Starbucks Workers Set to Strike Ahead of Holiday Rush, Demanding Pay Increases
Baristas at select Starbucks locations are planning to strike on Christmas Eve, starting with cafes in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle this Friday.
Strikes Expected to Grow
The strikes are expected to grow in scale each day, spreading to more cities, as workers push for higher wages. The union, Starbucks Workers United, expressed frustration in a post on X, accusing the company of “backtracking on our promised path forward.”
The strike could lead to longer wait times for customers seeking their favorite holiday drinks and merchandise in the days leading up to Christmas, which typically sees high demand as many people shop for last-minute gifts or enjoy a break from work and school.
Relationship Between Starbucks and Union Sours
Relations between Starbucks and the union have become tense once again after a brief period of cooperation earlier this year. In February, both sides had agreed on a “foundational framework” to work toward collective bargaining agreements for individual stores. Since then, they have held over nine bargaining sessions, according to the company.
This week, Starbucks and the union held their final scheduled bargaining session of 2024. However, before the meeting, Starbucks Workers United voted to authorize a strike if the company did not offer a comprehensive proposal addressing pay and benefits. During the session, Starbucks reportedly offered no immediate pay increase, instead guaranteeing annual raises of just 1.5%. In response, Starbucks stated that the union had prematurely ended the bargaining session, leaving the talks unresolved.
Popcorn & Company Eyes Tier-2 and Tier-3 Expansion; Targets to Double Its Online Sales next year
Leveraging its Shark Tank fame and a growing consumer base, Popcorn & Company, a Delhi-based venture under Krackle Foods Private Ltd., is making popcorn popular in India’s snacking industry with its innovative gourmet popcorn offerings. Founded by seasoned entrepreneur Vikas Suri, who also leads Kitchen Rama—a commercial kitchen equipment business—the brand has strategically positioned itself at the intersection of nostalgia and modern snacking trends.
He shares, “Popcorn has tremendous potential. It’s more than just a snack; it’s an experience. Our aim is to transform the concession-style cinema snack into a mainstream option across retail and digital platforms.”
Suri, who also runs Kitchen Rama, a commercial kitchen equipment business launched the brand officially launched in late 2018 but had to fine-tune its product line during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The idea took root in 2017-18 when we were supplying concession equipment and raw materials to cinemas. We often had surplus stock and decided to utilize this capacity, giving birth to Popcorn & Company,” Suri said.
A Market with Potential
India’s organized popcorn category has expanded significantly, with the market size now pegged at INR 700-800 crore. “The snacking habits of Indian consumers are evolving, and popcorn stands out as a versatile, enjoyable, and relatively healthy option,” Suri explained. The company has seen significant year-on-year growth and high repeat customer rates, particularly for its signature Movie Night Kits.
The kits allow customers to make popcorn at home with personalized seasonings and oils. “Our bestselling flavors include caramel crisp, cheesy sriracha, and sea salt caramel. This customization and innovation are driving our momentum,” Suri noted.
The company initially started with 20 flavors but has now carefully honed its offerings based on user preferences.
Retail Strategy: From Cinemas to Streets
Popcorn & Company operates across two verticals—FMCG and retail stores. Currently, it has 10-11 stores nationwide, primarily located in malls, where fresh popcorn is served over the counter. The stores are particularly popular among children and younger audiences.
“We aim to replicate the cinema concession experience on the streets. Alongside popcorn, some stores offer hot dogs, nachos, and samosas, depending on the location. This combo approach works wonders,” Suri revealed.
FMCG sales, on the other hand, target sub-30 consumers through online platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Jiomart, alongside physical distribution networks. While digital channels have been a learning curve for Suri, he emphasized the benefits of starting online. “Digital platforms provide valuable insights into consumer behavior and allow for controlled scaling,” he added.
Navigating Challenges and Eyeing Expansion
Despite the brand’s growth, scaling up in India’s fragmented retail landscape is not without its challenges. “Setting up distribution and ensuring the right price points are crucial. However, once the foundation is laid, the potential is immense,” Suri explained.
While the company has found a foothold in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana, it is also keen on expanding into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. However this ambition requires more funding. “If I had more capital, I would be the first to enter these markets. The demand is there, and the untapped potential is huge,” Suri remarked.
“We’ll open stores in locations where we see clear potential for growth, profitability. Over the next two years, I anticipate doubling our numbers, particularly in our online sales. This is a significant focus area for us, and we are working diligently to achieve it,” he added.
With popcorn as its core focus, the brand aims to build a national presence, ensuring their products are available on the shelves of every major and popular store. Additionally, expansion into general trade (GT) and modern trade (MT) is also on the cards. “For now, we’re laser-focused on building a strong foundation with popcorn as our primary offering. We’re also exploring the possibility of a funding round soon to support these growth ambitions. Let’s see how things unfold,” Suri shared.
Popcorn & Company has also reinvented several of its products to enhance its offerings, which are set to hit the market soon. Alongside this, the brand is working to stabilize its store menu, exploring combos like hot dogs and nachos to complement its core offerings.
Virgio and Ola Electric Bring Sustainable Fashion Deliveries to Your Door
Virgio, a leading name in sustainable fashion, has teamed up with Ola Electric to offer eco-friendly doorstep deliveries for the festive season.
Virgio Teams Up with Ola
Customers who place prepaid orders by December 25, 2024, will have their purchases delivered using Ola Electric’s sustainable scooters and will also have the chance to receive a full refund on their orders.
Amar Nagaram, founder and CEO of Virgio, shared that the brand aims to ensure that the spirit of giving during the holidays benefits both people and the planet. He emphasized that this collaboration with Ola Electric during Christmas is a reminder of how mindful decisions can bring added meaning to the season’s festivities.
ICB’s Unique Craft Beer Experience Takes Bengaluru by Storm
Bengaluru has a new destination for craft beer enthusiasts with the launch of ICB-Indian Craft Brewery, a sprawling microbrewery located in the heart of Manyata Tech Park, Nagavara.
Spanning over 1,500 seats and two acres, ICB aims to offer an immersive beer experience that blends India’s ancient brewing traditions with modern craft techniques, creating a distinctive atmosphere and flavor profile unlike any other in the country.
An Aim to Revolutionise the Craft Beer Scene
ICB-Indian Craft Brewery sets out to revolutionize the craft beer scene in India by drawing on the nation’s rich culinary and cultural heritage. Co-founder Gopi Chand Cherukuri highlighted the brewery’s commitment to offering a truly unique experience, stating, “We’ve brought together a team of experienced brewmasters, including a renowned Costa Rican master brewer, and culinary experts, such as a former master chef from ITC Hotels, to create exceptional flavors that are both globally appealing and deeply connected to India’s roots.”
One of the key features of ICB is its thoughtfully designed “zones” that encourage visitors to engage with different aspects of the brewery’s philosophy—COAST, which stands for Culture, Opinion, Art, Sustainability, and Taste. These zones aim to evoke a deep connection to the brewery’s Indian heritage while offering a modern, sensory experience. The first zone is already operational, and the second is slated to open in January 2025.
ICB’s Beers are Backed by Solid R&D
ICB’s beers are the result of extensive research into India’s diverse culinary traditions and its cultural legacy. To further enhance its offerings, the brewery has established a research and development hub in Belgium, driving innovation in craft brewing. One of the standout creations will be a series of premium non-alcoholic beers named after the legendary mathematician Ramanujan, a tribute to India’s intellectual history.
Shein Returns to India: Reliance Retail Tests the Waters on Ajio
Reliance Retail has quietly initiated a test run for the return of Shein in India, collaborating with its fashion platform, Ajio.
Four Years After Getting Banned, Shein Makes a Big Comeback
This move comes over four years after the Indian government imposed a ban on the Chinese fast fashion brand. Shein has started uploading its casual women’s western wear collection on Ajio, with plans to gradually expand to other platforms, according to a source familiar with the development. However, there are no fixed dates yet for a full-scale launch.
Now based in Singapore, Shein is aiming to challenge established players in India’s affordable fashion market, including Tata Group’s Zudio and Flipkart-owned Myntra. Last year, Reliance Retail Ventures entered into a partnership with Shein to offer the brand’s fast fashion products through its Indian platforms.
OYO Acquires Motel 6 and Studio 6 Brands for USD 525 Million, Expanding Global Reach
OYO has officially completed its acquisition of Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands from Blackstone Real Estate for USD 525 million, marking a key moment in the company’s global expansion, OYO announced on Monday.
The deal, initially agreed upon on September 20, involved an all-cash transaction for G6 Hospitality, the parent company of the two hotel brands.
OYO Makes a Significant Acquisition
This acquisition is expected to significantly boost OYO’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), with a projected increase of over Rs 2,000 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26. Motel 6 is anticipated to contribute more than Rs 630 crore to this growth.
With the addition of around 1,500 franchised hotels in the US and Canada, OYO’s North American presence is set to expand further. The acquisition is projected to result in a gross booking value of approximately USD 3 billion, with Motel 6 contributing about USD 1.7 billion, according to OYO’s statement.
OYO’s Growing Footprint
Since launching in the US in 2019, OYO has been steadily growing its footprint in the region. “This acquisition marks a pivotal shift in OYO’s global operations. With the strong brand recognition of Motel 6 in the US, we are confident this deal will drive significant value for OYO,” said Ankit Tandon, OYO’s Global CBO and Head of M&A.
OYO’s recent financial performance has been strong, including its first-ever profit after tax of around Rs 229 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24 and a profit of Rs 132 crore in Q1 of 2024-25 “We’ve seen great support from Blackstone as investors in G6 Hospitality. Their strategic direction has set us up for success, and with the US market offering so much potential, this acquisition is a major step for OYO’s growth,” said Rakesh Prusti, Group General Counsel at OYO.
Poco Aims for Top 5 Spot in India’s Smartphone Market with Offline Expansion
Poco, the sub-brand of Xiaomi, is looking to ramp up its offline presence as part of a broader strategy to increase its market share and compete with the top smartphone brands in India over the next few years.
The company’s goal is to secure a place in the top five players in the market within the next three to four years, with an emphasis on achieving double-digit growth, according to Himanshu Tandon, Country Head of Poco India.
Poco Sees Incredible Growth
Tandon explained that the company has already seen impressive growth, with a more than 110% increase over the past two years, propelling Poco from the 10th to the 6th position in India’s smartphone market. According to International Data Corporation (IDC), Poco captured a 5.8% market share in Q3 2024, with a 6.5% year-on-year growth in shipments.
“We began as an online-first brand, primarily focusing on Flipkart until 2023,” Tandon said. “This year, we’ve expanded to Amazon as well. On the offline front, we’ve partnered with Jio for distribution.” Poco currently has a 70:30 sales ratio between online and offline channels, but the brand is steadily growing in both spaces.
Poco Faces Challenges from Industry Groups
While Poco’s growth has been strong, the company is facing challenges from some industry groups. Retailers like the All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) and the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) have raised concerns about the brand’s alleged collaboration with e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart, accusing them of unfair pricing practices that hurt offline retailers and lead to grey market sales. These practices, they argue, deprive the government of tax revenue and distort the market.
Despite the controversies, Poco’s diverse product lineup, including the budget-friendly C-series, the M-series, the performance-focused X-series, and the premium F-series, is expected to continue driving its growth across both online and offline channels.
Mindgrove Technologies Raises ₹64 Crore to Drive Semiconductor Innovation
Chennai-based Mindgrove Technologies, a fabless semiconductor design startup, has secured ₹64 crore (roughly $8 million) in its Series A funding round.
The investment was jointly led by Rocketship.vc and Speciale Invest, with additional backing from Mela Ventures and returning investors, including Peak XV Partners, Nishchay Goel, Whiteboard Capital, and Anshul Goel.
Semiconductor Startup Bags Major Investment
This comes after Mindgrove raised $2.35 million in seed funding earlier in 2023, supported by Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India & Southeast Asia), Speciale Invest, and Whiteboard Capital.
Founded in 2022 by Sharan Jagathrakshakan and T.R. Shashwath, the startup operates under the incubation of IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation and IIT Madras Incubation Cell. Mindgrove specializes in developing advanced and scalable system-on-chips (SoCs) under its Mindgrove Silicon brand, targeting customers in India and abroad.
Top Executive Opines on the Investment
CEO T.R. Shashwath explained, “We collaborate with OEMs to provide SoCs accompanied by clear, accessible documentation such as data sheets and user manuals. This helps reduce both the time and cost of product development.”
With its latest funding, the company plans to strengthen its team across business, engineering, product, and application roles to drive growth and continue pushing innovation.
Italian Elegance Meets Kolkata Charm at Fabbrica Originale’s Newest Flagship Outlet
Fabbrica Originale has opened its newest flagship restaurant on Kolkata’s iconic Park Street, marking a major step forward for the brand.
Since its founding in 2017, what began as a simple pizzeria has evolved into a beloved dining destination, known for its authentic cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. The Park Street outlet promises a refined experience that combines the charm of tradition with a modern touch.
Fabbrica Originale Opens a New Flagship Outlet
Spread across 3,000 square feet with seating for 94 guests, the new location is a visual treat. Its design merges vintage European elegance with contemporary flair, creating a space that is both stylish and cozy. Whether it’s an intimate dinner or a grand celebration, the ambiance is crafted to suit every occasion, the company shared in a statement.
“Fabbrica Originale has always been about more than just food—it’s about creating memorable experiences,” said Naman Dhandhania, co-founder of Fabbrica Originale. “With our Park Street outlet, we’re aiming to transport guests to Italy, not just through our menu but through the entire dining journey. Every detail, from the flavors to the atmosphere, reflects our dedication to Italian culinary tradition.”
New Menu Stays True to Roots
The Park Street menu stays true to the brand’s Italian roots, featuring a handpicked selection of classic dishes that capture the spirit of Italy. The new outlet also introduces a cocktail menu centered around aperitifs, adding a fresh layer to the dining experience.
Founded by three friends with a shared passion for Italian cuisine, Fabbrica Originale has become a name synonymous with quality and authenticity in Kolkata’s food scene. With locations on Allenby Road, City Centre, and now Park Street, the restaurant continues to win hearts with its blend of timeless recipes and innovative techniques. More than just a place to eat, Fabbrica Originale celebrates the essence of Italian culture and culinary artistry.
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.”
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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