Nykaa Expands International Footprint with New Subsidiary in Oman: Targets $50 Billion GCC Beauty Market

Retail & Ecommerce

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January 25, 2025

Image of nykaa — Nykaa Expands International Footprint with New Subsidiary in Oman: Targets $50 Billion GCC Beauty Market

Nykaa, India’s leading beauty and personal care retailer, has taken a significant step in its global expansion by establishing Nysaa Cosmetics SPC in Oman. The new subsidiary marks another milestone in the company’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, a market projected to reach $50 billion in the beauty and personal care sector by 2027.

With an initial share capital of 30,000 Omani rials (around ₹6 lakh), Nysaa Cosmetics SPC will focus on the trade and retail of cosmetics, perfumes, and hair care products. Through its ownership structure, Nykaa holds a 55% indirect stake in the Oman-based firm.

This move follows Nykaa’s earlier expansions in the GCC, including the launch of Nysaa Distribution FZE in Dubai in November 2024 and Nysaa Cosmetics Trading in Qatar in July 2024. These international ventures contributed to a robust quarter-on-quarter growth in Nykaa’s overseas business during the second quarter of 2024, reflecting the company’s intent to capitalize on the growing demand for beauty products in the Middle East.

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Nykaa’s international push complements its steady growth in India, where it has expanded its presence with over 160 brick-and-mortar stores and a strong online marketplace. Since its IPO in 2021, the company has continued to diversify its revenue streams, with the GCC market emerging as a promising frontier.

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Through initiatives like Nysaa Cosmetics SPC, Nykaa aims to solidify its standing in the $10 billion GCC beauty and personal care industry, positioning itself as a leading player in the region’s thriving market.

Kusha Kapila and Rhea Sweeten Gurugram with Torte Restaurant

Hotels & Restaurants

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January 24, 2025

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Image of Kusha Kapila and Rhea — Kusha Kapila and Rhea Sweeten Gurugram with Torte Restaurant

Kusha Kapila and her close friend Rhea are all set to make waves in the food world with their latest venture, Torte Restaurant. This new dessert bar, located in Gurugram, promises to bring a fresh, creative twist to the city’s dining scene. Known for her witty and relatable content, Kusha is now stepping into the culinary space alongside Rhea, who has long dreamed of creating an experience-driven dessert spot.

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The idea for Torte came about in the most casual way—just a group of friends chatting. As Kusha shared, “One day, Rhea announced she wanted to open an experiential dessert bar, and before she could even finish, we all just jumped in with, ‘Yes, do it!’” That encouragement led the duo to turn this vision into a reality, fueled by their shared passion for creativity.

Although the details of the menu and opening date are still under wraps, there’s a lot of buzz about what’s to come. With Kusha’s flair for storytelling and Rhea’s eye for design and food, Torte is expected to deliver more than just desserts—it’ll be an experience. Patrons can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere and a menu full of surprises that push the boundaries of what dessert can be.

This project also marks an exciting new chapter for Kusha. Known for dominating digital platforms and even making her mark in Bollywood, she’s now adding “restaurateur” to her résumé. For Rhea, it’s the realization of a long-held dream, backed by her creative vision and Kusha’s knack for connecting with people.

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Gurugram, with its growing reputation as a hub for experimental dining, feels like the perfect fit for Torte. Over the years, the city has become a magnet for food lovers, and this new spot is bound to add to its charm.

As the countdown begins, fans of Kusha and dessert enthusiasts alike are excited to see what this duo has in store. Torte isn’t just a restaurant; it’s shaping up to be a space that celebrates creativity, indulgence, and the joy of food. Keep an eye on Kusha’s social media for updates—you won’t want to miss this sweet new chapter.

Over 600 Jobs Lost as Iconic Australian Brand Rivers Closes All Stores

Business

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January 24, 2025

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Image of rivers — Over 600 Jobs Lost as Iconic Australian Brand Rivers Closes All Stores

Rivers, the storied Australian footwear and apparel brand with roots dating back to 1863, is closing the doors of all 136 of its stores, leaving over 600 employees without work, according to ABC News. This decision follows an unsuccessful attempt to sell the business, signaling the end of an era for a brand that has long been a fixture in Australian retail.

The closure marks the latest setback for Mosaic Group, which has seen a dramatic collapse in recent years. After entering administration in October, Mosaic Group faced overwhelming financial challenges, owing creditors a massive $249 million. This has led to the closure of other well-known brands under its control, such as Katies, Rockmans, Crossroads, Autograph, W Lane, and BeMe

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Rivers’ history began in the 19th century, originally focusing on footwear production. By the late 1970s, the brand was supplying products to iconic Australian department stores like Grace Bros and David Jones. Its first standalone store opened in 1983 in Sydney, initially specializing in men’s shoes, before expanding to offer a broader range of clothing and accessories.

Over the years, ownership of Rivers changed hands multiple times. In 2013, it was acquired by Speciality Fashion Group, now City Chic. Then, in 2018, the struggling brand was bought by Noni B for $31 million in an effort to turn its fortunes around. However, after Noni B rebranded into Mosaic Group, Rivers’ decline continued.

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The final blow came when the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the retail industry. Supply chain disruptions caused stock delays, severely hurting sales and profits during the crucial final quarter of the financial year. By the time Mosaic entered administration, its stock had plummeted to just 4 cents per share, down from a pre-pandemic valuation of $2 per share, leaving the company with a market capitalization of only $6.3 million.

Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto Race to Expand Dark Stores Amid Soaring Demand for Workers

Quick Commerce

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January 24, 2025

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Image of zomato — Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto Race to Expand Dark Stores Amid Soaring Demand for Workers

As the rapid growth of quick commerce continues across India, dark stores are facing a mounting need for workers to pick, pack, and load goods. The surge in demand is being driven by the expansion of quick commerce players in numerous cities and towns. As these companies race to grow their networks, the competition for “under-the-roof” workers has intensified, with a sharp rise in job vacancies. This rapid expansion has also led to higher employee turnover rates.

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Zomato is on track to increase its Blinkit dark store network from 1,007 to 2,000 by the end of this year. Meanwhile, Swiggy Instamart is planning to nearly double its presence from 523 stores in March 2024 to over 1,046 by March 2025. Zepto, too, has aggressive expansion plans, aiming for 1,200 dark stores by March 2025, up from the current 700-750 as of December 2024.

However, the expansion comes at a cost. In the December quarter of FY25, Blinkit, which Zomato owns, reported an increase in losses due to its rapid growth initiatives. Despite aiming to reach 1,000 dark stores by March 2024, the company exceeded its target ahead of schedule, achieving 1,007 stores by December 31. Now, Blinkit has set its sights on accelerating its expansion even further, with plans to operate 2,000 dark stores by December 2025, pulling forward its initial target of December 2026.

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This breakneck pace of growth highlights the intense pressure on dark stores to meet the demands of quick commerce, with workers being crucial to keeping the supply chain moving efficiently.

Raaz App: The Startup Fighting Men’s Health Stigma With $1 Million in Fresh Funding

INVESTMENTS

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January 24, 2025

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Raaz App, a Bengaluru-based startup addressing men’s reproductive health, has secured $1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Fireside Ventures. The round also saw participation from Campus Fund, Vaibhav Domkundwar of Better Capital, and prominent individual investors like Altaf Saiyed (Traya), Raymond Russell (Pharos Fund), Shreyas Kumar (Fermat Commerce), and Bhargav Tarpara (Greenlit), among others.

The startup plans to use the funds to enhance its platform, expand its range of services, conduct clinical trials, and raise awareness about men’s health issues.

Founded in 2023 by Akash Kumar and Dr. Harshit Kukreja, Raaz App specializes in treating conditions such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. It offers a range of services, including teleconsultations, medications, diagnostic support, counseling, and lifestyle guidance. Each patient is assigned a dedicated doctor and a personal health concierge, ensuring tailored and discreet care.

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Raaz App focuses on breaking taboos around men’s health, particularly in Tier II and Tier III cities, by offering services in local languages to improve accessibility. Sharing the motivation behind the platform, Dr. Harshit Kukreja, Co-Founder and COO, recalled a life-changing incident: “One night at a Delhi hospital, I treated a young man who had attempted suicide due to marital problems caused by erectile dysfunction. He had spent his entire savings on quacks and fake remedies, leaving him in despair. This experience stayed with me, and years later, Akash and I traveled across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to understand the problem more deeply. The stories we heard inspired us to launch Raaz to offer real solutions for men facing similar struggles.”

At its core, Raaz App emphasizes personalized, evidence-based care. The platform uses a data-driven approach, storing anonymized case histories to track the success of treatments and refine protocols over time. This approach helps ensure that care is both effective and affordable, making a difference in the lives of many.

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Co-founder and CEO Akash Kumar highlighted a broader concern: “For decades, we’ve been told to fear overpopulation, but now we’re facing a rapid decline in fertility rates. If this continues, India risks aging before it grows rich. Raaz is our way of addressing this challenge—helping couples achieve parenthood through innovative reproductive health solutions while respecting individual choice.”

Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Red Chilli Powder Hit with FSSAI Recall Over Safety Violation

Food & Beverage

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January 24, 2025

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Image of patanjali — Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Red Chilli Powder Hit with FSSAI Recall Over Safety Violation

Patanjali Foods, led by Baba Ramdev, faced a setback on Thursday as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ordered the recall of a batch of its red chilli powder. The recall was prompted by the product’s failure to meet the FSSAI’s regulations concerning contaminants, toxins, and residues.

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In an official filing, Patanjali Foods revealed that the FSSAI had issued the recall order on January 13, 2025, which the company received on January 16, 2025. The batch of red chilli powder, labeled Batch No. AJD2400012, did not comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011, leading to the recall.

This issue comes at a time when Patanjali is already embroiled in legal troubles. Recently, Dabur India filed a lawsuit against Patanjali over an advertisement related to chyawanprash. Dabur accused Patanjali of spreading misleading claims, asserting that the ad went beyond fair competition and damaged Dabur’s brand image. In the disputed ad, Patanjali claimed its chyawanprash contained 51 herbs, suggesting Dabur’s product only had 40. Dabur further alleged that the ad implied their chyawanprash was unsafe for children due to the presence of mercury, a claim that was labeled false and harmful to their reputation.

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This is not the first time Patanjali has faced scrutiny over its advertising practices, with previous incidents raising concerns about misleading claims and potential damage to competitors’ trust in the market.

Priced Differently Based on Your Phone? CCPA Targets Ola and Uber Over Alleged Unfair Trade Practices

Retail & Ecommerce

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January 24, 2025

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Image of ola — Priced Differently Based on Your Phone? CCPA Targets Ola and Uber Over Alleged Unfair Trade Practices

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to Ola and Uber after receiving complaints about alleged unfair trade practices related to fare discrepancies.

Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi revealed that the two ride-hailing companies are being scrutinized for allegedly charging different fares depending on whether users book rides through an Android or iPhone. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to label this practice as a “prima facie unfair trade practice” and a violation of consumer rights.

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The issue came to light after several commuters reported that identical rides appeared to cost more on iPhones compared to Android devices. A report by The Times of India highlighted cases in Chennai, where users noticed consistent price differences for the same routes and times across the two platforms. While there’s no concrete evidence that the companies deliberately engage in such differential pricing, the complaints have prompted the Department of Consumer Affairs to demand an explanation from both firms.

Screenshots shared by users on social media added fuel to the fire, with many showing that the same Uber Auto ride was priced higher on an iPhone. One customer even mentioned that he now asks his daughter to book rides on her Android phone to avoid paying inflated fares. This sparked a wave of similar accounts online, suggesting that the issue may be more widespread than initially thought.

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Minister Joshi reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting consumer interests, emphasizing “zero tolerance for consumer exploitation.” He confirmed that the CCPA has formally requested a response from Ola and Uber, urging them to provide transparency around their fare-setting mechanisms.

Manu Bhaker Joins Hands with Dabur Khajurprash to Champion Women’s Health and Immunity

A&M

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January 24, 2025

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Image of dabur — Manu Bhaker Joins Hands with Dabur Khajurprash to Champion Women’s Health and Immunity

Dabur India has brought on board Double Olympic medallist and star shooter Manu Bhaker as the face of its product, Dabur Khajurprash. To mark this partnership, the brand has launched a comprehensive media campaign to highlight the benefits of Dabur Khajurprash, focusing on its role in combating iron deficiency, maintaining healthy haemoglobin levels, and boosting immunity among Indian women.

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Rajeev John, Executive Vice President at Dabur India, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, “We’re thrilled to have Manu Bhaker join the Dabur family as the brand ambassador for Dabur Khajurprash. Her strong, confident personality and remarkable achievements resonate with the values our brand stands for. We’re confident this partnership will deepen our connection with consumers and further strengthen the brand.”

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Amit Garg, General Manager of Marketing at Dabur India, highlighted the pressing issue of anaemia among women in the country, stating, “Nearly 50% of adult women in India suffer from anaemia, often experiencing symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, and pale skin, which stem from iron deficiency. With Dabur Khajurprash, we aim to address this widespread concern. Made from premium dates and infused with over 40 Ayurvedic herbs, it’s not just delicious but also packed with health benefits. By partnering with Manu Bhaker, we hope to inspire women across India to take charge of their health and tackle the challenges posed by iron deficiency.”

Good Glamm Group Faces Second Round of Layoffs Amid Strategy Questions

Business

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January 24, 2025

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Image of good glamm — Good Glamm Group Faces Second Round of Layoffs Amid Strategy Questions

The Good Glamm Group, known for its content-to-commerce model, has made headlines once again with a second wave of layoffs, affecting around 150 employees across various departments, from fresh recruits to senior team leads. This round of job cuts follows the company’s recent acquisition of Sirona, which is now in the process of being sold. This move marks the second time in a year that Good Glamm has faced significant employee reductions, prompting concerns about its strategic direction moving forward. Industry sources have revealed that entire teams, including those focused on new product development, have been dissolved.

The company has not publicly addressed the layoffs but provided clarification on employee salaries, noting that 85% of staff received their pay on time this month. However, 15% experienced a 2-3 week delay, which has since been rectified. In its statement, Good Glamm also revealed it’s in talks for a fresh round of equity fundraising and the sale of some of its brands, with an expected resolution in the next three weeks.

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Good Glamm’s financial struggles have been apparent for some time. In October 2024, Moneycontrol reported that the company, backed by Warburg Pincus, was looking to sell off several of its brands, including Organic Harvest, The Moms Co, and Sirona. These sales come as the company faces a cash crunch and seeks capital to keep operations afloat. On January 2, 2025, during a company-wide town hall, employees were warned about potential delays in salary payments due to the holiday season, followed by the layoff announcements.

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Insiders suggest that Good Glamm’s acquisition strategy, which has involved purchasing a variety of women-oriented businesses, has lacked clear direction. This has led to a growing perception that the company is focusing more on expanding without proper planning, possibly to avoid becoming “big and broke.” Critics online have voiced their frustrations, with one commenter pointing out that Good Glamm’s approach seemed haphazard, acquiring anything and everything, including a Facebook group with 50k+ members and even Twinkle Khanna’s Tweak, without a coherent strategy behind it.

Ashutosh Sharma’s Frozen Chutney: Bringing Authentic Taste to Street Food Stalls

Food & Beverage

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January 24, 2025

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Image of frozen chutney — Ashutosh Sharma’s Frozen Chutney: Bringing Authentic Taste to Street Food Stalls

Ashutosh Sharma, the Commercial Director of Foodservice, recently shared an exciting announcement on LinkedIn regarding the launch of a new product aimed at enhancing the offerings of street food vendors and caterers. The company is introducing a pure, authentic frozen green and mint chutney designed specifically for chaat vendors, samosa sellers, tikki stalls, kebab and chaap corners, as well as wedding caterers. This new product promises to deliver both convenience and high-quality chutney while preserving the true, fresh flavors that are essential to Indian cuisine.

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The chutney is crafted using traditional recipes, ensuring it maintains the authentic taste that pairs perfectly with a variety of street foods. Made with fresh, high-quality herbs and spices, the product adheres to the highest standards of flavor and quality. The frozen format provides the added benefit of easy storage and quick preparation, which allows vendors to serve their customers with minimal delay while keeping the flavor intact. Additionally, the chutney is produced in a modern facility that follows strict hygiene protocols, ensuring that safety and cleanliness are prioritized.

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This frozen green and mint chutney will be available in various packaging sizes, tailored to meet the needs of different street food vendors. For more details on how to purchase this product, interested parties can reach out to the company directly.

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