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Decathlon Enters Palakkad with 3,700+ Products, Part of €100 Million India Expansion Plan Covering 90 Cities

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Decathlon Enters Palakkad with 3,700+ Products, Part of €100 Million India Expansion Plan Covering 90 Cities

French sports retailer Decathlon has just added a new pin to its India map — this time in Kerala’s Palakkad district. The store is the brand’s latest step in deepening its presence in a state known not just for its beauty, but for its love of sport.

From yoga mats to mountain bikes, the new outlet stocks over 3,700 products across a wide mix of sports — including outdoor adventures, water sports, running, cycling, team games, fitness, and even roller and target sports. There’s gear for kids, adults, and everyone in between.

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Rahul Phukan, Business Development Director at Decathlon Sports India, shared the news on LinkedIn, writing:

“Kerala is so much more than backwaters and beaches — it’s a state with sporting spirit in its veins. With our new store in Palakkad, we’re not just growing — we’re becoming part of something bigger.”

Decathlon made its India debut back in 2009 with its first store in Bengaluru. It originally operated as a cash-and-carry business before receiving clearance in 2013 to enter the single-brand retail space. Fast forward to today, the company has more than 100 stores spread across 19 states.

And they’re not slowing down.

Decathlon is gearing up to invest €100 million (about Rs 930 crore) in India over the next five years. The plan includes launching more stores, ramping up tech and digital infrastructure, and improving its supply chain. The goal? To have 190 stores across 90 cities — not just in metros, but in tier 2 towns as well.

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For Kerala, and especially Palakkad, this new store means easier access to quality sports gear — and a sign that big retail brands are paying attention to India’s growing appetite for fitness and outdoor life.

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Flipkart to Relocate Legal Base from Singapore to India Ahead of Potential IPO; Walmart-Backed Giant Tightens Ties with Home Market

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Flipkart to Relocate Legal Base from Singapore to India Ahead of Potential IPO; Walmart-Backed Giant Tightens Ties with Home Market

Flipkart is coming home.

The Walmart-owned e-commerce major announced on Tuesday that it plans to shift its legal domicile from Singapore to India — a move that signals deeper alignment with the country where it all began, and possibly a step toward an eventual IPO on Indian soil.

While Flipkart has always operated primarily in India, its parent company has until now been registered in Singapore. That’s about to change.

In a statement, the company said it’s preparing to relocate its holding entity to India, calling the move “a natural next step” in syncing its legal structure with where its heart — and business — lies.

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“This decision reflects our commitment to the Indian market, our customers, our seller ecosystem, and the country’s digital growth,” Flipkart noted, hinting that being legally based in India could give the company greater agility and relevance as it continues to expand.

The announcement also comes amid ongoing speculation about Flipkart’s long-awaited public listing. While no timeline has been confirmed, many see this shift as a foundational step that clears regulatory and operational hurdles for a potential stock market debut in India.

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For a company that started in a Bengaluru apartment and grew into one of India’s most recognizable online retail brands, moving its base back to India seems more like a homecoming than a strategy shift.

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No GST on UPI Payments Over Rs 2,000, Says Government After Social Media Buzz

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No GST on UPI Payments Over Rs 2,000, Says Government After Social Media Buzz

Rumors were flying this week about the government planning to slap GST on UPI payments above Rs 2,000 — but the Finance Ministry has come out and firmly shut those down.

“There is no such proposal,” the ministry said in a statement, calling the reports “baseless and misleading.” The clarification comes after a flurry of social media chatter and news articles suggesting that a new tax might be in the pipeline for higher-value UPI transactions.

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To set the record straight: UPI payments themselves don’t attract GST. The tax only comes into play on specific charges — like the merchant discount rate (MDR) — which, in this case, doesn’t apply. The government reminded the public that MDR on UPI transactions between individuals and merchants (P2M) was scrapped way back in January 2020. Since there’s no MDR, there’s nothing for GST to be applied to.

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The Finance Ministry also reiterated its continued support for India’s booming digital payments ecosystem. In fact, far from taxing it, the government’s been actively funding UPI adoption through incentive schemes aimed at making low-value transactions easier and cheaper — especially for small businesses.

Here’s what the government’s put behind UPI so far:

  • Rs 1,389 crore in incentives in FY 2021–22
  • Rs 2,210 crore in FY 2022–23
  • Rs 3,631 crore in FY 2023–24

Bottom line: UPI remains tax-free for users, even for payments above Rs 2,000. The government’s stance is clear — keep digital transactions easy, fast, and friction-free.

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PhonePe’s Pincode App Now Delivers Medicines 24/7 in Bengaluru, Mumbai & Pune — In Just 10 Minutes

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PhonePe’s Pincode App Now Delivers Medicines 24/7 in Bengaluru, Mumbai & Pune In Just 10 Minutes

PhonePe’s hyperlocal commerce app, Pincode, has stepped into the healthcare space in a big way, rolling out a round-the-clock medicine delivery service in three major cities — Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune.

What sets this apart? For one, Pincode isn’t relying on the usual “dark store” warehouse setup that most e-pharmacy players use. Instead, it’s tapping into the existing network of local chemists — giving customers faster deliveries and supporting neighbourhood businesses at the same time.

Need a prescription drug at 2 AM? Or forgot to stock up on a daily medication? Pincode now promises to get it to your doorstep in just 10 minutes. Whether it’s a simple over-the-counter tablet or a prescribed medicine, they’ve teamed up with nearby medical shops to fulfill your order quickly.

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“We’re trying to do two things at once — make access to medicines easier, and help local pharmacies thrive in a digital-first world,” said Vivek Lohcheb, CEO of Pincode. “With 10-minute deliveries, free teleconsultations, and all-day availability, we’re bridging an important gap in India’s healthcare ecosystem.”

One particularly thoughtful feature: if a customer doesn’t have a prescription, they can simply select that option during checkout. A certified doctor will reach out for a quick teleconsultation, and if appropriate, provide a digital prescription — all in line with India’s telemedicine regulations.

This new offering is clearly aimed at people who deal with regular medical needs — like seniors managing chronic illnesses, or anyone who might struggle to step out for a pharmacy run. And in an age where time and convenience matter more than ever, a service that combines speed, reliability, and access to doctors feels like a timely addition.

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For now, the 24/7 medicine delivery is live in three cities. But given the scale and ambition of PhonePe, don’t be surprised if it shows up in more soon.

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Do Contact Me. Only WhatsApp’: Zomato Delivery Exec’s Bold Note for Marketing Internship at Shopflo Wins the Internet

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Do Contact Me. Only WhatsApp’: Zomato Delivery Exec’s Bold Note for Marketing Internship at Shopflo Wins the Internet

A Zomato delivery guy has found an unexpected spotlight online — not for how fast he delivered dinner, but for the gutsy little note he left inside the bag.

When the folks at Shopflo opened their late-night food order, they found a piece of paper folded neatly in the box. It wasn’t a receipt. It was a handwritten message from the delivery partner:

Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market

“I’m a college student looking for a summer internship in marketing (not sales). Do contact me. 6261724837 (Only WhatsApp).”

And on the back, a quick note: “Sorry for the handwriting.”

That small piece of paper hit home for many, including Nikhil — the person who shared the story online.

“There was something really honest about it. In between dropping off food and fighting the clock, this guy still found a moment to put himself out there. No resumes, no LinkedIn messages. Just a pen, paper, and hope,” Nikhil wrote.

The internet responded fast — with admiration and support. Over 7,500 people have reacted to the post so far, many calling the gesture brave and refreshing.

One comment read: “As a student myself, this gave me chills. It takes serious guts to reach out like that, especially in such a unique way. Huge respect.”

Another added: “It’s incredible how something as simple as a note can stand out so much. Really hope someone in marketing gives this guy a shot.”

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It’s not every day a job application comes tucked between napkins and chutney. But sometimes, the boldest moves happen when you least expect them — and they definitely don’t need to be typed.

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Industry Buzz: Jeyandran Venugopal, Former Flipkart Tech Chief, Poised to Helm Reliance Retail

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Industry Buzz: Jeyandran Venugopal, Former Flipkart Tech Chief, Poised to Helm Reliance Retail

Mumbai: There’s strong chatter in the industry that Jeyandran Venugopal is in talks to take over as CEO of Reliance Retail (RRVL). While nothing has been made official yet, sources say the announcement could be around the corner.

Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad

Venugopal stepped down from his role as Chief Product and Technology Officer at Flipkart earlier this year in February, citing personal reasons. He had joined Flipkart as Senior VP of Product & Engineering and spent nearly eight years helping shape its tech and product roadmap.

Before Flipkart, he held a similar leadership position at Myntra Jabong, where he was SVP and CPTO. He also tried his hand at entrepreneurship — co-founding the health-tech platform Eclinic 247, which was later acquired by MedLife in a strategic deal.

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His earlier stints include key roles at Snapdeal, Yahoo, and Amazon Web Services. He has also served as Chairperson of the Nasscom Deeptech Council and sat on the board of HealthCare Global Enterprises.

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“Influencers Aren’t Founders”: Bombay Shaving Company CEO Takes a Swipe at Social Media-Driven Startups

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Influencers Aren’t Founders”: Bombay Shaving Company CEO Takes a Swipe at Social Media-Driven Startups

Shantanu Deshpande, founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, didn’t hold back in a recent LinkedIn post that’s now stirring up conversation across India’s startup and content creator circles. His message? Just because someone has followers doesn’t mean they’re ready to build a real business.

“Influencers make lousy founders,” Deshpande wrote bluntly. “They chase likes, retweets, views—whatever’s trending. That need for instant validation gets in the way of actual company-building.”

According to him, founders need more than social clout; they need stamina. “Real businesses are built over years, not reels. You need to have the patience to sit through the boring parts and build something people actually need. Not just something that goes viral.”

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He also didn’t shy away from calling out global stars-turned-brand-builders like Kylie Jenner, Logan Paul, and MrBeast. Deshpande called their ventures “exceptions,” suggesting they’ve been handed exaggerated valuations and media-fueled hype rather than true entrepreneurial grit. He referenced a quote by Adheet Gogate, warning that influencer-backed brands often burn investor money on packaging and perception instead of actual product development or operations.

“The Chinese will wipe these models out,” he added, hinting at the inevitable reckoning for businesses built on smoke and mirrors rather than solid supply chains and product-market fit.

And in classic Deshpande style, he wrapped up with a sharp punchline: “Doing goofy dances or one-minute gyaan videos doesn’t make you a founder. It just gives you a false sense of competence.”

His post has ignited plenty of debate—with some agreeing that digital fame isn’t the same as entrepreneurial depth, while others argue that creators bring community, storytelling, and agility to the table.

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Either way, Deshpande’s message is clear: entrepreneurship isn’t a shortcut to more influence—it’s a long, often thankless grind.

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BluSmart Faces Major Shake-Up: Eversource Capital Eyes Acquisition as Founders Anmol & Puneet Jaggi Face SEBI Heat Over Gensol Scandal

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BluSmart Faces Major Shake-Up: Eversource Capital Eyes Acquisition as Founders Anmol & Puneet Jaggi Face SEBI Heat Over Gensol Scandal

Eversource Capital is looking to take control of BluSmart, the electric cab-hailing startup currently reeling from a corporate meltdown tied to its founders’ alleged financial misconduct. While no formal word has come from Eversource, insiders say the investment firm has made a serious offer and is likely to insist that co-founders Anmol and Puneet Singh Jaggi step down from the board if the deal moves forward.

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BluSmart, once seen as a bright spark in India’s EV ecosystem, has found itself in stormy weather after regulators began circling Gensol Engineering Ltd.—a listed company promoted by the Jaggi brothers. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has accused them of siphoning funds meant for corporate use and rerouting them to personal ventures, including shady stock trades and luxury real estate purchases. One of the shell firms allegedly involved is named Wellray, which SEBI claims was used to manipulate Gensol’s own stock.

The trouble doesn’t stop there. SEBI’s action triggered a separate investigation by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs into Gensol Electric’s financial conduct and regulatory filings. Depending on the ministry’s findings, BluSmart could face more fallout.

Founded in 2018, BluSmart has been operating a fleet of nearly 8,700 electric vehicles, about 5,500 of which came directly from Gensol. The rest are leased from various partners. The company carved out a niche for itself in India’s crowded mobility space by betting early on electric vehicles—but the ongoing governance issues have cast a shadow over its future.

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If the acquisition by Eversource goes through—and that’s still a big “if” pending due diligence and board-level approvals—it could represent a reset moment for BluSmart. Whether that’s enough to restore investor confidence and public trust remains to be seen.

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25 Million Sq. Ft. of Retail Coming to India’s Tier 2 and 3 Cities: DLF, Texvalley, Rohan, and More Lead the Next Wave of Mall Mania

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25 Million Sq. Ft. of Retail Coming to India’s Tier 2 and 3 Cities: DLF, Texvalley, Rohan, and More Lead the Next Wave of Mall Mania

As shoppers across India lean harder into experience-first retail, real estate developers are racing to keep up—especially in the fast-growing tier 2 and 3 cities. The new playbook? Think smaller, smarter malls, mostly under 500,000 sq. ft., built right into local neighborhoods and offering what developers are calling “premium convenience.”

Big names like Lulu Group, DLF Ltd., and Aparna Constructions are leading the charge, planting stylish shopping centers across India’s emerging cities and towns. The idea is simple but powerful: bring metro-level shopping, dining, and social spaces to people’s doorsteps, no matter where they live.

Fresh data from JLL India predicts that over the next five years, nearly 25 million sq. ft. of new retail space will come up in India’s tier 2 and 3 cities alone. Meanwhile, the country’s eight largest metro cities are gearing up for nearly 20 new premium malls by 2026, adding around 12.3 million sq. ft. of retail supply, according to Cushman & Wakefield.

Here’s a quick look at some of the major retail projects set to reshape India’s shopping scene between 2025 and 2026:

DLF Midtown Plaza, New Delhi

Real estate powerhouse DLF Ltd. is putting the finishing touches on DLF Midtown Plaza in Moti Nagar, New Delhi. Covering more than 200,000 sq. ft., the plaza will bring a fresh mix of retail stores, cafés, food courts, and theme restaurants to one of Delhi’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. Tucked inside the larger DLF One Midtown township, this development is designed to cater to about 15,000 families living nearby. Expect a cozy, convenience-first vibe rather than a mega-mall experience.

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Value Mall, Erode

Texvalley is making big waves down south with Value Mall, South India’s first true outlet shopping destination. Opening June 2025 in Erode, it will spread over 500,000 sq. ft. and house over 100 domestic and international brands. Along with a sprawling 600-seat food court (home to names like McDonald’s, KFC, Wow Momos, and Chicking), the mall will also feature a six-screen multiplex with cutting-edge EPIQ tech, a 25,000 sq. ft. hypermarket, an 18,000 sq. ft. indoor entertainment zone, and an outdoor arena for turf sports and pickleball. With a catchment area of 6 million people within 60 km, Value Mall expects to generate over 2,500 jobs, blending retail therapy with cultural events and community experiences.

DLF Summit Plaza, Gurugram

In Gurugram’s plush Sector 54, DLF Ltd. is readying DLF Summit Plaza, a mixed-use marvel that will dedicate over 400,000 sq. ft. to retail and 80,000 sq. ft. to coworking spaces. Opening within the current financial year, the plaza will serve a lively community of 30,000+ residents, offering boutique cinemas (with intimate two- or three-screen setups for 300 patrons), artisanal cafés, fine dining options, and a lineup of premium global and Indian brands. Think upscale, urban, and very curated.

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Rohan Mall, Mangaluru

Meanwhile, Mangaluru will get its first large-format mall with Rohan Mall, a landmark project by Rohan Corporation. Built on a 6.25-acre site in Kulashekara, the development will offer 300,000 sq. ft. of built-up space, featuring everything from factory outlets and a hypermarket to a four-screen multiplex and two separate family entertainment centers. To top it off, Rohan Mall will also house 250,000 sq. ft. of IT office space and a 100-key three-star business hotel, complete with banquet facilities—a true mixed-use hub catering to both retail therapy and business needs.

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Biryani Blues Moves HQ to Premium Sohna Road Office in Gurugram, Eyes Aggressive Expansion with 68 Outlets and 2.5 Million Annual Customers

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Biryani Blues Moves HQ to Premium Sohna Road Office in Gurugram, Eyes Aggressive Expansion with 68 Outlets and 2.5 Million Annual Customers

Biryani Blues, a homegrown quick service restaurant brand, has moved its headquarters to a new, upscale office on Gurugram’s Sohna Road—marking a big milestone in the company’s growth path as it gears up for broader expansion across North India.

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“This move represents more than just a change of address—it’s a statement of intent,” said Aparna Andrews, Co-Founder of Biryani Blues. “We’re building a space that not only fosters creativity and collaboration for our team but also mirrors our ambitions for the brand. As India’s only consistently profitable biryani chain, we’re in a strong position to enter new cities without compromising on the taste and experience our customers love.”

The new workspace is strategically placed for easy access and high visibility, with modern amenities designed to support the brand’s dynamic work culture and future plans.

XRE Consultants handled the entire transition—from scouting the location and handling lease negotiations to designing the interiors and ensuring the space was ready for operations.

“It was an exciting project to work on,” said Zafeer Ahmed, Managing Director of XRE Consultants. “We worked closely with Biryani Blues to create a workspace that’s a true extension of their brand personality and business goals.”

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Launched in 2013 by husband-wife duo Aparna and Raymond Andrews, Biryani Blues now runs more than 68 outlets across North and South India, serving over 2.5 million customers each year.

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