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Armani Beauty makes Indian debut with flagship store launch in New Delhi

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Ashutosh Dubey
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Armani Beauty makes Indian debut with flagship store launch in New Delhi

Italian luxury fashion house Armani‘s beauty arm, Armani Beauty, has opened its first flagship store in India at DLF Promenade Mall in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. The launch marks a significant milestone for the brand in the Indian market.

Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty adds glamour to opening

Notably, Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty attended the inauguration, adding glamour to the event.

Continue Exploring: Amazon, Flipkart under ED scrutiny, executives summoned for FDI law breaches

“Setting new standards in luxury with the launch of India’s very first Armani Beauty flagship store… This isn’t just any beauty store; it’s a meticulously curated space that truly embodies the elegance and sophistication of the Armani brand,” said Biju Kassim, CEO – Beauty at Shoppers Stop.

Shoppers Stop’s distribution arm introduces Armani fragrances

Meanwhile, the launch was driven by Global SSBeauty Brands (GSSB), Shoppers Stop’s distribution arm, which introduced Armani fragrances to India in 2023. Shoppers Stop also launched boutiques for Bobbi Brown and Jo Malone London at DLF Promenade, in collaboration with Estée Lauder.

Continue Exploring: IISc develops eco-friendly, recyclable foam for FMCG packaging

Furthermore, the Armani Beauty store offers high-end, globally recognized luxury products to Indian consumers. “It’s more than just a beauty store—it represents the merging of sophistication, luxury, and cutting-edge beauty solutions,” said Kassim.

Established in 1991, Shoppers Stop Ltd. operates over 106 department stores across 56 cities, 50 Intune value fashion stores, and 23 airport locations.

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Simpli Namdhari’s introduces “Vocal for Local” to empower Karnataka’s local FMCG brands

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Ashutosh Dubey
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Simpli Namdhari's introduces "Vocal for Local" to empower Karnataka's local FMCG brands

Simpli Namdhari’s, India’s only 100% vegetarian omni-channel retailer, has unveiled its “Vocal for Local” program to support local FMCG brands in Karnataka.

The initiative aims to provide emerging brands with premium retail platforms, helping them reach broader audiences without hefty listing fees.

Simpli to offer space and opportunity to five FMCG food brands 

Under this program, Simpli Namdhari’s will select five innovative FMCG food brands quarterly, offering shelf space and sampling opportunities. The focus is on bootstrapped brands from Karnataka, particularly those founded by entrepreneurs struggling to access wider markets.

Continue Exploring: Wheelocity secures $15M in series A2 funding, plans FMCG expansion

“We are deeply connected to Karnataka and committed to fostering its diverse entrepreneurial spirit. This initiative aligns with our mission to uplift local brands, offering them a pathway to growth that otherwise would be out of reach,” said Gurmukh Roopra, Group CEO of Namdhari Group.

Supporting local businesses has a ripple effect on community – CEO

By supporting local businesses, Simpli Namdhari’s aims to create economic opportunities, promote job growth, and foster community connections. “Supporting local businesses has a ripple effect on the community. Every purchase boosts our local economy, creates jobs, and keeps money circulating within the region,” Roopra added.

Continue Exploring: Swiggy shuffles leadership in delivery and Instamart to boost operations before IPO

With its “Vocal for Local” initiative, Simpli Namdhari’s reaffirms its commitment to empowering local businesses. By providing a platform for small-scale brands to succeed, the retailer is building a resilient community and paving the way for a vibrant retail environment in India.

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D2C hair care Arata reports 50% revenue growth, sales surges by 1.5x

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Ashutosh Dubey
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D2C hair care Arata reports 50% revenue growth, sales surges by 1.5x

Arata, a hair care brand based in Delhi NCR, saw its sales increase by 1.5 times during the financial year ending March 31, 2024. The D2C startup’s revenue grew by 50%, reaching INR 21 crore in FY24, up from INR 14 crore the previous year, showing strong demand.

Arata appears on Shark Tank, available on Blinkit, Instamart

The D2C startup, which appeared on the TV show Shark Tank India, makes most of its money by selling products on its website and on marketplaces, including quick commerce platforms like Swiggy Instamart and Blinkit.

Continue Exploring: Swiggy shuffles leadership in delivery and Instamart to boost operations before IPO

Established by Dhruv Madhok and Dhruv Bhasin in 2018, Arata offers over 26 products across four categories. The startup says all its products are developed after thorough research and tested rigorously at a French lab in India before being sold. Their PETA-certified cruelty-free vegan products are also certified by Safe Cosmetics Australia and EWG.

Meanwhile, the startup not only increased its revenue but also reduced its net loss thanks to better margins. Arata’s loss decreased by 54%, from INR 9.4 crore in FY23 to INR 4.3 crore this year.

Arata raises over $1 Mn till now

Despite increased sales, the startup managed to keep its expenses nearly the same in FY24. Total expenditure was INR 26.5 crore, almost unchanged from INR 26.6 crore the previous year. They spent INR 6.4 crore on raw materials, a nearly 3% drop from the previous year. Employee costs rose 6%, from INR 3.3 crore to INR 3.5 crore. Advertising costs were reduced by 39%, from INR 11 crore to INR 6.7 crore.

Continue Exploring: Flipkart adds 10,000 EVs to fleet, targets full switch by 2030

The startup mainly sells shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, and serum, as well as body wash products. So far, it has raised over $1 million from investors like DSG Consumer and Nikhil Vohra. 

Notably, Arata competes with brands like WOW Skin Science, Pilgrim, and Mamaearth in the personal care market.

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Wheelocity secures $15M in series A2 funding, plans FMCG expansion

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Ashutosh Dubey
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Wheelocity secures $15M in series A2 funding, plans FMCG expansion

Wheelocity, a supply chain network for fresh products, secured $15 million (INR 126.5 crore) in Series A2 investment round. This was led by existing investor Lightspeed, with participation from Alteria Capital, Anicut Capital, and the company’s founder, Selvam VMS.

Wheelocity to reach 20,000 towns and villages in next year

According to INC42, the startup aims to expand beyond essentials like fresh produce and groceries, into non-food FMCG items, staples, household essentials, and other products. With the new funding, the startup aims to reach 20,000 towns and villages over the next year, targeting 10 million consumers. Currently operating in Tamil Nadu, it plans to expand into South Indian states such as Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.

Continue Exploring: Swiggy shuffles leadership in delivery and Instamart to boost operations before IPO

Notably, Wheelocity plans to upgrade its technology and increase its presence to serve semi-urban and rural customers more effectively. The company’s growth strategy involves advancing its online platforms, expanding local networks, and strengthening its teams in management, operations, product, and engineering.

Wheelocity raises total $27 Mn led by Lightspeed and others

For now, the company has secured $27 million. In 2022, they secured $12 million in Series A funding, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Anicut Capital, combining equity and venture debt. Selvam VMS, the founder and CEO, said their goal is to create a commerce system tailored to the unique needs and opportunities of these markets.

Established by Selvam VMS and Senthil Kumar in April 2022, this supply chain startup aims to tackle supply chain issues for fresh commerce in India. For initial days, it operated as a B2B model working with ecommerce companies, but in October 2023, it shifted focus. Now, it aims to create a semi-urban and rural ecommerce platform.

Continue Exploring: Flipkart adds 10,000 EVs to fleet, targets full switch by 2030

“We reached product-market fit around February-March this year when we were present in just 30 villages. Now, we are present in 3,500 villages and have experienced significant growth. We have scaled up to 100X over the last six months. Our next goal is to expand to 20,000 villages within the next year,” Selvam said while talking to INC42.

Meanwhile, the startup uses a “phygital” model, combining physical and digital services, to reach semi-urban and rural consumers in India, where access to essential products is limited. Focusing on fresh and grocery products, the company delivers daily to towns and villages through a high-frequency supply chain. Consumers can order via a mobile app or buy directly from three-wheel electric carts that visit their villages.

“This offline presence builds trust with consumers, encouraging them to gradually shift to online purchasing,” the CEO further said.

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Swiggy shuffles leadership in delivery and Instamart to boost operations before IPO

By
Ashutosh Dubey
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Image of swiggy delivery boy
Swiggy shuffles leadership in delivery and Instamart to boost operations before IPO

Food tech giant Swiggy has added two senior executives to its leadership team. This move aims to boost its food delivery and quick commerce operations before its stock market debut on November 13.

Shalabh Shrivastava for delivery fleet, Hari Kumar G for Instamart 

According to INC42, the food delivery platform has appointed Shalabh Shrivastava, a former Flipkart executive, as senior vice president of Driver Org. He will work on improving the product and operations of Swiggy’s delivery fleet. Additionally, Hari Kumar G has been named senior vice president and chief business officer of Swiggy Instamart to drive customer-centric growth and strengthen Swiggy’s quick commerce position.

Continue Exploring: Flipkart adds 10,000 EVs to fleet, targets full switch by 2030

Notably, Swiggy’s new appointments are aimed at expanding its operations, enhancing its delivery service, and growing its food delivery and quick commerce sectors. Before joining Swiggy, Shrivastava was vice president at Flipkart, where he improved their first and last mile operations and strengthened the supply chain. He has also worked with major companies like Reliance Retail and Infosys.

In his previous role at Flipkart, Kumar G managed key categories like electronics, appliances, and groceries.

Swiggy to introduce ‘Yello’ for services like astrology, fitness

Further, Girish Menon, Swiggy’s chief human resources officer, commented on the appointments, saying, “As Swiggy accelerates its innovation and expands into new categories and services, strengthening our leadership team is critical to driving the next phase of our growth. Hari and Shalabh bring deep expertise in scaling businesses and optimising operations across dynamic, fast-paced industries.”

Continue Exploring: Amazon, Flipkart under ED scrutiny, executives summoned for FDI law breaches

Meanwhile, the company is reportedly looking to enter new categories to diversify beyond its main businesses. The company is planning to launch a pilot for a services marketplace called ‘Yello’. This platform will let customers connect with professionals like lawyers, astrologers, dieticians, therapists, and fitness trainers, according to an ET report.

In addition, Swiggy is launching Rare Life, a concierge service for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs). Ahead of its IPO, Swiggy also introduced a 10-minute food delivery service called ‘Bolt’ in cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai.

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Flipkart adds 10,000 EVs to fleet, targets full switch by 2030

By
Ashutosh Dubey
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Flipkart adds 10,000 EVs to fleet, targets full switch by 2030

Flipkart , the e-commerce giant, announced that its delivery fleet now includes 10,000 electric vehicles (EVs). The company plans to fully switch to EVs by 2030 as part of its push for EV adoption.

75% of Flipkart’s EVs in metro cities 

According to INC42, Flipkart has been gradually adding EVs to its delivery fleet. The company stated that switching from internal combustion engine vehicles has improved its last-mile delivery speed by 20% and reduced overall logistics costs.

Continue Exploring: Amazon, Flipkart under ED scrutiny, executives summoned for FDI law breaches

Currently, 75% of Flipkart’s electric vehicles (EVs) are in metro cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. To increase EV use in non-metro cities, Flipkart has partnered with Adani Group to set up 38 EV charging sites with 190 chargers in Tier-II cities.

Meanwhile, the e-commerce platform introduced a last-mile aggregator model in Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. This model involves working with EV-focused fleet operators to improve supply chain operations and increase the use of electric vehicles.

“Through our strategic partnership with the Climate Group’s EV100 initiative and collaborations with leading OEMs, EV service providers, charging infrastructure partners, financing bodies, and manpower sourcing agencies, we are well-positioned to achieve a 100% last-mile electric fleet by 2030,” commented Nishant Gupta, Flipkart’s head of sustainability.

Amazon India now plans to introduce 10k EVs by 2025

Notably, Amazon India, Flipkart’s competitor, plans to increase its delivery fleet to over 10,000 electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of 2025.

Continue Exploring: IISc develops eco-friendly, recyclable foam for FMCG packaging

Furthermore, Flipkart’s logistics arm, Ekart, saw its net loss increase more than five times to INR 1,718.4 crore in the financial year 2023-24, from INR 324.6 crore the previous year. Ekart’s operating revenue dropped 5% to INR 12,115.3 crore in FY24, compared to INR 12,787.4 crore in FY23.

Being major players in the Indian ecommerce market, Flipkart and Amazon are now facing strong competition from quick commerce companies like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart. To compete, Flipkart recently entered the quick commerce market with the launch of Flipkart Minutes.

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Amazon, Flipkart under ED scrutiny, executives summoned for FDI law breaches

By
Ashutosh Dubey
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Amazon, Flipkart under ED scrutiny, executives summoned for FDI law breaches

After the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided Amazon and Flipkart seller offices, the agency is reportedly planning to summon executives from both companies over suspected violations of foreign direct investment (FDI) laws.

ED calls on executives based on document seized from sellers

According to a Reuters report citing an anonymous government source, the ED plans to call in executives after examining documents seized from sellers during the raids. These raids were part of an investigation into potential Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) violations in seller offices located in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Hyderabad.

Continue Exploring: Amazon Seller Services reports 14.5% revenue increase to INR 25,406 Cr, reduces loss

Meanwhile, the report stated that these searches supported the agency’s investigation into FDI violations. Meanwhile, the ED is analysing business data from sellers and their transactions with ecommerce companies over the past five years or more. Regulators have recently focused on Flipkart and Amazon India regarding the relationships between the platform and the sellers on their marketplaces.

CCI finds Flipkart, Amazon guilty of violating competition laws

Previously in 2024, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) found Flipkart and Amazon guilty of breaking competition laws by favouring certain sellers. The antitrust watchdog ordered both companies to share their financial statements. After a four-year case, the CCI will decide the fine, which could be up to 10% of their global annual turnover or income.

Continue Exploring: Zomato and Swiggy deny alleged competition law violations by CCI

At the same time, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has criticised the CCI for not acting quickly enough on the investigations and violations by Amazon and Flipkart.

These changes are important due to the shifts in the ecommerce landscape over the past year, with quick commerce companies becoming more prominent and growing fast. Flipkart has introduced its own quick commerce service, while Amazon plans to launch its version later this year, according to reports.

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IISc develops eco-friendly, recyclable foam for FMCG packaging

By
Ashutosh Dubey
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IISc develops eco-friendly, recyclable foam for FMCG packaging

Researchers at Bengaluru’s Indian Institute of Science have developed a biodegradable foam that offers a sustainable solution to plastic waste. Made from natural sources, this eco-friendly foam disintegrates naturally in landfills, safeguarding groundwater quality and providing a viable alternative to conventional plastic foams.

World produce 2.3 mn tonnes of plastic foam every year

Every year, about 2.3 million tonnes of plastic foam are made globally, but less than 1% is recycled, adding to landfill waste and pollution. To address this, a team from IISc’s Department of Materials Engineering, led by professors Suryasarathi Bose and Subodh Kumar, developed a biodegradable foam for packaging Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).

Continue Exploring: Snitch introduces “Worth the Wait” feature for fashion-forward customers

Notably , the foam is created from bio-based epoxy resins, using non-edible oils approved by the US FDA, and hardeners made from tea leaves. This method reduces the use of fossil fuels and non-recyclable materials while keeping the foam’s strong compressive strength.

According to Deccan Herald, researchers noted that making 10,000 traditional plastic foam cups produces about 308 kg of greenhouse gas emissions. The Indian foam market, worth $7.9 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to $11.1 billion by 2032, with an annual growth rate of 3.85%.

New bio-derived foam for FMCG sector

Meanwhile, foam packaging is important in the FMCG industry because it is light and protective. However, traditional materials like expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane (PU) don’t biodegrade and often end up in landfills, causing environmental harm. Researchers Sampath Parasuram, Akshay Sunil Salvi, Supriya H, and Sandeep Kumar Singh said that the new bio-based foams have chemical bonds that can be broken and reformed with external stimuli. This allows the foam to be reprocessed or dissolved in eco-friendly solvents within hours.

Continue Exploring: KFC, Pizza Hut owner Devyani International registers INR 4.92 crore loss in Q2 FY25 

The team noted, “Unlike traditional foams, which can take centuries to decompose, these bio-derived alternatives disintegrate safely in landfills, without harming groundwater.” They have also filed for a patent on the new technology.

Although the raw materials for making the bio-based foam are currently expensive, Bose thinks that higher demand will help lower the prices.

“With stricter regulations on the use of polymer-based foams, we expect bio-based foams to be mass-produced within five years. Sustainable packaging is urgently needed, as our landfills are already overwhelmed with synthetic materials,” he added.

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Snitch introduces “Worth the Wait” feature for fashion-forward customers

By
Ashu Agrawal
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Snitch introduces "Worth the Wait" feature for fashion-forward customers

Snitch, a leading men’s fashion brand, has launched an innovative feature called “Worth the Wait” (WTW), allowing customers to stay ahead of the latest trends.

Snitch offers “Dropping Soon” tab for preview

With WTW, customers enjoy several exclusive benefits. They can preview upcoming styles every Thursday under the “Dropping Soon” tab, add their favourite items to their wish list, and take advantage of exclusive discounts during the first six hours of each new launch.

Continue Exploring: Relaxo Footwears suffers loss, profit slumps to INR 37 Cr in Q2 FY25

“We’ve always focused on more than just keeping up with trends; it’s about creating a seamless and rewarding experience for our customers. ‘Worth the Wait’ is our way of ensuring that our community not only gets first access to the latest styles but also enjoys a unique advantage with exclusive offers. It’s all about bringing even more value to the people who trust us to keep them ahead in the fashion game,” said Siddharth Dungarwal, Founder and CEO of Snitch.

Further, WTW enables customers to plan their shopping experience, keeping their wardrobe updated and stylish. To access this feature, customers can download or update the Snitch app.

Continue Exploring: Amazon Seller Services reports 14.5% revenue increase to INR 25,406 Cr, reduces loss

Snitch start as D2C brand in 2020

Founded in 2020, Snitch is a direct-to-consumer brand known for its unconventional approach to men’s fashion. The brand crafts designs reflecting the latest trends, positioning itself as a leader in fast fashion. Snitch has carved out a distinct identity, challenging conventional norms and making a significant impact in the market.

Meanwhile, with “Worth the Wait,” Snitch reinforces its commitment to providing customers with the latest fashion trends and a seamless shopping experience. Customers can explore the latest in men’s fashion and ensure they never miss a stylish moment.

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KFC, Pizza Hut owner Devyani International registers INR 4.92 crore loss in Q2 FY25 

By
Ashutosh Dubey
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0
Image of pizza hut & kfc
KFC, Pizza Hut owner Devyani International registers INR 4.92 crore loss in Q2 FY25 

India’s largest KFC and Pizza Hut franchise owner, Devyani International Limited, incurred a loss of INR 4.92 crore in the July-September quarter (Q2), according to its latest regulatory filing.

Devyani International revenue jumps to INR 1,222.15 crore

Last year, Devyani International made a profit of INR 35.82 crore during the same period. However, this year it incurred a loss. Despite the loss, the company’s revenue jumped 49.23% to INR 1,222.15 crore (Q2 FY25) from INR 819.47 crore (Q2 FY24).

Continue Exploring: Zomato and Swiggy deny alleged competition law violations by CCI

Meanwhile the company’s expenses increased to INR 1,230.89 crore (Q2 FY25) from INR 793.04 crore (Q2 FY24). The company also expanded its presence by opening 85 new stores across its brands during the quarter.

Furthermore, DIL announced that it has obtained exclusive master franchise rights for three modern quick-service restaurant brands: TeaLive, New York Fries, and Sanook Kitchen. These partnerships will help DIL achieve its growth strategy. As DIL’s existing brands continue to grow and introduce new menu items, the company is expanding its portfolio to include modern food and beverage options.

Devyani International to consider ‘Food on the Go’ and ‘House of Brands’

“We are happy to welcome new brands to the DIL family, catering to youth categories such as handcrafted tea, fresh cut fries and authentic Thai & Asian cuisine. The new partnerships reflect our commitment to bringing diverse, high-quality contemporary food & beverages brands to our customers, while driving sustainable growth for DIL. With exclusive rights for these brands in India, DIL is consolidating its strategy of ‘Food on the Go’ and ‘House of Brands’,” commented Ravi Jaipuria, non-executive chairman of Devyani International Limited.

Continue Exploring: Amazon Seller Services reports 14.5% revenue increase to INR 25,406 Cr, reduces loss

The company said it will invest in its brand portfolio to expand its reach, attract target consumers, and seize growth opportunities nationwide.

“While we recognize the current subdued environment in the QSR industry, we are confident that the current headwinds are transient in nature. As firm believers in India’s growth story, we are well-positioned to capitalise on future opportunities and deliver value to all our stakeholders,” he added.

In the quarter, a company called ‘Devyani PVR INOX Private Limited’ was established on July 26, 2024, to develop and operate food courts in shopping malls across India.

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