India’s First Rooftop Restaurant at a Train Station Inside NCRTC’s 18,578 Sq Metre Commercial Bet at Ghaziabad RRTS

Business

January 9, 2026

Ghaziabad is set to witness a quiet but significant shift in how India thinks about railway stations. The Ghaziabad RRTS station, also known as Namo Bharat Station, is on track to become the country’s first train station to feature a rooftop restaurant along with mall style commercial facilities. The move is part of a broader plan by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation to turn transit hubs into destinations rather than just points of entry and exit.

NCRTC has invited bids for licensing Property Development areas within the station, located on the Delhi Ghaziabad Meerut corridor. The idea is simple but ambitious. Create a space where commuters can eat, shop and unwind without stepping out of the station complex. Under the proposal, cafes, food outlets, retail stores and a rooftop dining experience will be developed inside the designated PD zone.

In total, around 18,578 square metres of commercial space will be offered on a licence basis against a fixed rent. This space will be accessible not just to daily commuters using the RRTS network but also to local residents from surrounding areas. For Ghaziabad, this effectively adds a new urban hotspot built around public transport.

The project reflects a growing trend in infrastructure planning where transport systems are expected to generate revenue beyond ticket sales. Globally, transit oriented development has helped cities unlock land value while improving commuter experience. NCRTC appears to be applying the same logic to India’s first semi high speed regional rail system.

If executed well, the Ghaziabad station could set a template for future RRTS stations across the corridor. A rooftop restaurant overlooking a busy rail hub may sound unconventional today, but it signals a future where stations are no longer just functional spaces, but social and commercial centres woven into daily city life.

Prada Returns to Indian Inspiration This Time with Chai, Cardamom and a Luxury Price That Has Everyone Talking

Luxury

SnackTeam

January 9, 2026

Prada is once again borrowing from India, and this time the inspiration comes straight out of a teacup. After last year’s controversy around Kolhapuri chappals, the Italian luxury house has unveiled Infusion de Santal Chai Eau de Parfum, a unisex fragrance that draws on the everyday ritual of chai. The launch has already sparked chatter, curiosity and more than a little eye rolling.

According to Prada, the scent blends sandalwood with cardamom, aiming to recreate the warmth and familiarity of Indian tea culture. Chai, for millions, is not a trend or an aesthetic. It is a pause between meetings, a conversation starter, a habit formed at street corners and kitchen counters. Translating that into a luxury perfume priced far beyond the daily cup has raised obvious questions about who gets to profit from cultural symbols and how.

This is not Prada’s first brush with Indian craftsmanship. Its Kolhapuri inspired footwear last year drew criticism for failing to credit or meaningfully engage with the artisans behind the design. The brand eventually acknowledged the roots, but the episode left a lingering discomfort. With the chai inspired fragrance, the conversation has resurfaced, this time focused on cultural extraction rather than design plagiarism.

At the same time, there is no denying the commercial logic. Global luxury has been increasingly obsessed with Indian motifs, flavours and rituals, especially as India’s consumer market grows louder and richer. Chai offers an instantly recognisable hook, even for buyers who have never set foot in an Indian city.

What remains unclear is whether such products deepen understanding or simply repackage familiarity for profit. A bottle of Infusion de Santal Chai may smell comforting, but for many Indians, chai is comfort precisely because it is ordinary and shared. When that ordinariness is turned into a high priced luxury object, it invites admiration, criticism and debate in equal measure.

Flipkart Appoints Gunjan Bhartia as Senior Vice President, Business Finance

Business

SnackTeam

January 9, 2026

Flipkart has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Gunjan Bhartia as Senior Vice President, Business Finance, as the company sharpens its focus on scaling and optimising its supply chain operations.

In his new role, Bhartia will oversee business finance for eKart across all verticals. His mandate includes driving financial planning, strengthening performance management frameworks and supporting key strategic initiatives as Flipkart continues to expand its logistics and fulfilment capabilities. The appointment comes at a time when the Walmart-owned ecommerce major is investing heavily in supply chain efficiency to support growth across categories and improve delivery speed and reliability.

Bhartia brings with him more than 28 years of experience in finance leadership roles across Asia and the Middle East. Over the course of his career, he has worked across complex, large-scale organisations and has been closely involved in transformation initiatives, governance structures and execution of multi-billion-dollar programmes.

Prior to joining Flipkart, Bhartia held senior positions at global conglomerate GE, where he worked across multiple geographies and business units. He later joined South Korea-based ecommerce company Coupang, one of Asia’s largest digital commerce platforms, where he was part of the leadership team navigating rapid growth in a listed-company environment. His experience spans strategic finance, operational controls and scaling businesses in high-growth markets.

At Flipkart, Bhartia will report into the company’s finance leadership and work closely with the eKart management team. His role will focus on enabling long-term value creation by aligning financial discipline with operational priorities, particularly as the company builds out its logistics infrastructure to handle higher volumes and more complex supply chain demands.

Flipkart’s supply chain arm eKart plays a critical role in the group’s broader ecommerce operations, handling warehousing, last-mile delivery and reverse logistics across the country. With this appointment, the company aims to reinforce financial oversight and decision-making as it continues to expand its footprint and compete in India’s fast-evolving ecommerce landscape.

Uniqlo Owner Fast Retailing Raises Full-Year Forecast After 34% Jump in Quarterly Profit

Growth

SnackTeam

January 9, 2026

Fast Retailing, the Japanese apparel giant behind Uniqlo, has raised its full-year forecast after delivering a strong jump in quarterly profit, underscoring resilient global demand despite higher trade costs and geopolitical noise.

The company reported a 34 percent rise in operating profit to 205.6 billion yen for the September to November quarter, driven by a 15 percent increase in revenue. The performance comfortably exceeded market expectations, with analysts tracked by LSEG forecasting operating profit of around 177 billion yen for the period. Following the results, Fast Retailing lifted its operating profit outlook for the year to 650 billion yen from an earlier estimate of 610 billion yen, putting it on course for a fifth straight year of profit growth.

China, Fast Retailing’s largest overseas market, played a key role in the quarterly rebound. Autumn sales gained momentum, supported by a collaboration with Chinese e-commerce major JD.com that helped attract new customers. The company said it continues to expect revenue and profit growth in China through the rest of the financial year ending August 2026, even as diplomatic tensions between Japan and China remain unresolved.

At the same time, the retailer is accelerating its push in Western markets as part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on China. During the quarter, it opened large-format stores in Antwerp, Birmingham and Munich, and outlined plans to launch new flagship outlets in major US cities including Chicago, New York and Boston.

Fast Retailing said it was able to absorb the impact of additional US tariffs during the quarter, with margins holding up better than anticipated. In Japan, operating profit rose 20.6 percent from a year earlier, supported by strong demand for sweatshirts and heat-retaining innerwear. International operations recorded profit growth of 41.6 percent, with several overseas markets posting double-digit increases in both revenue and earnings.

Often viewed as a bellwether for consumer spending trends in Japan and China, Fast Retailing’s latest results suggest demand for everyday apparel remains firm, even as global retailers navigate trade pressures and uneven economic conditions across key markets.

“L’Oréal, Estée Lauder See Sales Growth Halve Amid Intensifying Beauty Market Competition in India

Beauty

SnackTeam

January 9, 2026

India’s beauty market is getting crowded, and the pressure is beginning to show on some of the world’s biggest cosmetic companies. Global majors such as L’Oréal and Estée Lauder have reported a sharp slowdown in sales growth in India, as aggressive new-age brands and a rapidly evolving online ecosystem reshape consumer behaviour.

L’Oréal India’s sales growth dropped to 5 percent in FY25, less than half of the 14 percent it recorded the previous year. Estée Lauder, which operates in the country through Elca Cosmetics, saw growth slow to 7 percent, down from 19 percent in FY24. The strain was also visible at Quest Retail, the Indian partner for The Body Shop and Kiehl’s, which reported a 6 percent decline in sales in FY25 after posting similar growth a year earlier.

Industry executives point to intensifying competition and a shift in where and how consumers shop. Online-first brands and digitally savvy global entrants are increasingly winning customers through sharp pricing, frequent launches and heavy promotional activity. This has weakened the long-standing advantage of established players built around physical distribution and brand legacy.

“Growth in beauty is now skewed toward brands that are more aggressive on promotions and customer acquisition,” said Biju Kassim, CEO, beauty at Shoppers Stop, which manages labels such as Shiseido and Bobbi Brown in India. According to him, the momentum is clearly shifting toward D2C brands and newer international names, leading to market share erosion for incumbents.

India’s beauty and personal care market is still on a strong growth path. A joint report by Nykaa and Redseer Consulting estimates the market will expand from $21 billion currently to $34 billion by 2028, driven by rising online penetration and growing demand for premium products.

The boom has also led to an explosion of brand launches. In FY25 alone, Nykaa onboarded over 600 Indian and global beauty brands, almost double the number added the previous year. The strategy helped the platform deliver 25 percent growth last fiscal, underlining how distribution power is increasingly shifting toward digital marketplaces.

I Paid My College Fees on Zomato Says Assessli CEO Suraj Biswas as He Supports Deepinder Goyal Amid Gig Economy Debate

Business

SnackTeam

January 8, 2026

Assessli founder and CEO Suraj Biswas has publicly come out in support of Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, sharing his own experience as a delivery partner to underline how gig platforms can create real economic opportunity. In a detailed LinkedIn post, Biswas revealed that he worked as a Zomato delivery partner in Bengaluru during 2020 and 2021, well before Assessli took shape and before his college journey truly began.

Biswas said the role gave him independence rather than sympathy. The income helped him pay college fees, support the early Assessli team and remain financially self reliant at a time when options were limited. According to him, he consistently earned around Rs 40,000 per month during that period, a figure that made a meaningful difference in covering education and living expenses.

He also pointed out that several delivery partners he personally knew earned between Rs 80,000 and Rs 90,000 a month by working across multiple platforms. Biswas highlighted that this flexibility is often overlooked in conversations around gig work. Many riders choose to operate on two or even three apps simultaneously, using the system to maximise earnings rather than treating it as a fixed full time job.

The comments come at a time when Zomato and its leadership have been under scrutiny over the treatment and perception of delivery partners. Biswas’s statement adds a nuanced voice to the debate, suggesting that for many young people, gig platforms serve as a bridge rather than a trap.

By sharing his own journey from delivery partner to startup founder, Biswas reinforced the idea that such platforms can act as stepping stones, offering dignity, choice and financial momentum when it is needed most.

Reliance Retail Launches K-Beauty Makeup Brand Hince in India Exclusively via Tira

Business

SnackTeam

January 8, 2026

Reliance Retail has further strengthened its beauty portfolio with the India debut of South Korean makeup brand Hince, launched exclusively through its omnichannel beauty platform, Tira. The move signals Reliance’s continued push to bring globally popular beauty labels to Indian consumers through a tightly integrated online and offline retail network.

Founded in South Korea, Hince has built a strong following for its clean, understated design language and products that focus on natural finishes and everyday wearability. The brand’s entry into India comes at a time when demand for Korean beauty products continues to rise, driven by younger consumers seeking minimalist aesthetics and skin-first makeup formulations. In India, Hince’s entire range will be available only via Tira’s digital platform and physical stores, as well as through AJIO, ensuring controlled distribution and a consistent brand experience.

Tira said the launch aligns with its strategy of curating exclusive international brands while offering consumers a seamless shopping journey across channels. Among Hince’s best-known products are the Raw Glow Dewy Ball, a multi-purpose balm designed for a luminous finish, and the Raw Glow Gel Tint, which has gained traction on social media for its lightweight texture and subtle colour payoff.

Launched by Reliance Retail, Tira has rapidly expanded its reach and now delivers to more than 98 percent of India’s pincodes, positioning itself among the country’s fastest-growing omnichannel beauty platforms. Its stores are designed as experience-led destinations, equipped with digital tools such as virtual try-on features, advanced skin analysis systems and a personalised Fragrance Finder to assist shoppers.

Tira also operates a flagship store at Jio World Plaza in Mumbai, spread across more than 6,200 square feet. The location houses a curated mix of global luxury beauty brands alongside exclusive services offered at the Tira Beauty Suite. With the addition of Hince, Reliance Retail continues to sharpen Tira’s appeal as a gateway for international beauty brands looking to tap into India’s evolving cosmetics market.

A Chilli Oil Review That Shook the Internet: How a Customer and a Tulum Chinese Restaurant Triggered a Global Debate

Business

SnackTeam

January 8, 2026

A Chinese restaurant in Mexico has found itself at the center of an online storm after responding sharply to a Google review posted by an Indian diner. What began as a routine critique quickly snowballed into a viral debate on how far businesses should go when replying to customer feedback.

The restaurant, located in Tulum, received a review from Anvita Kotha, who offered a mostly balanced account of her visit but flagged an issue with the chilli oil. Instead of a measured reply, the restaurant fired back with a sarcastic and personal response, mocking the reviewer and questioning her authority to comment on their food. The tone struck many as unnecessarily aggressive, especially for a public platform like Google Reviews.

Screenshots of the exchange were later shared on X by user @whizwang, who called it the most unhinged response to a Google review they had ever seen. The post quickly gained traction, crossing 1.4 million views and drawing reactions from across the world. While some users found the reply darkly humorous and praised the restaurant for standing its ground, many others felt it crossed a line and reflected poorly on the brand.

The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the power dynamics between customers and businesses in the age of online reviews. Restaurants, especially independent ones, often feel exposed and judged by strangers who can influence footfall with a few lines of text. At the same time, reviewers expect professionalism and restraint, even when criticism feels unfair.

In this case, the sharp retort may have brought the restaurant global attention, but not all publicity translates into trust. As online reviews continue to shape dining choices, the episode serves as a reminder that how a business responds can matter just as much as the food it serves.

Federation of Retailer Association of India Flags Risk of Illegal Trade as It Seeks Review of Tobacco Excise Duty

Business

SnackTeam

January 8, 2026

The Federation of Retailer Association of India has urged the government to reconsider a proposed hike in excise duty on legal tobacco products, warning that the move could severely hurt small retailers across the country. The industry body says a sharp increase in taxes risks shrinking margins for neighbourhood stores while pushing consumers toward cheaper and illegal alternatives.

According to FAI, tobacco products remain a key revenue driver for lakhs of small kirana stores and paan shops, especially in semi urban and rural areas. Any sudden increase in excise duty would directly impact daily cash flows for these retailers, many of whom are already dealing with rising operating costs and slowing discretionary spending.

The association has also flagged concerns around the unintended consequences of steep taxation. Higher prices on legal tobacco could strengthen the parallel market, benefiting unregulated and illicit operators who do not follow quality controls or pay taxes. This, FAI argues, not only harms legitimate businesses but also leads to revenue leakage for the government.

FAI has called for a balanced review of tobacco taxation that takes into account both public health objectives and economic realities. It believes that a more measured approach would help protect small retailers while maintaining stability in the legal market. The association has stressed that predictable and gradual tax changes allow businesses to plan better and adapt without sudden shocks.

Retailers say tobacco sales often support the viability of small stores by driving footfall and complementary purchases of everyday essentials. Any disruption to this cycle could affect employment and livelihoods linked to the informal retail ecosystem.

As the government evaluates its next steps, FAI hopes policymakers will engage with ground level stakeholders before finalising any decision. The association maintains that safeguarding small retailers is critical not just for commerce, but for sustaining millions of families that depend on local retail for income.

BuyBuyCart Expands Private Label Play With Launch of B2 Premium Snack Range Across High Demand Grocery Categories

Business

SnackTeam

January 8, 2026

BuyBuyCart has expanded its private label portfolio with the launch of B2 Premium, a new range of snacks and food products aimed at everyday consumption. The move marks a clear push by the retail supermarket chain to strengthen its in house offerings across categories that see high and repeat demand.

B2 Premium brings together a wide selection of products including dry fruits, flavoured makhana, nuts, seeds, chips, cookies, cakes, candies, tea and condiments. The range has been developed with a focus on consistent quality and familiar flavours, targeting consumers who want reliable pantry staples without paying a premium attached to national brands.

According to the company, sourcing and processing have been carefully managed to preserve natural taste and nutritional value. The emphasis is on products that fit into daily routines, whether as quick snacks, accompaniments to meals or ingredients used at home. With consumers becoming more selective about what they eat, BuyBuyCart appears to be positioning B2 Premium as a dependable option that balances taste, nutrition and value.

The launch also reflects a broader trend in Indian retail, where private labels are playing a bigger role in driving margins and building customer loyalty. By expanding its own brand portfolio, BuyBuyCart gains greater control over pricing, quality standards and supply chains while offering shoppers more choice within its stores.

BuyBuyCart has grown rapidly in recent years, expanding its footprint as demand for organised retail continues to rise in urban and semi urban markets. Strengthening private labels allows the company to differentiate itself in a crowded supermarket space where price competition is intense.

With B2 Premium, BuyBuyCart is signalling its intent to move beyond being just a distributor of established brands. Instead, it is betting on its understanding of local preferences and buying habits to build a trusted private label that becomes a regular part of consumers’ grocery baskets.

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