Retail
Reliance Retail now among top 5 global retailers
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani stated that Reliance Retail ranks in the top five global retailers by store count and in the top 30 by revenue. The company invested Rs 4,330 crore in the last financial year, leveraging equity and debt, and transferred supply chain assets to Reliance Logistics and Warehouse Holdings.
Reliance Retail awards Rs 351 crore worth of ESOP to leadership team ahead of IPO
Reliance Retail awarded ESOPs to director V Subramaniam, chief executive for grocery retail Damodar Mall, president and chief executive of fashion and lifestyle business Akhilesh Prasad, president and chief business officer of electronics retail Kaushal Nevrekar, group chief business operations Ashwin Khasgiwala and chief executive of fashion ecommerce platform Ajio Vineeth Nair.
Godrej Interio to open 104 new stores, add over 2 lakh sq ft of retail space in FY25
Godrej Interio intends to open 104 new stores and expand retail space by over 2 lakh sq ft this fiscal year. The company aims for 20% growth and plans to exceed 1,000 stores by August. Alongside physical expansion, its e-commerce platform continues to serve more than 17,000 pin codes across India.
Beyond kirana, e-commerce is winning another front. Here's what can happen
Industry executives said the difference in sales growth between online and offline for electronic products such as AC, washing machine, laptop and tablets was never so wide — it used to be 4-6 percentage points higher online, except during the Covid period when offline stores were shut.
Quick-commerce vs e-commerce: Ready for the new pricefight in town?
Quick-Comm operators like Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto matched prices with major ecommerce platforms Amazon and Flipkart, aiming to attract consumers. This strategy marked a shift from their previous 10-15% premium charges for instant deliveries. The move has triggered a price war and increased competition for faster services in the home delivery market.
Amazon India set to tweak seller fees
In March, ET reported about Amazon increasing commissions in the range of 10-30% across major segments. At the time, it had shifted several categories like car electronics, keyboards and mouses, and personal care appliances from a single flat commission to a tiered system based on ASP. This time, categories like apparel, home furnishing, fashion and sports will see a reduction in seller commissions.
Reliance Retail and Clarks end joint venture in India
Reliance Retail and UK-based Clarks have ended their two-year partnership due to differences over terms. As a result, Clarks is closing its stores in India, including outlets in major cities. The brand's future plans in India remain uncertain as it explores new partnership options.
Amazon's investment in India to make up for its losses; not to support Indian eco: Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal criticised Amazon's USD 1 billion investment in India, accusing the company of filling losses through predatory pricing that harms small retailers. He questioned the e-commerce business model and potential social disruptions caused by fast-growing online retail. Goyal emphasised the need for orderly technology growth and citizen-centric connectivity. He also disassociated himself from a report on e-commerce impact, expressing concern over the future dominance of e-commerce in India.
Amid e-commerce surge, Indian shoppers continue to buy from retail chains
Indian shoppers still prefer retail chains over e-commerce for premium products and during festive periods. Big shopping days significantly boost sales in FMCG and electronics sectors. NielsenIQ observed increased preference for premium products and private labels. Food and grocery retail chains, like DMart, have not been significantly affected by the rise of quick commerce.
Decathlon to invest €100 million in India to expand store network, strengthen local manufacturing
Decathlon, the French sports retailer, revealed a €100 million investment plan for India over the next five years. The company intends to expand its store network, enhance digital engagement and logistics, and boost local manufacturing. Decathlon aims to open 10-15 new stores annually, achieving 190 stores across 90 cities and towns, and increase local production to 85% by 2026.
Must Watch
Death of the kirana store: Will quick commerce quicken it?
Quick commerce platforms like Blinkit and Instamart have begun to overshadow India's traditional kirana stores, known for their community-driven approach. Offering faster deliveries and discounts, these platforms are becoming popular among urban consumers. To stay competitive, kirana stores need to embrace digitalization, as rapid changes in consumer preferences continue to reshape the market.
Growth of e-commerce through predatory prices is a concern for small retailers: Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal voiced concerns about how heavy discounts and predatory pricing by e-commerce giants could harm small retailers. He cited Amazon's billion-dollar loss as indicative of unsustainable practices. Goyal called for organizing the sector to avoid disrupting India's 100 million small businesses.
Decathlon to invest Rs 933 crore in India: Expand to 190 stores and boost local manufacturing
Decathlon has announced plans to invest €100 million in India over the next five years to expand its store network to 190 locations. The investment aims to enhance digital engagement and local manufacturing. CEO Sankar Chatterjee emphasized the brand's commitment to India's market and sports culture, with plans to double its business and foster sports participation.
Neville Tata takes charge as head of Star Bazaar, marking next generation leadership in Tata Retail
Neville Tata, 32, has been appointed as the new head of Star Bazaar, marking the emergence of the next generation of Tatas in the business. Neville, son of Trent Ltd chairman Noel Tata, previously served as a non-executive director at Trent Hypermarket and has now transitioned to a more active role. He joined Trent Ltd in 2016 and has managed successful brands such as Zudio.
Quick commerce companies increase weight that can be delivered per order as consumers opt for larger packs
Large fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies also want to initiate sales of such packs through quick commerce as they do not want to miss out on the sales opportunity.
JR One Footwear to set up two more factories in TN
JR One Footwear Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between Phoenix Kothari Footwear Ltd and Taiwan's ShoeTown Group, announced plans for two new manufacturing facilities in Tamil Nadu. This follows their Rs 5,000 crore investment in Perambalur, which has created 1,700 jobs. The expansion aims to introduce new brands and reduce dependency on imported leather components.
