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Luxury Goes Local: How Smaller Towns Are Driving India’s High-End Market

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Luxury Goes Local: How Smaller Towns Are Driving India’s High-End Market

Luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton are no longer confined to India’s major cities. High-end shopping trends are now thriving in smaller towns and less-urbanized areas across the country.

Tata CLiQ Luxury has seen some noteworthy purchases this year, including pre-owned Rolex watches in Ajmer and Nagpur, Mulberry handbags in Nadiad and Aligarh, and Bvlgari products in Etah and Karimnagar. These examples highlight the expanding reach of luxury e-commerce.

E-commerce Transforms Luxury 

“E-commerce has transformed the luxury market by making it more accessible,” said Gopal Asthana, CEO of Tata CLiQ. “On our platform, about 55% of total revenue now comes from non-metro markets.”

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Even Tata CLiQ Luxury’s TimeVallee portfolio, which features prestigious brands like Cartier, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, and Piaget, generates roughly 40% of its sales from smaller cities. “The increasing demand underscores the evolving aspirations of Indian consumers while also reaffirming our commitment to bringing premium brands to every corner of the country,” Asthana added.

Small Towns Increasingly Important 

The shift isn’t limited to Tata CLiQ. Neeraj Walia, managing director and CEO of Montblanc India, revealed that online sales from smaller towns have doubled compared to last year. “We’re seeing customers in cities like Ranchi, Kanpur, Guwahati, and Gwalior purchasing limited editions and exclusive products,” he said. “Currently, we serve over 320 cities online—a significant jump from the 230 cities we reached just 18 months ago. Leather goods, in particular, are performing exceptionally well.”

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This surge in luxury spending from smaller towns is redefining the market, signaling a new era for high-end retail in India.

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Zomato Joins Sensex 30: A Landmark Moment for Indian Startups

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Zomato Joins Sensex 30: A Landmark Moment for Indian Startups

Zomato, led by CEO Deepinder Goyal, achieved a significant milestone on Monday, becoming the first Indian startup to join the prestigious Sensex 30, the Bombay Stock Exchange’s index of India’s top 30 companies. 

The food delivery giant replaced JSW Steel Ltd, signaling a shift in the composition of India’s leading stock market index.

Zomato’s Major Milestone 

This change, effective December 23, brought in estimated inflows of approximately ₹4,362 crore ($513 million) for Zomato, while JSW Steel experienced outflows of around ₹2,143 crore ($252 million). The inclusion of Zomato marks a pivotal moment, with tech-driven businesses making their presence felt alongside traditional industries in India’s financial ecosystem.

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Zomato’s stock performance in the months leading up to its Sensex debut has been remarkable. Over the last six months, the company’s share price rose by 38-43%, with annual gains of 114-126%. As of December 23, Zomato’s market capitalization stood at a staggering ₹2.64 lakh crore.

Zomato’s Strong Financial Performance 

The company’s strong financial performance further solidifies its market leadership. In the second quarter of the fiscal year, Zomato reported revenue of ₹4,799 crore, reflecting a 68.5% increase from ₹2,848 crore in Q2 FY24. Even more notable was its net profit, which soared to ₹176 crore—a nearly fivefold jump compared to the same period last year.

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By contrast, its closest competitor, Swiggy, reported a net loss of ₹625 crore on revenue of ₹3,601 crore during the same quarter, underscoring Zomato’s dominance in the food delivery space. This historic Sensex inclusion highlights the growing prominence of tech-driven startups in shaping India’s economic future.

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India’s Love Affair with Biryani: Swiggy’s Year in Numbers

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India’s Love Affair with Biryani: Swiggy’s Year in Numbers

Swiggy’s 2024 year-end report paints a fascinating picture of India’s food ordering habits, showcasing some remarkable trends. (All statistics refer to data collected between January 1, 2024, and November 22, 2024.) 

The Nation’s Most Ordered Dish

Unsurprisingly, biryani has retained its crown as the nation’s most-ordered dish on the platform. This year alone, Swiggy facilitated an incredible 83 million biryani orders, which translates to roughly 158 biryanis being ordered every single minute—or about two every second. Coming in second place was dosa, with an impressive 23 million orders.

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Delving deeper into biryani’s dominance, chicken biryani emerged as the clear favorite, racking up 49 million orders. Southern India was the driving force behind these numbers, with Hyderabad leading the pack. The city accounted for a whopping 9.7 million biryani orders, followed by Bengaluru at 7.7 million and Chennai at 4.6 million. 

What Made Biryani So Popular 

Late-night cravings also contributed significantly to biryani’s popularity, as it became the second most-ordered item between midnight and 2 am, trailing only chicken burgers. Train passengers couldn’t resist the allure of biryani either, with Swiggy’s collaboration with IRCTC enabling seamless deliveries to travelers across India.

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During Ramadan 2024, the demand for biryani skyrocketed further, with over 6 million plates ordered via Swiggy during the holy month. Hyderabad again claimed the top spot, with over a million plates ordered during this time alone. A quirky detail from the report highlighted one dedicated foodie in Kolkata who kicked off the year with a biryani order at precisely 4:01 am on January 1, 2024.

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Ola Electric Unveils Exclusive 24-Karat Gold S1 Pro Sona Edition

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Ola Electric Unveils Exclusive 24-Karat Gold S1 Pro Sona Edition

Ola Electric has unveiled a special edition of its S1 Pro scooter, adorned with real 24-karat gold elements, as part of its #SavingsWalaScooter campaign. 

Limited Release Brings Luxury to Electric Scooter Market 

Dubbed the ‘Sona’ edition, this limited-release model brings a touch of luxury to the electric scooter market. According to a statement from the company, the launch coincides with Ola’s plans to expand its sales and service network to 4,000 outlets nationwide by December 25.

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In a festive twist, Ola Electric is offering customers the chance to own this exclusive scooter through the #OlaSonaContest, with limited units available as part of the promotion.

Company Spokesperson Explains the new Product 

“We’re excited to introduce the Ola S1 Pro Sona as a celebration of the holiday season,” shared a company spokesperson. “Its unique design, paired with premium features, embodies festivity and exclusivity, making it the perfect gift for our customers this year-end.”

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Nitori Enters India: Japanese Furniture Giant Opens First Store in Mumbai

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Nitori Enters India: Japanese Furniture Giant Opens First Store in Mumbai

Nitori, Japan’s renowned furniture and home décor retailer, has officially launched its first store in India at R City Mall, Ghatkopar, Mumbai. 

This marks the brand’s entry into the country’s $23.9 billion home furnishing market (Ken Research), with a mission to offer high-quality furniture and home décor at accessible prices.

Nitori Makes India Debut 

The Indian debut aligns with Nitori’s ambitious global growth strategy, which aims to operate 3,000 stores worldwide by 2032. Speaking about the launch, a Nitori spokesperson shared, “India is a significant market for us, and this store is a major milestone in our journey. Through this, we hope to bring our mission to life—to enrich the homes of people around the world—by meeting the diverse needs of Indian households.”

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Nitori’s Ambitious Expansion Plans

The company has announced plans to open 280 stores globally by 2032, with a strong focus on expanding across Asia. By the end of FY2024, Nitori aims to establish approximately 100 stores outside of Japan. While specific details about its expansion in India remain under wraps, the brand’s entry signals a long-term commitment to catering to Indian consumers.

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ClearDekho’s Bold Expansion Plans: 50 New Stores and Revenue Growth on the Horizon

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ClearDekho’s Bold Expansion Plans: 50 New Stores and Revenue Growth on the Horizon

ClearDekho, the popular eyewear brand, has recently expanded its offline presence with the opening of five new stores. 

This move is part of the brand’s ambitious plan to open 50 locations in the current fiscal year, with the goal of significantly increasing its revenue.

ClearDekho Aggressively Expands Offline Presence

The new stores are located in Ghaziabad’s VVIP Raj Nagar Extension, Meerut’s Pallavpuram, Anand in Gujarat, Jaipur’s Raja Park, and Jankipuram in Lucknow. In a Facebook post, ClearDekho shared, “Five new stores, one vision—bringing clarity and style closer to you.”

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Founder Shivi Singh emphasized the brand’s commitment to making eyewear more accessible and affordable, targeting India’s largely unorganised eyewear market. “We’re creating India’s most affordable eyewear brand to meet the needs of a massive, underserved market,” Singh said, as reported by India Retailing.

ClearDekho Aims for Bigger Milestones 

Having achieved a revenue of Rs 23.6 crore in the 2024 financial year, ClearDekho is aiming for Rs 40 crore in the current fiscal year. A significant part of this growth is expected to come from new franchise store openings.

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Founded in 2016, ClearDekho was designed to cater to value-conscious customers in Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities. The brand offers a range of prescription glasses and sunglasses, operating with a blend of online and offline sales strategies. It has attracted investments from several prominent entities, including Dholakia Ventures, Venture Catalysts, Jaipuria Family Office, SOSV, and Aroa Ventures.

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Chicco Expands in India: New Flagship Store Opens at Gurgaon’s Ambience Mall

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Chicco Expands in India: New Flagship Store Opens at Gurgaon’s Ambience Mall

Chicco, a globally trusted baby care brand with a legacy spanning over 65 years and a presence in 120 countries, has opened its newest flagship store at Ambience Mall, Gurgaon. This launch underscores the brand’s commitment to expanding its physical presence in India and making premium baby care solutions more accessible to families in the NCR region.

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CEO Inaugurates Flagship Store 

The Gurgaon flagship store, inaugurated by Rajesh Vohra, CEO of Artsana India (Chicco), offers a comprehensive range of Chicco’s products. Parents can find everything from apparel, strollers, and car seats to feeding accessories, toys, highchairs, and cribs—all under one roof. The store is designed to provide a welcoming and comfortable shopping environment for parents as they explore products that cater to every stage of their baby’s early years.

Top Executive Opines on this Launch

Speaking about the launch, Vohra said, “This store is a step forward in our mission to bring Chicco closer to families in India. While our products are widely available through online platforms and distribution networks, our exclusive stores in key metro cities allow parents to experience the quality and variety Chicco is known for. We aim to create spaces where parents can make informed choices for their little ones.”

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Chicco’s growing footprint in India reflects its dedication to reaching families in both metro cities and smaller, densely populated towns. By prioritizing accessibility and superior product experiences, Chicco continues to strengthen its connection with Indian parents, ensuring they have access to trusted solutions for their parenting journey.

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Naveen Dadlani Takes the Helm at Titan’s Retail Services Division

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Naveen Dadlani Takes the Helm at Titan’s Retail Services Division

Titan Company has named Naveen Dadlani as the new Head of its Integrated Retail Services Group (IRSG), taking over from Palani Kumar, who will continue in the role until March 31, 2025, to ensure a seamless transition. 

The announcement signals a strategic move as Titan strengthens its leadership in retail operations.

Dadlani Comes with a Huge Wealth of Experience 

With over 20 years of experience in lifestyle retail and real estate consulting, Dadlani is well-equipped for the position. A graduate in engineering from the Manipal Institute of Technology, he has built an impressive career managing retail and real estate projects. His expertise includes property acquisition, store design and development, project planning, cost and quality management, and contract negotiations.

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Dadlani has a strong track record of driving retail expansion strategies, overseeing every aspect from site selection to facility management. He has consistently ensured high operational standards through rigorous site inspections and quality assessments. His leadership will be instrumental as Titan aims to scale its retail presence and enhance its operations.

The Outgoing Executive 

Palani Kumar, the outgoing head of IRSG, has been an integral part of Titan’s journey. To facilitate a smooth handover, Kumar will remain with the company until March 2025, working closely with Dadlani during the transition period. Titan’s leadership highlighted the importance of this phased transition to maintain stability and continuity within the group.

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Dadlani’s appointment reflects Titan’s commitment to innovation and growth in the retail sector, with a focus on strengthening its market position and delivering enhanced customer experiences.

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The Souled Store Sets Ambitious Goal: 200 Stores by 2026

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The Souled Store Sets Ambitious Goal: 200 Stores by 2026

The Souled Store, a Mumbai-based apparel brand, has ambitious plans to significantly expand its physical retail presence in India. 

Currently operating 36 exclusive brand outlets, the company aims to scale up to 200 stores by December 2026. It also plans to introduce larger-format stores as part of its growth strategy.

Cofounder Explains his Vision 

“All 36 of our stores have been profitable from the very first month,” said Harsh Lal, co-founder of The Souled Store, in a report by India Retailing. “We’re on track to launch 25 more stores in the next three months, reaching a total of 60 by the end of this fiscal year. By December 2025, we’re targeting 120 stores, and by the following year, we’re confident we’ll hit the 200-store mark. With a clear focus and effective execution, this goal is both realistic and achievable.”

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Currently, the brand’s stores range between 1,300 and 1,400 square feet. However, The Souled Store is now planning to open larger outlets, ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet, to provide a more immersive shopping experience. The company is also working toward establishing flagship stores in major metro cities, with sizes ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet, to boost visibility and customer engagement.

The Souled Store is Actively Exploring High-Street Locations

While most of its existing stores are located in malls, The Souled Store is actively exploring high-street locations to accommodate its larger store formats. Additionally, the company plans to expand its footprint in central and eastern India, regions where its presence is currently limited.

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With these strategic moves, The Souled Store is poised to strengthen its position in India’s retail landscape and connect with a broader audience.

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Confusion in Mumbai: Restaurants Unaware of Swiggy’s One BLCK Perks

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Confusion in Mumbai: Restaurants Unaware of Swiggy’s One BLCK Perks

Mumbai restaurants have raised concerns over Swiggy’s new One BLCK membership program, with many claiming they were left in the dark about its benefits for dine-in customers. 

This lack of communication has led to confusion and instances of customers being denied promised perks.

One BLCK Roll Out Faces Issues

One BLCK, Swiggy’s invite-only premium membership launched recently, offers exclusive benefits such as faster deliveries, on-time delivery guarantees, and complimentary cocktails or desserts at select restaurants. However, several dining establishments in Mumbai, including Yuhi Lounge in Powai, Roude Lounge, Kubec Bistro, and True Tramm Truck, stated they had not been briefed about the program. Other restaurant managers, who preferred to remain anonymous, also reported no prior information about the initiative.

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This miscommunication has caused restaurants to hesitate in providing advertised benefits. At Yuhi Lounge, a customer was initially refused free drinks under the One BLCK membership because the manager was unaware of the offer. Swiggy later apologized to the restaurant for the oversight and assured them that eligible members could claim their benefits.

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About One BLCK

Swiggy launched the One BLCK membership on December 11, 2024, pricing it at ₹299 for a three-month plan. Despite the ambitious rollout, the confusion around its implementation has raised questions about Swiggy’s coordination with its restaurant partners. While the program promises a range of perks for members, better communication with restaurant stakeholders will be crucial for its success.

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