growth.”

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Founded in 2019 by Chhabria and Saurabh Kapoor, the company offers a variety of vitamins and mineral supplements, available through its online platform and offline retail channels.

Chhabria is optimistic about achieving EBITDA profitability in the January-March 2025 quarter, attributing it to cost-cutting measures. The startup is projecting total expenses of INR 78-80 Cr in FY25, significantly lower than the INR 104 Cr it spent in FY24.

“Our focus on retaining customers and optimizing ad spend has paid off, helping us reach cash breakeven in the March quarter,” Chhabria said.

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The startup’s return on advertisement spend (ROAS) has notably improved, climbing to $3.5-$4 in FY25 from $2.5 the previous year. Additionally, Wellbeing Nutrition’s retention rate has nearly doubled, increasing from 22% in FY24 to 43% in the current fiscal year.

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Unicommerce Takes Full Control of Shipway with 57.24% Stake Buyout, Issues 60.3 Lakh Shares in Rs 68.4 Cr Deal — Faster Integration on the Horizon

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Unicommerce Takes Full Control of Shipway with 57.24% Stake Buyout, Issues 60.3 Lakh Shares in Rs 68.4 Cr Deal — Faster Integration on the Horizon

Unicommerce eSolutions Limited has finalized the acquisition of the remaining 57.24% stake in Shipway Technology Private Limited, taking full control of the courier aggregation platform.

This move follows Unicommerce’s initial purchase of a 42.76% stake in Shipway for Rs 68.4 crore on December 17, 2024. To complete the acquisition, Unicommerce will issue 60,33,189 equity shares through a preferential allotment. The share swap ratio for this transaction stands at 1:8.9, meaning Shipway’s promoters and non-promoter shareholders will receive 1 Unicommerce share for every 8.9 shares of Shipway they hold.

With this deal, Shipway will now operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unicommerce. The acquisition received approval from Unicommerce’s Board of Directors on March 20, 2025, and is pending shareholder approval.

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Although Unicommerce had initially planned to acquire the entire company within a year under the terms set in December, the accelerated timeline suggests a push for faster integration. The move is expected to strengthen Unicommerce’s market position, allowing it to offer a more comprehensive range of e-commerce enablement solutions.

By combining forces, Unicommerce aims to widen its total addressable market and offer a seamless, integrated suite of technology products. The company’s flagship product, Uniware, already handles key back-end operations like inventory management, multi-channel order processing, warehouse management, and returns handling.

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Shipway brings logistics expertise to the table with its courier aggregation and shipping automation platform, while Convertway, another offering, provides AI-powered marketing automation to drive e-commerce conversions and sales. Together, these solutions position Unicommerce as a robust, end-to-end e-commerce technology provider.

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Jimmy’s Cocktails Sees 30.9% Revenue Crash to INR 23.7 Cr in FY24, Net Loss Soars 47.1% to INR 10 Cr Despite Profitability Claims

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Jimmy’s Cocktails Sees 30.9% Revenue Crash to INR 23.7 Cr in FY24, Net Loss Soars 47.1% to INR 10 Cr Despite Profitability Claims

Jimmy’s Cocktails, a D2C brand specializing in cocktail mixers, experienced a notable drop in its financial performance during the fiscal year ending March 2024 (FY24). The company’s operating revenue slipped by 30.9% to INR 23.7 Cr, down from INR 34.3 Cr in FY23. Including an additional INR 2.9 Cr from other income sources, its total income stood at INR 26.6 Cr, marking a 23.3% decline compared to the previous year’s INR 34.7 Cr.

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The brand’s losses deepened despite the revenue decline. Its net loss surged by 47.1%, reaching INR 10 Cr in FY24 compared to INR 6.8 Cr in FY23, largely attributed to increased spending. Similarly, the EBITDA loss rose 51.2% to INR 13 Cr, up from INR 8.6 Cr in the previous fiscal year. This led to a significant EBITDA margin contraction to -55%, deteriorating from -25% in FY23.

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Jimmy’s Cocktails sells its mixers across multiple channels, including its own website, offline retail stores, and popular ecommerce and quick commerce platforms.

Interestingly, the company had claimed in May last year that it had achieved profitability in FY24, projecting a revenue run rate exceeding INR 100 Cr within 18 months. However, the latest financials paint a different picture.

Founded in 2019 by Ankur Bhatia and Nitin Bhardwaj, Jimmy’s Cocktails offers low-calorie, ready-to-drink cocktail mixers. Expanding its portfolio, the brand ventured into the energy drinks market in July 2023 with its product line named ‘Hustle.’

The startup’s most recent funding came in 2023, raising $1.3 Mn (INR 11 Cr) in an extended pre-Series A round. In 2022, it secured $1.8 Mn in a round led by Roots Ventures.

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Malabar Gold & Diamonds to Expand Global Footprint with 60 New Showrooms by 2025

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Malabar Gold & Diamonds to Expand Global Footprint with 60 New Showrooms by 2025

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the sixth-largest jewelry retailer in the world, is gearing up for a major expansion, with plans to open 60 new showrooms by 2025, the company announced on Thursday.

The move is part of Malabar’s strategy to strengthen its presence both in India and internationally. In March 2024 alone, the brand will launch 12 new showrooms across India, with locations including Panvel (Mumbai), Sinhagad Road (Pune), Brahmapur and Soubhagya Nagar (Odisha), Dhanbad (Jharkhand), Hospet, Nagarbhavi, and Chitradurga (Karnataka), as well as Nandyal, Amalapuram, and Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh), and Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh).

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To support this expansion, Malabar has invested ₹600 crore and has already brought on board 406 new employees this financial year.

Going Global: Middle East, UK, and Canada Up Next

The brand’s international expansion is also gaining momentum. In April 2025, Malabar plans to open five new showrooms across the Middle East, the UK, and Canada, adding to its already significant global presence.

“Our growth plan is a reflection of our commitment to bringing a world-class jewelry shopping experience to customers around the globe,” said MP Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group. “We are driven by our vision to become the world’s number one jewelry and luxury brand. Every showroom opening takes us one step closer to that goal.”

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A Strong Global Presence

Currently, Malabar Gold & Diamonds operates 380 showrooms across 13 countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Singapore, Malaysia, USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.

The company’s production strength includes 11 cutting-edge factories in India and 5 international units, employing a workforce of over 25,000 professionals from 26 countries.

With this latest expansion, Malabar Gold & Diamonds is not only cementing its leadership in the global jewelry market but also delivering on its mission of providing quality craftsmanship, ethical practices, and an exceptional customer experience worldwide.

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Himalayan Wellness Brand My Pahadi Dukan Secures Pre-Seed Funding from Inflection Point Ventures

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Himalayan Wellness Brand My Pahadi Dukan Secures Pre-Seed Funding from Inflection Point Ventures

My Pahadi Dukan, a direct-to-consumer brand specializing in authentic Himalayan health and wellness products, has raised an undisclosed amount in a pre-seed funding round led by Gurugram-based Inflection Point Ventures (IPV).

The fresh capital will be directed towards expanding the brand’s marketing efforts, improving operations, strengthening IT infrastructure, and managing working capital.

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Bringing the Himalayas to Global Consumers

Founded in 2021 by Himanshu Dua, Shubham Tandon, Rohan Sehgal, and Mohd. Anas Zubair, My Pahadi Dukan collaborates with local farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), and cooperatives across the Himalayan belt. The brand’s mission is to deliver pure, high-quality products from the mountains to consumers worldwide.

“At My Pahadi Dukan, we are passionate about sharing the authentic goodness of Himalayan wellness products with people across India and beyond,” said CEO Himanshu Dua. “IPV’s support has provided us with the momentum needed to grow our operations and bring the richness of the Himalayas to more households.”

A Growing Network of Himalayan Partnerships

The startup has built a strong supply chain by partnering with over 20,000 farmers, SHGs, and cooperatives spread across nine Himalayan states and Bhutan. So far, they have successfully shipped products to 29 countries and fulfilled more than 16,000 orders.

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Investor’s Perspective

Recognizing the increasing demand for authentic, sustainable, and wellness-oriented products, IPV sees My Pahadi Dukan as a pioneer in the rapidly evolving market.

“Today’s consumers are actively seeking pure and sustainable products, and My Pahadi Dukan is leading that movement,” said Mitesh Shah, Founder and CEO of IPV. “Their dedication to empowering local communities while offering premium-quality Himalayan products perfectly aligns with IPV’s investment philosophy.”

Shah also emphasized IPV’s excitement about supporting the brand’s growth journey as it scales operations and strengthens its presence in the wellness sector.

A Booming Industry

India’s health and wellness-focused food and beverage market is witnessing a significant surge, with industry projections estimating its value to hit $30 billion by 2026 at a CAGR of 20%.

With the fresh funding and IPV’s backing, My Pahadi Dukan is well-positioned to tap into this growing demand and solidify its role as a leading player in the Himalayan health and wellness space.

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Ola Electric Under Fire: 14 Scooters Seized in Jabalpur, 36 in Maharashtra Amid Allegations of Operating Without Trade Certificates

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Ola Electric Under Fire: 14 Scooters Seized in Jabalpur, 36 in Maharashtra Amid Allegations of Operating Without Trade Certificates

Ola Electric’s challenges seem far from over. After dealing with a series of customer complaints throughout 2024, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer is now under scrutiny from regulators.

According to NDTV Profit, regional transport officials conducted inspections at multiple Ola Electric outlets, with six stores in Madhya Pradesh and 26 in Maharashtra coming under the scanner in mid-March. As a result, authorities seized 14 scooters in Jabalpur and another 36 in Maharashtra.

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However, sources familiar with the situation told Inc42 that these weren’t raids but routine inspections initiated after an anonymous complaint. The allegation? That Ola Electric failed to maintain proper documentation.

NDTV Profit further reported that Gurugram-based Pritpal Singh & Associates had accused Ola Electric of operating stores, showrooms, and service centers in Maharashtra using a single trade certificate — a violation under motor vehicle regulations.

This is not the first time the Bhavish Aggarwal-led company has faced such issues. Similar incidents occurred in Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, and Bihar, with state authorities scrutinizing Ola Electric’s compliance.

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Bloomberg recently reported that transportation officials across the country have intensified their investigations, claiming that Ola Electric has been operating stores without the mandatory trade certificates required under the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The act mandates manufacturers and distributors to obtain these certificates before displaying or selling unregistered vehicles.

The report alleged that roughly 95% of Ola Electric’s 3,400 outlets were either selling scooters or offering test rides without valid certification.

Ola Electric, however, has pushed back against these claims. A company spokesperson dismissed the Bloomberg report as “misleading” and “biased.” The representative asserted that the company stores unregistered vehicles at its distribution centers and warehouses in full compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act, with all necessary approvals in place.

Adding to the controversy is Ola Electric’s aggressive expansion. Despite mounting concerns about delivery delays and poor after-sales service, the company rapidly grew its retail network from 800 to 4,000 stores in late 2024. This expansion, while ambitious, now faces increased regulatory scrutiny.

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Amazon Fashion’s ‘Next Gen Store’ Sees Three-Fold Rise in Gen Z Shoppers, Demand Surges in Tier-Two Cities

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Amazon Fashion’s ‘Next Gen Store’ Sees Three-Fold Rise in Gen Z Shoppers, Demand Surges in Tier-Two Cities

Amazon Fashion’s Next Gen Store, a digital hub designed exclusively for Gen Z fashion enthusiasts, has sparked significant growth for the e-commerce giant. Since its launch in 2023, the platform has witnessed a three-fold increase in Gen Z shoppers and a four-fold surge in demand from tier-two cities, according to a company press release.

Bridging the Fashion Gap for Gen Z

Recognizing the rising influence of young consumers, Amazon created the Next Gen Store to offer a carefully curated collection of fashion that blends global trends with local tastes. The platform currently boasts a diverse catalog featuring over 340 domestic and international brands and more than 2 million products.

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To keep the momentum going, Amazon Fashion has announced the Next Gen Online Shopping Event from March 20 to 24, offering discounts of up to 60% on collections specifically designed to resonate with youth fashion preferences.

Fashion Without Boundaries

“The rapid growth of our Next Gen Store highlights a major shift in how fashion is consumed in India,” said Siddharth Bhagat, Director of Amazon Fashion and Beauty India. “Gen Z shoppers are redefining style and using fashion as a means of self-expression. What’s exciting is that this shift isn’t limited to metros — we’re seeing an incredible surge from smaller cities and towns.”

Bhagat added that cities like Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Surat have emerged as significant contributors to this growth. The success in these regions shows how e-commerce is breaking barriers and making trendy, affordable fashion accessible across India.

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Amazon’s Expanding Reach

Since entering the Indian market in June 2013, Amazon has established itself as a major player in the country’s e-commerce space. The company now serves 100% of India’s serviceable pin codes, with 97% of orders eligible for two-day delivery.

As Amazon Fashion continues to scale, the Next Gen Store is positioned to further influence how young India shops, blending the latest trends with the convenience of online shopping. With the upcoming sale event, the brand aims to make fashion-forward choices even more accessible to its rapidly expanding customer base.

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Myntra’s Home Category Booms with 60% YoY Growth, Launches AI-Powered ‘Dream Room Inspirations’

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Myntra’s Home Category Booms with 60% YoY Growth, Launches AI-Powered ‘Dream Room Inspirations

Myntra’s home segment is turning into one of its fastest-growing categories, with demand skyrocketing by 60% year-on-year (YoY). In response to the increasing interest, the fashion e-commerce giant has introduced ‘Dream Room Inspirations’, a generative AI-powered feature designed to enhance the home shopping experience.

A Visual-First Shopping Experience

Recognizing that home decor shopping is driven by visual aesthetics and personal style, Myntra’s Dream Room Inspirations offers users a curated, theme-based shopping experience. Instead of browsing isolated products, shoppers can now explore entire room looks — including furnishings, décor, serveware, and more — that align with their style preferences. With just a few clicks, users can visualize their dream spaces and purchase all the products featured in the look.

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Myntra’s Expanding Home Portfolio

The platform has rapidly expanded its home segment, now offering more than 500,000 styles from over 1,700 brands. To keep up with evolving trends, around 40,000 new styles are added every month. Top categories in Myntra Home include furnishings, décor, kitchen essentials, appliances, furniture, and mattresses.

“Our deep market reach and strong connection with premium shoppers, backed by a massive base of 70 million monthly active users, have given us the confidence to strengthen our position in the lifestyle segment,” said Sharon Pais, Chief Business Officer at Myntra.

She emphasized how the brand’s tech innovation is helping customers navigate their home decor journeys more efficiently. “With homes becoming an essential part of personal expression, we are using cutting-edge AI to simplify the discovery-to-purchase process while offering curated, on-trend selections,” Pais added.

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Riding the Lifestyle Wave

Myntra’s aggressive expansion in the home space is reflective of a larger shift in consumer behavior. Shoppers are increasingly seeking products that not only meet functional needs but also reflect their personal tastes. By integrating AI into the shopping experience, Myntra is positioning itself as a one-stop destination for both fashion and lifestyle products.

With the Dream Room Inspirations feature and an ever-growing catalog of brands and designs, Myntra is well on its way to redefining how India shops for home products.

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