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India’s E-Commerce Set to Jump from 9% to 17% by 2030: McKinsey Highlights Surge in Quick Commerce & Social Shopping

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India’s E-Commerce Set to Jump from 9% to 17% by 2030: McKinsey Highlights Surge in Quick Commerce & Social Shopping

India may have one of the largest online populations in the world, but when it comes to online shopping, the country is still warming up. A recent study by McKinsey & Company shows that out of 850 million internet users, only around 20 to 25 percent are actually buying products online. Compare that with places like the U.S. or China—where over 85 percent of people with internet access are active online shoppers—and it’s clear there’s a long runway ahead.

But that gap is closing, and fast. India isn’t just borrowing from global e-commerce trends—it’s building its own playbook. Take the explosion of “quick commerce” services, which promise deliveries in under an hour. What started as a novelty is quickly becoming the norm in urban centers.

As of the financial year 2023, e-commerce still made up less than 10 percent of total retail sales in India. But that number is expected to jump to 15–17 percent by the end of the decade. The growth isn’t just about more people shopping online—it’s about how they shop and what they’re buying.

Innovative models like social commerce (shopping via apps like WhatsApp and Instagram) and instant delivery platforms already make up more than 15 percent of India’s e-commerce space. By 2030, their share is expected to cross 25 percent.

What’s more, online platforms are venturing beyond the usual mix of groceries and gadgets. Many are adding services like home repairs, health consultations, and beauty appointments—pushing the definition of “e-commerce” into entirely new territory.

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Tanisha Jatia’s Urban Jungle to Invest ₹20 Cr for 15 New Experience-Led Stores Across Indian Metros by 2026

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Tanisha Jatia’s Urban Jungle to Invest ₹20 Cr for 15 New Experience-Led Stores Across Indian Metros by 2026

Urban Jungle, the newest venture from Safari Industries, is betting big on India’s young, design-savvy shoppers. The brand, led by Tanisha Jatia, is carving out its niche by focusing on style, practicality, and the growing appetite for curated lifestyle experiences.

Jatia shared with ETRetail that Urban Jungle plans to invest ₹20 crore over the next 12–18 months to open 15 exclusive brand outlets (EBOs). The first store has already launched in Pune, and the upcoming outlets will be located in top metro cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Kolkata — specifically in malls and high footfall high streets. Each outlet will span around 550 sq. ft., offering a compact yet immersive retail experience.

“We noticed a clear gap in the market. Young consumers today want products that are not only functional but also an extension of their identity. They’re traveling more, earning more, and looking for brands that match that energy,” said Jatia. “Our stores are designed to offer more than just products — they’ll bring our brand story to life and help justify our premium positioning.”

Targeting Gen Z and millennials aged 20–35, Urban Jungle already has a strong presence across 134 shop-in-shops in department stores like Lifestyle and Broadway, and is working with 120 premium distributors across the country.

E-commerce is also a key focus. The brand is available on Amazon, Flipkart, and even quick commerce platforms like Blinkit. While quick commerce currently brings in about 5% of their revenue, Jatia says that segment is growing by 50–60% month-on-month and is expected to double in the next 6–8 months.

Urban Jungle’s average online order value is ₹5,500, while in-store purchases average around ₹6,500 — a clear sign that customers are buying into the full experience.

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The Belgian Waffle Co Turns 10, To Open 280 New Stores With ₹20 Crore Investment

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The Belgian Waffle Co Turns 10, To Open 280 New Stores With ₹20 Crore Investment

Celebrating a decade in business, The Belgian Waffle Co is gearing up for a major expansion drive. The dessert chain is planning to open 280 new outlets over the next two years, backed by an investment of around ₹20 crore, Managing Director and CEO Ankit Patel revealed in an interview with ETRetail.

The brand already boasts a strong footprint with 700 outlets across 230+ cities in India, and it’s not slowing down. “We open anywhere between 100 to 120 outlets annually. Last year, we opened nearly 140 stores, and the pace will stay consistent over the next couple of years,” Patel said.

While the brand has so far followed a balanced model—with 50% of its outlets being company-owned and the rest operated by franchise partners—its future plans are more metro-focused. Of the 280 new stores, 100–110 will follow the COCO (company-owned, company-operated) model, primarily targeting India’s larger metro cities. The remaining outlets will be franchise-driven, with a focus on Tier III and Tier IV cities, where the brand continues to see strong demand for partnerships.

Patel also mentioned that The Belgian Waffle Co is taking inspiration from international F&B giants to streamline its operations and replicate success across geographies, especially through franchising.

The brand operates across three formats—kiosks, takeaway counters, and full-fledged cafés—giving it the flexibility to adapt to varying locations, customer needs, and real estate dynamics.

With consumer appetite for on-the-go dessert options rising, The Belgian Waffle Co’s expansion strategy seems to be in sync with evolving urban and semi-urban trends.

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Nicole Kidman Signs On as the New Face of Clé de Peau Beauté, Bringing Her Signature Elegance to the Japanese Luxury Label

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Nicole Kidman Signs On as the New Face of Clé de Peau Beauté, Bringing Her Signature Elegance to the Japanese Luxury Label

At this point, Nicole Kidman doesn’t just take on roles—she defines eras. Whether she’s lighting up the screen in a prestige miniseries or hypnotizing cinema-goers with a now-iconic AMC ad, she has a magnetic pull that’s hard to ignore. Now, the Oscar-winning actress is lending that same star power to the world of high-end beauty. The 58-year-old Australian icon has officially joined Clé de Peau Beauté as their new Global Brand Ambassador, the company announced today.

With her porcelain skin and ever-evolving but always elegant style, Kidman is a natural fit for the upscale Japanese skincare and makeup house. But this partnership goes deeper than just flawless skin. In a statement, Clé de Peau said that Kidman captures the spirit of what they call “Radiance”—a fusion of purpose, intelligence, and artistry. The brand sees her not just as a celebrity, but as a thoughtful figure who stands for more than just surface beauty.

Kidman, never one to attach herself to just any campaign, said she was drawn to the brand’s belief in celebrating individuality. “Clé de Peau Beauté sees beauty as something that shines through every part of a person’s life,” she said. “That’s the kind of message I want to be part of.”

This isn’t her first foray into beauty endorsements, either. Back in 2017, Kidman teamed up with Neutrogena, and she’s also served as the face of Swisse Wellness and Balenciaga. Now, she’s stepping into a more luxe territory with Clé de Peau, signaling what might be a new phase in her brand partnerships—one that leans into grace, refinement, and a certain quiet power.

A teaser video featuring Kidman has already been released, offering a glimpse of what this collaboration might look like. But if her track record is any indication, this is likely just the beginning of something visually stunning—and unmistakably Nicole.

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India’s McDonald’s Just Got a Protein Upgrade: New Slice Lets You Stack Up to 3x Protein in Your McVeggie, McChicken & More

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India’s McDonald’s Just Got a Protein Upgrade: New Slice Lets You Stack Up to 3x Protein in Your McVeggie, McChicken & More

McDonald’s India (West & South), run by Westlife Foodworld, just rolled out something new for health-conscious eaters—a customizable protein slice that can be added to any burger. Dubbed the ‘Protein Plus Range’, this launch puts the spotlight on flexibility, allowing customers to amp up their protein intake without giving up their go-to burger flavours.

At the heart of this range is a 100% vegetarian protein slice, made with soy and pea, that adds 5 grams of protein per piece. And here’s the game-changer: diners can stack one, two, or even three slices onto their burgers. It’s a move that shakes things up in the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) world, where fixed menus have long ruled the roost.

What makes this even more impressive is how effortlessly the slice fits into existing favourites. Toss it into a McSpicy Paneer, and you’re looking at 25.29g of protein. Add it to a McChicken and get 20.66g. Even a McVeggie clocks in at 15.24g, and the humble McAloo Tikki jumps to 13.5g—all without changing the flavour fans know and love.

The slice isn’t just a marketing gimmick. It’s the result of a collaboration with the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), a government-backed institute that knows a thing or two about food science. It’s onion- and garlic-free, contains no artificial colours or flavours, and is designed to fit into a variety of dietary preferences, especially vegetarian diets common in India.

“We’ve always tried to give our customers more room to choose,” said Akshay Jatia, CEO of Westlife Foodworld. “This time, it’s about letting them take charge of how much protein goes into their meal—without losing out on taste. We’re excited about what this means for fast food in India.”

This isn’t McDonald’s first scientific collaboration. They previously worked with CSIR-CFTRI to develop their Multi-Millet Bun, and this new partnership builds on that success.

Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director at CFTRI, said, “After the work we did on the millet bun, teaming up again with McDonald’s was a natural next step. This protein slice is another example of what can happen when science and food innovation come together.”

By blending research with everyday dining, McDonald’s India is clearly aiming to strike a new balance—comfort food that doesn’t skimp on nutrition. And with more diners paying attention to what’s in their food, the timing couldn’t be better.

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ANNY Raises ₹10 Cr from Atomic Capital to Chase ₹100 Cr ARR Goal, Eyes Product Expansion and Tech Upgrade

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ANNY Raises ₹10 Cr from Atomic Capital to Chase ₹100 Cr ARR Goal, Eyes Product Expansion and Tech Upgrade

Fashion-tech startup ANNY has raised ₹10 crore in a pre-Series A round led by Atomic Capital, as the brand looks to step up its growth across product, tech, and distribution. The funding will go toward expanding ANNY’s fashion categories, boosting its proprietary tech stack, and building a stronger leadership and distribution base, the company said in a statement.

This latest round follows last year’s seed funding, led by Faad Capital, which also included several angel investors and HNIs. That early injection helped the brand scale quickly through its first year.

Founded in 2023 by Japjot Singh, Aveen Kaur, and Rahul Tanwar, ANNY calls itself an “accessible luxury” brand tailored for modern Indian women. It blends tech and fashion through a real-time, low-inventory model, powered by a vertically integrated supply chain. The idea: offer globally-inspired styles without global-level prices.

“We’re not building just another fashion brand—we’re trying to shift how fashion is made and delivered in India,” said Japjot Singh, CEO of ANNY. “This capital gives us the fuel to go from fast growth to smart growth. Our goal is to cross ₹100 crore in annual recurring revenue within the next year.”

ANNY says its internal tech tools help it predict trends in real-time, cut down inventory risk, and keep product launches fresh and frequent. Since its founding, the company claims to have grown 8x in scale, driven by short production cycles and its agile response to customer preferences.

With Atomic Capital now on board, ANNY is setting its sights on becoming one of the breakout names in India’s evolving fashion-tech landscape.

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Enforcement Directorate Slaps Myntra with FEMA Violation Notice Over $191 Million Retail Scheme via Vector E-Commerce

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Enforcement Directorate Slaps Myntra with FEMA Violation Notice Over $191 Million Retail Scheme via Vector E-Commerce

India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken formal action against Myntra, accusing the Walmart-backed fashion e-commerce platform of flouting foreign investment norms by rerouting over $191 million through a related-party setup designed to mask retail activity as wholesale trade.

The ED alleges that Myntra sidestepped rules under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) by operating a multi-brand retail business under the pretense of being a wholesale player. At the center of the controversy is Vector E-Commerce, a related entity that reportedly acted as a front to help Myntra conduct direct-to-consumer sales—something foreign-funded wholesale businesses in India are not permitted to do.

As per Indian law, wholesale ventures with foreign investment are prohibited from selling directly to consumers and can only sell up to 25% of their goods to affiliated firms. According to the ED, Myntra failed on both counts. It routed all of its business exclusively through Vector, essentially using it as a shell to bypass restrictions.

The agency has filed a formal complaint under Section 16(3) of FEMA, 1999, naming Myntra, its associate companies, and several directors as part of the investigation.

This isn’t an isolated case. The complaint adds Myntra to a growing list of global e-commerce players under the scanner. Amazon and Flipkart have previously faced similar scrutiny as Indian regulators intensify oversight in the fast-evolving online retail sector.

Despite the legal troubles, Myntra remains a dominant force in India’s online fashion market, reportedly accounting for nearly 50% of the space. The company has also been steadily pushing into new verticals—like home décor, beauty, and quick commerce—and is experimenting with influencer-led social commerce campaigns, entering a battleground already occupied by Instagram, YouTube, and Amazon Live.

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BigBasket’s Revenue Drops to ₹7,673 Cr in FY25, Losses Jump 46% as Blinkit, Zepto & Instamart Crowd the Quick Commerce Race

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BigBasket’s Revenue Drops to ₹7,673 Cr in FY25, Losses Jump 46% as Blinkit, Zepto & Instamart Crowd the Quick Commerce Race

BigBasket, the online grocery player backed by Tata Digital, had a rough financial year as rising pressure from ultra-fast delivery apps like Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy’s Instamart began to bite. The company’s annual turnover dropped in FY25, reflecting the increasingly competitive battlefield of India’s grocery delivery space.

As per Tata Sons’ FY25 annual report, BigBasket’s consumer-facing business, operated by Innovative Retail Concepts, reported a 3% dip in turnover — falling to ₹7,673 crore. Its wholesale/B2B arm, Supermarket Grocery Supplies, saw a sharper decline of 7%, closing the year at ₹2,227 crore.

What’s more concerning: the company’s losses have ballooned. Innovative Retail Concepts’ losses grew to ₹1,851 crore in FY25 — a steep jump from ₹1,267 crore in the previous year.

BigBasket, once known for its scheduled delivery slots, has been racing to catch up with the fast-paced quick commerce trend. Its 10-minute delivery vertical, BB Now, was launched to stay relevant in a market where instant gratification is quickly becoming the norm.

Tata Group had acquired a controlling stake in BigBasket back in 2021, buying out Alibaba’s share in a deal that valued the firm between $1.5 billion and $2 billion.

Earlier this year, The Economic Times reported that Tata had engaged top global investment banks to help raise $1.3 billion in funding for its digital portfolio — with $1 billion reportedly marked for BigBasket alone. The move signals that despite current setbacks, Tata is betting big on scaling its grocery play — even if it means burning cash in the short term to stay in the game.

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Deepinder Goyal’s Next Bet Isn’t Food — It’s Emergency Response: Zomato Eyes National Impact With In-House Paramedics & 10-Minute Ambulance Promise

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Deepinder Goyal’s Next Bet Isn’t Food — It’s Emergency Response: Zomato Eyes National Impact With In-House Paramedics & 10-Minute Ambulance Promise

Zomato, best known for delivering food in minutes, is now setting its sights on something far more critical: saving lives. As part of its ongoing effort to build a 10-minute ambulance service under Blinkit, its quick-commerce wing, the company is developing its own paramedic training programme to ensure rapid, high-quality emergency response.

Co-founder Deepinder Goyal shared the update on July 24, noting that while the journey has been demanding, the company remains all-in. “This might be the toughest project we’ve ever taken on — in terms of both effort and complexity — but there’s no turning back now,” he posted on X.

What began as a quiet pilot with just five ambulances in Gurugram has gradually scaled up. Zomato now has 12 ambulances on the road, and the service area has grown significantly — from a small stretch near Golf Course Road to nearly half of the city.

So far, the team has handled 594 calls, and half of those were critical cases requiring immediate attention.

Now, Zomato is turning inward to tackle the next big hurdle: skilled responders. “We’re building a full-fledged paramedic training programme from scratch,” Goyal said. “Our goal is to raise the standard of emergency care in India — not just for ourselves, but for the ecosystem.”

He closed with a clear message: “We’re still figuring things out, but we’re not stopping until people know they can count on life-saving help — and know it’s only 10 minutes away.”

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Lotte India Bets Big on Sweet Snacks with Launch of Pepero Biscuits, Eyes ₹2,000 Cr Revenue Target

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Lotte India Bets Big on Sweet Snacks with Launch of Pepero Biscuits, Eyes ₹2,000 Cr Revenue Target

Lotte India, the local arm of South Korea’s Lotte Group, is shaking up the snack aisle with the launch of its first-ever biscuit snack for the Indian market — Pepero. Already a cult favourite in Korea, Pepero is making its official India debut in two variants: Original and Crunchy.

The move marks Lotte India’s entry into the fast-growing biscuit snack segment, with the company setting its sights on ₹2,000 crore in revenue this year.

“Pepero is hugely popular in Korea, but what we’re bringing to Indian shelves is a twist on the original — slightly sweeter, to suit local palates,” said Milan Wahi, Managing Director of Lotte India, during a press briefing. “This isn’t just an import; it’s been developed for Indian consumers and is proudly made in India.”

Crafted at Lotte India’s new facility in Rohtak, Haryana — the company’s first manufacturing plant outside South Korea — the biscuit sticks are part of a bigger game plan. The plant is backed by a ₹475 crore investment, with ₹225 crore earmarked specifically for Pepero production. Another ₹15 crore is going into a marketing blitz to establish the brand in a competitive market.

Wahi explained that the brand is targeting India’s massive Gen Z population, a group 377 million strong, with a positioning that blends mass appeal with a premium edge.

“Snacking in India is no longer just about hunger. It’s about self-expression, routine, sharing, and even identity. We believe Pepero fits right into that cultural moment,” he said.

While Pepero already commands a $1.3 billion market back home in Korea, Lotte Group is aiming for a tenfold expansion globally — targeting $13 billion in brand value over the next decade. India is the launchpad for that vision.

Wahi also confirmed that India would serve as an export hub for Pepero, with plans to ship locally-made variants to the Middle East and Far East in the next phase.

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