Retail

Reliance Retail, India’s retail powerhouse, has acquired Pahadi Local, a rapidly growing regional retail chain, signaling a strategic move to strengthen its presence in niche and local markets. The acquisition aims to integrate Pahadi Local’s supply chain expertise, regional customer base, and curated product offerings into Reliance’s nationwide retail ecosystem. Analysts note that this move reflects the company’s focus on diversifying retail formats, capturing emerging market segments, and enhancing last-mile connectivity.

India’s electric vehicle (EV) market recorded a sharp rise in retail sales during February, highlighting the country’s accelerating shift toward sustainable transportation. Strong demand across multiple segments—including electric two-wheelers, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles—contributed to the growth. 

India’s automobile retail sector recorded robust growth in February, reflecting resilient consumer demand across vehicle categories. According to the latest data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations, retail vehicle sales rose significantly compared with the same period last year. The improvement was driven by strong performance in passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles, supported by improving rural sentiment, better inventory management, and stable financing conditions.

The promoter of Vishal Mega Mart has divested a 14% equity stake in the company through a large block transaction valued at Rs. 7,635 crore, marking one of the most significant secondary market deals in the retail sector this year. The stake sale is expected to enhance public shareholding and improve liquidity in the counter. Market participants interpreted the move as a strategic portfolio rebalancing exercise rather than an operational shift.

Apple has expanded its physical retail footprint in India with the opening of a new store in Mumbai, marking its sixth outlet in the country. The move signals Apple’s growing confidence in India as both a high-potential consumer market and a strategic manufacturing hub. The Mumbai store is designed to deliver a full-scale brand experience, combining product sales, technical support and customer engagement under one roof.

Nexus Select Trust has announced plans to invest in a Runwal Group–promoted mall in Mumbai, reinforcing its confidence in India’s organized retail real estate market. The proposed investment reflects a strategy focused on acquiring high-quality, consumption-led assets in top urban centers. With Mumbai continuing to anchor premium retail demand, the transaction is expected to enhance the trust’s portfolio resilience and cash-flow visibility.

India’s retail sector is on track for a dramatic expansion, with its market size projected to double by 2035, according to a new industry report. The forecast reflects the combined impact of rising household incomes, rapid urbanization, digital adoption, and changing consumer behavior. From traditional brick-and-mortar stores to e-commerce and omnichannel formats, retail is evolving into a more organized, technology-driven ecosystem.

Eyewear retailer Lenskart posted a sharp rise in quarterly profitability, reporting a net profit of Rs 133 crore for the third quarter, reflecting strong revenue growth and operational efficiency gains. The performance underscores the company’s successful omni-channel strategy, expanding physical retail presence and disciplined cost management. Improved margins and rising consumer demand contributed to the earnings acceleration. Analysts view the results as a sign of maturation within India’s organized eyewear segment, where branded players are consolidating market share.

India’s automobile retail sector began the year on a strong note, recording an 18% year-on-year growth in January, according to industry data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). The expansion was driven by improved vehicle availability, steady consumer demand, and a gradual normalization of supply chains. Passenger vehicles and two-wheelers led the growth, while commercial vehicles also showed signs of recovery.

Fashion e-commerce major Myntra has appointed Pramod Adiddam as its new chief technology officer, signaling a renewed focus on technology-led innovation and platform scalability. Adiddam, a seasoned technology leader with extensive experience in building large-scale digital ecosystems, will oversee Myntra’s engineering, data, and infrastructure functions. His appointment comes as the company sharpens its emphasis on personalization, artificial intelligence, and resilient supply-chain technology.