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ETRetailTech Summit 2023: Our business via WhatsApp is growing 30-40% monthly, says JioMart CEO

“Whatsapp partnership has been great for us. From the time we have launched, the business has grown 30-40 per cent month over month.”

Shopsy delivered to 16 mln customers in Q4FY23

The e-tailer added that it witnessed 3X growth in units, customers, and sellers on its platform and claimed to have expanded its last-mile delivery to 350 new pin codes in the last quarter.

Shein plans to bolster compliance and logistics execs ahead of US marketplace

The company is hiring a U.S. head of logistics, who will be a liaison between Shein's U.S. and Singapore headquarters, according to a LinkedIn job posting. The company is also hiring an anti-money laundering and compliance executive and a number of U.S. marketplace personnel, as reported by Modern Retail.

Any marketplace joining ONDC should come with serious commitment, not for namesake: Goyal

It aims to promote an open platform for all aspects of e-commerce retail. It would help small retailers expand their business through e-commerce medium.

Fast-fashion giant Shein plans Mexico factory

Shein was founded in China and manufactures most of its products there, but is seeking to diversify. The company sells $10 dresses and $5 tops and has taken market share from other affordable fashion retailers.

Comm min addressing issues of exports through ecommerce

Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Santosh Kumar Sarangi also said that while the USD 2 trillion export target by 2030 is ambitious as it entails an annual growth of 14.5 per cent (CAGR), it is not impossible.

Myntra integrates ChatGPT with search for better product discovery

Myntra said MyFashionGPT will scout through catalogues available on Myntra to give users a better option for their queries.

JSW Ventures sells part of its holding in e-commerce firm Purplle to Abu Dhabi Investment Authority

According to industry sources, the first fund of JSW Ventures was Rs 100 crore. After the partial exit from Purplle, JSW Ventures has returned Rs 200 crore to its investors.

More than 100 million people shopped from e-commerce brands on our network in 2023 - GoKwik

The incremental shoppers have largely come from small towns with Tier 3 account 46% of them. In addition, these came through new merchants in beauty and personal care, fashion, electronics, and health and nutrition categories. The rising merchant base of more than 150 brands only in these categories in getting pre-filled address checkout experience, it said.

Swedish online fashion retailer blocks 42,000 customers citing excessive return pattern

These customers "repeatedly exploit the high service levels of free shipping and returns at the expense of our business, other customers and the environment," the company said.

Flipkart, Amazon, Reliance to corner Indian ecommerce: Bernstein

The country’s ecommerce market is expected to hit $133 billion in size by 2025 against $72 billion in 2022, brokerage firm Bernstein said in a report.

ETRetailTech Summit: In next 20 years, e-grocery will be 20-25% of total grocery biz, says Sourjyendu Medda of DealShare

Explaining why Dealshare is opting for the omnichannel strategy, he said that consumer behavior is evolving with time. Now, consumers are discovering online and buying offline, and in a hybrid model, the store apart from being a footfall driver works as a dark store, and results in driving profitability.

Jumbotail doubles its GMV in FY23; achieves profitability in 1/3rd biz

Along with a 100 per cent rise in its GMV, the brand claims to have achieved profitability for 1/3rd of its business, that is, Jumbotail’s net revenues are higher than the cost of operations in about 1/3rd of its operating cities.

Fidelity Investments cuts Meesho's valuation by 10% to $4.4 billion

Notably, Fidelity’s funds had valued Meesho at $4.98 billion as of December 2022. Prior to that, as of September 2022, the investor had ascribed a valuation of $4.29 billion to Meesho.

With sluggishness in market, EOSS will be an important phenomenon online and offline: Flipkart executive

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of Flipkart’s flagship end-of-season sale, Abhishek Maloo, senior director, of Flipkart Fashion said “In the months of June and July, these end-of-season sales will be an important phenomenon across offline and online. It is going to help the industry and the consumers to keep coming back to shop.”

Non-metros adding new e-commerce users faster than metros: Myntra CEO

About 40% of our business in international brands come from the non-metros,” Sinha told TOI in an interview. “Over a period of time, the consumption level of both metros and non-metros will start matching,” Sinha said.

ONDC rolls out new incentive regime from June 1

The changes come at a time when there has been a lot of buzz around ONDC waging a price war against food delivery behemoths Swiggy and Zomato by offering discounts. People familiar with the thought process of ONDC said that the idea is not to scale up the network on the basis of discounts and they will eventually be discontinued. The incentives had been started with an aim to trigger trial orders.

Amazon shrugs off ups & downs in its decade-long India journey

Amazon’s 10th anniversary in India coincides with the ecommerce behemoth cutting costs, laying off thousands of employees, shuttering non-performing experiments and resetting its overall business globally.

Myntra unveils its virtual fashion influencer Maya

The company launched the Aritificial Intelligence-based virtual influencer ahead of its biannual sale. Maya will provide insight into trends and deals to customers, it said.

Nearly 2K Amazon employees set for walkout against return-to-work, layoffs

Amazon mandated its return-to-office policy from May 1, with employees required to be back in offices at least three days per week. The e-commerce giant has also laid off 27,000 employees in two job cut announcements.

Lofty prices tarnish gold's lustre in top Asian retail hubs

Shoppers leaving empty-handed complaining of high prices are becoming a more common sight at gold stores in China and India, respectively the world's largest and second-largest retail gold consumers.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds to open the world’s biggest jewellery showroom in Kozhikode

It will be the world's biggest jewellery showroom, covering an area of 1,10,000 square feet with five floors for shopping and three for parking. Social Political leader Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal will formally inaugurate the store on 7th May. Malabar family members and other socio-political dignitaries will attend the function.

Record gold prices to dampen Indian demand in June, Sept quarters -WGC

India’s March quarter gold demand fell 17% to its lowest level in a decade and is expected to remain low during the June and September quarters due to recent record high prices, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). Subdued gold imports threaten to limit any possible rally in global prices, with bullion trading at all-time highs. Lower gold demand could also aid in reducing India’s trade deficit and support the rupee. Two-thirds of India’s gold demand usually originates from rural areas.

Temasek considers investing $100 mn in Indian jeweller BlueStone

The investment would value Bengaluru-based BlueStone, also backed by venture capital firm Accel and Indian industrialist Ratan Tata, at close to $500 million, said one of the sources, who declined to be identified as the matter is private. The potential deal could boost BlueStone's plans to expand aggressively in India, the second-largest jewellery consuming nation behind China, as demand surges after the pandemic.

Gold imports dip 24 pc to USD 35 bn in 2022-23

The growth rate in the imports was in the negative zone during August 2022 to February this year. It jumped to USD 3.3 billion in March 2023 as against USD 1 billion in the year-ago month, the data showed.

Goal is to expand into countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, Turkey, Bangladesh: Malabar Group chairman

Kerala-based Malabar Gold & Diamonds is celebrating its 30th anniversary. In an interview with ET, M P Ahammed, chairman of Malabar Group recounts how it all began from a tiny shop in Kozhikode, its evolution and growth in India and beyond, transformation of the jewellery trade, their global forays and future plans.

GJEPC launches India Jewellery Exposition Centre in Dubai

"CEPA will accelerate business momentum and is expected to transform the scale and scope of bilateral partnerships," Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Secretary Rajesh Kumar said in a statement.

Caratlane crosses Rs 2,000 cr revenue mark in FY23

In quarterly terms, the company’s revenue grew 57 per cent YoY to Rs 571.24 crore.

Diamond trade bleeding as demand from US, China plummets

Major rough diamond auction houses in Belgium and Dubai have cancelled auctions as India's diamond industry is hit by a slump in demand for polished stones from China and the US. Indian companies process nine out of every 10 diamonds in the world. De Beers has also rescheduled its auctions and postponed planned viewings of its rough diamonds as beleaguered buyers wait for a market revival. The chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council warned the fall in demand would hurt exports this quarter.

Gold demand up by 75% in Gujarat

Despite a sharp spike in gold prices from January to March this year, the demand for the yellow metal remained upbeat during the quarter in Gujarat. Against a 17% decline in gold demand in India during the quarter according to the World Gold Council, gold imports in Gujarat grew 75% during the same period.

Kalyan Jewellers Q4 Results: Cons revenue jumps 30% YoY to Rs 14,071 crore

Consolidated revenue for Q4FY23 was Rs 3,382 crore as against Rs 2,857 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, a growth of 18%. The company recorded Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of Rs 257 crore during Q4 FY23 compared to Rs 218 crore in the same quarter of the previous year, a growth of ~18%.

Emerald Jewel Industry picks up stake in Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds

Emerald Jewel Industry has been one of the world’s largest jewellery manufacturers with manufacturing capacities of 48 tons of gold, 50,000 carats of diamonds, 600 kgs of platinum and 70 tons of silver-based jewellery annually. On the other hand, Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds, is India’s largest D2C luxury brand in CVD diamond studded jewellery.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds becomes first Indian jewellery group to get TRQ license

TRQ will help the group in importing gold through the IIBX under India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement(CEPA)at reduced duty rates with convenience and transparency. TRQ license to import gold is a significant development for Malabar Gold and Diamonds which is celebrating its 30th year in the jewellery business this year.

UK to ban Russian diamonds, US sanctions target major gold miners

The United States and Canada also announced new penalties on Russia over its war against Ukraine. Washington imposed sanctions on gold producer Polyus and the Russian business of its peer, Polymetal, which would further damage Russian gold sales already hit by Western sanctions and restrictions.

Indian dealers trim discounts as price dip reignites some buying

"Retail buying has been improving slowly. Footfalls at jewellery stores have improved because of lower prices," said Ashok Jain, proprietor of Mumbai-based gold wholesaler Chenaji Narsingji.

Jewellers getting more inquiries for gold after RBI withdraws Rs 2,000 notes

In fact in the last two days, the actual gold purchase has been less in exchange of Rs 2,000 notes due to strict Know your Customer (KYC) norms although sources said some jewellers have started charging a 5-10 per cent premium, taking the gold prices to Rs 66,000 per 10 grams level.

Fresh sanctions on Russian diamonds put 1 million jobs at risk

Indian diamond trade cuts and polishes 9 out of 10 diamonds available in the world and imports Russian diamonds from Alrosa, which accounts for 30% of global rough diamond output. G7 countries are imposing fresh sanctions against Russia to try to further hinder its war effort in Ukraine.

India's organised jewellery retailers to continue to outpace industry in FY24, ICRA says

ICRA estimates its sample set of 12 major organised jewellers to record a revenue growth of 12-15% YoY in FY2024, despite a high base and evolving macro-economic environment, against the expected industry growth of 8-10% YoY. In terms of profitability, operating margin of ICRA’s sample set is likely to remain comfortable and stabilise at around 7.5-8% over the next two years.

Tanishq bets big on gold exchange program to win consumers amid gold price volatility

As compared to the previous year, the brand has witnessed an 8 per cent jump in the average ticket price of gold jewellery exchange.

30% decline in jewellery-making workforce in Ahmedabad

As gold prices went up by a significant 10% in less than three months in the Ahmedabad market, coupled with the end of the wedding season, the retail demand took a major plunge which came as a double whammy for jewellery making units.

India, the top market for investment and future growth. Will accelerate investments in the country - Decathlon Global CEO Barbara Martin Coppola

India permits 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in single-brand retail - different products can be sold under one brand, the route taken by companies such as Ikea, Nike and Adidas.

Nordstrom beats quarterly sales estimates as apparel demand holds up

Shares of the upmarket department store chain jumped more than 6% in extended trading, after the company also maintained its forecasts for 2023 sales and adjusted profit.

SoleSearch raises Rs 6 crore funding from Venture Catalyst, others

Investors including Venture Catalyst, Anthill Ventures, Cornerstone Sports LLP, and other marquee individuals participated in this funding round.

Ethos Q3 profit rises over 60% to Rs 20 crore

Its revenue grew 17.6 per cent year-on-year to Rs 229.7 crore, while the company's EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes and Amortisation) stood at Rs 39.5 crore during the quarter under review.

Titan Company net profit rises 40% to Rs 736 crore in March quarter

Titan's consolidated total income during the quarter under review stood at Rs 10,474 crore as compared to Rs 7,872 crore in the year-ago period, it added.

Adidas sticks to World Cup sales outlook despite Germany's exit

The company still expects World Cup sales of around 400 million euros ($421 million), according to the spokesperson, who said sales were currently higher than those at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Lofty prices tarnish gold's lustre in top Asian retail hubs

Shoppers leaving empty-handed complaining of high prices are becoming a more common sight at gold stores in China and India, respectively the world's largest and second-largest retail gold consumers.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds to open the world’s biggest jewellery showroom in Kozhikode

It will be the world's biggest jewellery showroom, covering an area of 1,10,000 square feet with five floors for shopping and three for parking. Social Political leader Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal will formally inaugurate the store on 7th May. Malabar family members and other socio-political dignitaries will attend the function.

Sports commerce platform FanCode has partnered GoKwik to expand its cash-on-delivery (COD) serviceability especially in smaller towns

To ensure expansion of their product availability across India, and to curb its return delivery losses, FanCode has onboarded e-commerce enabler GoKwik, it said.

Won't extend footwear quality order: Piyush Goyal

Amid intense lobbying by footwear industry and retailers for a one-year extension in the compliance date beyond July 1, Goyal told reporters that quality control orders (QCOs) are issued after intense consultation with industry and adequate time is given to implement them. "In the leather and footwear sector, we issued three QCOs on October 27, 2020, two-and-half years back. So, the whole industry is very well aware... in two and a half years, if one has not yet become compliant, then there is a vested interest, which we cannot fulfil," he said.

Record gold prices to dampen Indian demand in June, Sept quarters -WGC

India’s March quarter gold demand fell 17% to its lowest level in a decade and is expected to remain low during the June and September quarters due to recent record high prices, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). Subdued gold imports threaten to limit any possible rally in global prices, with bullion trading at all-time highs. Lower gold demand could also aid in reducing India’s trade deficit and support the rupee. Two-thirds of India’s gold demand usually originates from rural areas.

LVMH rejigs beauty division, names Stephane Rinderknech CEO

A former L'Oreal executive with extensive experience in the U.S. and Asia, Rinderknech joined LVMH in 2022 and has been heading the group's hotels business, which he will continue to also manage.

India one of the biggest growth markets, says luxury watch retailer Fossil Group

It's EVP and chief commercial officer, Greg McKelvey, who visited India last week told ETRetail, “...we've continued to make strong investments into system growth and to build our teams in India. We now see the Indian market as one of the biggest growth opportunities that we have in the company.”

Titan Company appoints Ravi Kuppuraj as COO for smart wearables biz

In his new role, Kuppuraj will lead the business towards new areas of growth and innovation adding more value to Titan's growth in the smartwatch segment, the company said.

Temasek considers investing $100 mn in Indian jeweller BlueStone

The investment would value Bengaluru-based BlueStone, also backed by venture capital firm Accel and Indian industrialist Ratan Tata, at close to $500 million, said one of the sources, who declined to be identified as the matter is private. The potential deal could boost BlueStone's plans to expand aggressively in India, the second-largest jewellery consuming nation behind China, as demand surges after the pandemic.

Celio to source a fifth of its global needs from India over the next two years, says CEO

French menswear retailer Celio plans to increase the sourcing of its merchandise from India fivefold over the next two years. India represents around 4% of the company's total requirement, but it plans to increase that to around 20%. Celio currently has 70 standalone stores and 680 other outlets in India, and CEO Marc Grosman said the country had "improved a lot. Retail is much more organised, consumers much more educated and the demand for fashion has increased a lot". Celio is also planning to open 15-20 stores in India each year.

Titan Q4 Update: Sales rise 25% YoY on broad-based growth across segments

​The company said it is making healthy progress in retail store expansion both domestically and overseas. It had 2,710 stores at the end of the fourth quarter. The jewellery division clocked 23% YoY growth.

Watch retailer Ethos crosses Rs 900 cr revenue mark; plans to open 22 stores in FY24

Analysing Ethos’ performance, its Chairman and MD Yashovardhan Saboo, told ETRetail that the retailer’s quality of communication and trust building with the consumers coupled with a wide product portfolio across 60 plus brands is helping it drive this high double digit growth.

Gold imports dip 24 pc to USD 35 bn in 2022-23

The growth rate in the imports was in the negative zone during August 2022 to February this year. It jumped to USD 3.3 billion in March 2023 as against USD 1 billion in the year-ago month, the data showed.

Prada charts line of business succession, tapping new CEO

Andrea Guerra is set to be confirmed by the board next month as the new CEO, succeeding Patrizio Bertelli, who will stay on as chairman. The move is intended as a step toward ultimately handing the reins of Prada Group to Bertelli and Miuccia Prada's son, Lorenzo Bertelli. The younger Bertelli now oversees digital marketing and sustainability.

VIP industries to invest Rs 200 cr to expand manufacturing

For the quarter that ended March 31, 2023, VIP reported a 27 per cent increase in its sales to Rs 451 crore. On a yearly basis, the company saw a rise of 61 per cent in net sales to Rs 2,082 crore. Its EBITDA and profit after tax (PAT) stood at Rs 331 crore and Rs 152 crore for the period in review.

Goal is to expand into countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, Turkey, Bangladesh: Malabar Group chairman

Kerala-based Malabar Gold & Diamonds is celebrating its 30th anniversary. In an interview with ET, M P Ahammed, chairman of Malabar Group recounts how it all began from a tiny shop in Kozhikode, its evolution and growth in India and beyond, transformation of the jewellery trade, their global forays and future plans.

Adidas appoints boss of rival Puma as CEO after Ye fallout

Adidas has appointed Bjorn Gulden, the CEO of rival Puma, as its new chief executive, and he will take over the German sportswear brand in January. Gulden will replace Kasper Rorsted, Adidas' CEO since 2016, whose departure was announced in August.

Adidas files lawsuit against Thom Browne over trademark violation

One of the largest sportswear manufacturers in the world, Adidas has initiated a legal battle with Thom Browne, an American luxury fashion house over trademark violation. The former has claimed that Browne’s use of parallel stripes infringes the copyright of its signature three-stripe branding.

ADIA nears buying $500-million stake in Lenskart: report

Lenskart is set to close its funding round amid a global rout for tech companies that’s prompted layoffs in the thousands, depressed investment activity and shaved billions off the valuations of once high-flying startups. The company has grown into India’s largest optical brand and is backed by KKR & Co., SoftBank Group Corp., Temasek Holdings Pte and Premji Invest, among others.

GJEPC launches India Jewellery Exposition Centre in Dubai

"CEPA will accelerate business momentum and is expected to transform the scale and scope of bilateral partnerships," Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Secretary Rajesh Kumar said in a statement.

Lululemon sees downbeat quarter as inflation-hit consumers turn cautious

High inflation, rising interest rates and the threat of a recession in the United States have resulted in a shift in consumer spending, impacting sales of apparel and sportswear as cash-strapped consumers focus on essentials.

Prada sees solid revenue growth for 2023 after beating expectations last year

"In 2023, we expect revenue growth to remain solid and above market average," Prada's new Chief Executive Andrea Guerra said in the statement, adding that China had started again to be "an engine of growth".

Puma India head Abhishek Ganguly, CFO, head of sales resign; will start own venture

Ganguly, who became MD in 2014, is leaving the company to start his own venture, sources aware of the matter said. He has briefed some members of Puma’s India team about his planned exit from the firm.

Caratlane crosses Rs 2,000 cr revenue mark in FY23

In quarterly terms, the company’s revenue grew 57 per cent YoY to Rs 571.24 crore.

LVMH names new Louis Vuitton CEO, puts Arnault daughter in charge of Dior

One of the fashion industry's most influential executives, Burke oversaw soaring growth at Louis Vuitton, the world's largest luxury label, playing a key role for example in elevating street styles to the realm of luxury in recent years.

Diamond trade bleeding as demand from US, China plummets

Major rough diamond auction houses in Belgium and Dubai have cancelled auctions as India's diamond industry is hit by a slump in demand for polished stones from China and the US. Indian companies process nine out of every 10 diamonds in the world. De Beers has also rescheduled its auctions and postponed planned viewings of its rough diamonds as beleaguered buyers wait for a market revival. The chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council warned the fall in demand would hurt exports this quarter.

Puma appoints K Balagopalan as India Managing Director

Balagopalan (42) will replace Abhishek Ganguly, who worked for Puma's Indian business for 17 years and has been the Managing Director of Puma India since 2014.

Relaxo continues to recover its market share without relying on discounts or offers, says MD Ramesh Kumar Dua

Relaxo Footwears, on Wednesday, has reported a marginal increase in the net profit at Rs 63.30 crore in the fourth quarter (Q4) ended March 31, 2023 as against the net profit of Rs 62.93 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal, as per the BSE filing.

Campus Activewear acquires land, building from Marico Industries in Himachal Pradesh

Sports and athleisure footwear company Campus Activewear on Wednesday said it has acquired land parcel and a building from FMCG major Marico Industries Ltd in Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh. The all-cash deal was worth Rs 16.70 crore.

Gold demand up by 75% in Gujarat

Despite a sharp spike in gold prices from January to March this year, the demand for the yellow metal remained upbeat during the quarter in Gujarat. Against a 17% decline in gold demand in India during the quarter according to the World Gold Council, gold imports in Gujarat grew 75% during the same period.

Prada's sales up 22% in the first quarter on robust growth in Asia, Europe

"Over the course of the first quarter, China returned to be an engine of growth, driving a solid sales rebound in Asia Pacific," the group's new Chief Executive Andrea Guerra said in a statement on Thursday.

Richemont sales boosted by bounceback in China

The sector's biggest luxury players, LVMH and Birkin bag maker Hermes have benefited strongly from a return in business in China, as reflected in first-quarter global sales growth of 17% and 23%, respectively.

NCLAT sets aside Nike India's plea to initiate insolvency against its one dealer

A two-member NCLAT bench upheld the orders of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), which on December 22, 2022, rejected the footwear and apparel maker's plea to initiate the insolvency proceedings against its distributor on the ground of pre-existing dispute. The appellate tribunal further said it was "not satisfied with the submission of the Appellant (Nike India) that dispute is a moonshine dispute."

Puma outsells rivals to log 46% rise in revenue

A year ago, it had sales of ₹2,044 crore. The retailer said increasing awareness about fitness and surging demand for athleisure wear helped the segment while increasing travel boom led to people spending more on casual wear.

LVMH breaks into world top 10 as market cap nears $500 billion

For a growing crowd of investors, LVMH and its French luxury rivals are to the European stock market what Big Tech has been to the US: Dominant businesses whose growth holds up even as the economy waxes and wanes. Shares of LVMH and Hermes International have on average returned more than 20% annually the past decade and Kering has returned 16%.

Birkin bag maker Hermes sees no U.S. slowdown as sales jump 23%

Sales for the three months ending in March came to 3.38 billion euros ($3.74 billion). The increase of 23%, at constant exchange rates, beat a Visible Alpha consensus for 15% growth.

Vietnam shoemaker for Nike, Adidas cuts almost 6,000 jobs

Vietnamese shoe manufacturer for brands such as Nike and Adidas, PouYuen Vietnam, announced it would cut nearly 6,000 jobs with permanent contracts due to a slump in orders. This will be the company's biggest layoff since it began operations in 1996 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Luxury giant Kering says profit up despite Gucci slide

Kering sales fell two percent in the fourth quarter, dragged down by an 11 percent drop at Gucci and three percent at its "other houses", which include Balenciaga, in the last three months of the year.

Lifestyle brand Zouk raises USD 3 mn in series A

While declining to share the valuation, Pradeep Krishnakumar, co-founder, Zouk, told ETRetail that the startup has grown 10X in size of the business and has been capital efficient.

ADIA signs $500 million cheque for 10% stake in Lenskart at $4.2 billion valuation

The fundraise was done at a $4.2 billion valuation and will result in ADIA becoming one of the largest shareholders in Lenskart with a 10% stake.

Watch retailer Ethos Q4 revenue grows over Rs 200 cr; PAT at Rs 13 cr

Its EBITDA and profit after tax (PAT) for the fourth quarter stood at Rs 30.5 crore and Rs 13.3 crore, respectively, growing on the back of the company's cost optimization initiatives and operating leverage benefits. Ethos’ PAT stood at Rs 7.8 crore during the same period last year.

Kalyan Jewellers Q4 Results: Cons revenue jumps 30% YoY to Rs 14,071 crore

Consolidated revenue for Q4FY23 was Rs 3,382 crore as against Rs 2,857 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, a growth of 18%. The company recorded Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of Rs 257 crore during Q4 FY23 compared to Rs 218 crore in the same quarter of the previous year, a growth of ~18%.

Puma India head Abhishek Ganguly’s new startup raises $52 million funding

Of the Rs 430 crore, Convergent Finance LLP, led by Harsha Raghavan — a former Fairfax India executive — has invested about Rs 400 crore.

Considering more initiatives to promote growth of leather, footwear sector: DPIIT official

The department, he said, is trying to create schemes through which availability of raw material can be enhanced to the industry. They are also looking at ways to monitor the imports and there are suggestions for imposing minimum import price (MIP).

Nike, Adidas shoe-maker has a Rs 2,000 crore plan to set up shop in India

"We hope this would be the first of many investments to come (in India)," Pou Chen Vice President George Liu said in a meeting streamed online with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

Emerald Jewel Industry picks up stake in Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds

Emerald Jewel Industry has been one of the world’s largest jewellery manufacturers with manufacturing capacities of 48 tons of gold, 50,000 carats of diamonds, 600 kgs of platinum and 70 tons of silver-based jewellery annually. On the other hand, Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds, is India’s largest D2C luxury brand in CVD diamond studded jewellery.

Luxury eyes focused on China after Richemont's Q3 sales miss

Richemont's sales plunged by nearly a quarter in mainland China as customers stayed away from shops and a lack of staff led to temporary closures and shorter opening hours at its luxury boutiques, the Geneva-based company said on Wednesday.

Bata India looks to step up investments in marketing and technology

In a statement, Shah shared that Bata India will continue to add franchise and shop-in-shop (SIS) stores to cater to untapped markets in a capital efficient way. The company is optimistic about its growth on the back of its innovation and evolution of product offerings. ​​

Bata India posts 4.2% rise in profit at Rs 65.62 crore in Q4 FY23

Bata India's total income in the fourth quarter of FY23 stood at Rs 788.52 crore as compared to Rs 683.99 crore in the corresponding quarter in FY22.

Timex Group acquires Mumbai- based brand Just Watches

With this acquisition, the global firm looks to take over e-commerce portal and all the physical stores of the brand.

Luxury sector eyes reopening of China

The world's largest luxury group LVMH posted a 23-percent jump in sales to a record of 79 billion euros ($86 billion) in 2022 and saw profits climb 17 percent to 14 billion.

Zippo to expand brick-and-mortar presence in India

"After experiencing double-digit growth via e-commerce, we are planning to expand our brick-and-mortar presence in India, and for that, we've started an initial test with Reliance Smart stores. We have seen double-digit month-over-month growth with that initial test," Lucas Johnson, Vice President, Zippo Global Marketing said.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds becomes first Indian jewellery group to get TRQ license

TRQ will help the group in importing gold through the IIBX under India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement(CEPA)at reduced duty rates with convenience and transparency. TRQ license to import gold is a significant development for Malabar Gold and Diamonds which is celebrating its 30th year in the jewellery business this year.

UK to ban Russian diamonds, US sanctions target major gold miners

The United States and Canada also announced new penalties on Russia over its war against Ukraine. Washington imposed sanctions on gold producer Polyus and the Russian business of its peer, Polymetal, which would further damage Russian gold sales already hit by Western sanctions and restrictions.

Nike sales may soar as discounts draw shoppers; margin squeeze looms

"While retailers were initially worried about the amount of Nike inventory being shipped, the consumer is showing up and buying the Nike brand," Credit Suisse analyst Michael Binetti wrote in a note on Friday.

Nike sneakers fuel sales beat, excess apparel stocks still a drag

The company saw strong demand for its sneakers, including classic styles such as Jordan Retro and newer franchise launches such as LeBron 20, that helped grow its market share.

Athleisure lifestyle brand playR aims to reach Rs 300 crore sales mark by FY26

During the fiscal year 2022-23, playR's sales stood at Rs 8 crore and its other brands distribution sales was at Rs 8 crore. For the current fiscal year FY24, the brand hopes to cross Rs 60 crore sales mark.

Indian dealers trim discounts as price dip reignites some buying

"Retail buying has been improving slowly. Footfalls at jewellery stores have improved because of lower prices," said Ashok Jain, proprietor of Mumbai-based gold wholesaler Chenaji Narsingji.

Piyush Goyal sees Rs 6,850 crore investments in MP mega textile park

"Farmers and businesses will benefit from this park, which is a result of the double-engine government in the state. Investment of around ₹6,850 crore is expected in this park," Goyal said while launching the park in Dhar on Sunday when the state and Centre signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Jewellers getting more inquiries for gold after RBI withdraws Rs 2,000 notes

In fact in the last two days, the actual gold purchase has been less in exchange of Rs 2,000 notes due to strict Know your Customer (KYC) norms although sources said some jewellers have started charging a 5-10 per cent premium, taking the gold prices to Rs 66,000 per 10 grams level.

Athleisure's here to stay, and brands are breaking records

"People during the pandemic were focusing on health and fitness and they wanted to evolve their lifestyle. So, there was a huge transition around how people saw health and fitness and that increased demand for us. Athleisure has become the go-to outfit," said Abhishek Ganguly, managing director, Puma India.

PE fund ChrysCapital eyes $100-million funding in Lenskart

If finalised, this would be among the largest investments in a new-age entity by ChrysCapital, which has backed internet firms such as Dream11, FirstCry, and Xpressbees.

Fresh sanctions on Russian diamonds put 1 million jobs at risk

Indian diamond trade cuts and polishes 9 out of 10 diamonds available in the world and imports Russian diamonds from Alrosa, which accounts for 30% of global rough diamond output. G7 countries are imposing fresh sanctions against Russia to try to further hinder its war effort in Ukraine.

ABFRL reports net loss of Rs 194.54 crore in Q4 FY23

​​​However, ABFRL's total income increased 26.2 per cent to Rs 2,916.13 crore during Q4 FY23 as against Rs 2,309.55 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. Its growth in quarterly revenue was propelled by robust retail like-to-like (LTL) sales across businesses, accelerated omnichannel play and network expansion as the company added more than 500 stores in the last one year.

Sportswear from India's Tirupur to Qatar World Cup 2022

As per the Omanobserver, Tirupur in Tamil Nadu started out as a knitwear cluster but has since completely changed into the nation's centre for worldwide textile manufacture.

We want to optimize prices and reduce cost to maintain our margins, says Anupam Bansal, Director Retail, Liberty Shoes

Bansal shared that Liberty Shoes spent more on marketing in Q3 FY23 as it was a festive quarter. "These high expenditures may not pay us in a shorter period but will benefit in the long run. During the quarter, our first objective was to make the customers pay more," he added.

Footwear retailer Metro Brands hiring up to 2,000 store workers, says CEO

The company, which had 720 stores as of end-2022 and nearly 4,000 employees overall, said last March it would add 260 new stores that sells brands such as Mochi, Walkaway and Metro, to expand in cities where it is already present and enter smaller towns.

Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica's sales rise on solid European growth

The French-Italian eyewear group said Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) was its best-performing region in the quarter due to solid sales growth in France, Italy, Spain, the UK and Scandinavia.

CCI nod for ADIA buying into Lenskart

The proposed transaction relates to the proposed acquisition of a certain shareholding of LSPL by Platinum Jasmine A 2018 Trust (Platinum Jasmine), a notice filed with the CCI said.

Timex India partners with Unicommerce to strengthen e-commerce business

This partnership aims to enhance the customer experience by building the efficiency of Timex India's logistics and order fulfillment processes. With the platform's support, Timex India expects real-time visibility and control over its orders, inventory, and shipments for efficient operations.

India's own clothing size chart to be out soon

"The IndiaSize project is in advanced stages of completion. We plan to launch it in 2-3 months," said an official. India's readymade garment exports in FY23 were $16.1 billion, up 1.1% on-year. Imports of apparel and clothing accessories in FY23 were $941.83 million, up 42% on-year.

Khadim India net profit rises to Rs 4.29 crore in Q4 FY23

Khadim India's total income grew year-on-year(YoY) to Rs 165.74 crore in Q3 FY23 as compared to Rs 159.27 crore in the corresponding period of previous fiscal, as per the regulatory filing. The company said its continuous focus on creating affordable premium product portfolio to meet the consumer demand has boosted the growth momentum during the period across its business units.

Clothing brand Kottail Milano plans to open 40 stores in 2023

The company's primary focus of expansion will be tier 2 cities in northern states of India including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

India's organised jewellery retailers to continue to outpace industry in FY24, ICRA says

ICRA estimates its sample set of 12 major organised jewellers to record a revenue growth of 12-15% YoY in FY2024, despite a high base and evolving macro-economic environment, against the expected industry growth of 8-10% YoY. In terms of profitability, operating margin of ICRA’s sample set is likely to remain comfortable and stabilise at around 7.5-8% over the next two years.

D2C startup Louis Stitch forays into clothing segment

With this launch, the company aims to become a one-stop fashion destination for the men's apparel segment and launch 150-200 unique designs every month. Launched in 2019, Louis Stich sells men's shoes and accessories.

Luxury giants bank on Chinese return as Western shoppers sober up

Quarterly results from LVMH and Europe's other luxury goods companies will offer glimpses of the toll of last year's COVID-related disruptions in China, even as the companies roll out pricey new collections tied to the Year of the Rabbit.

U.S. retailer Foot Locker in talks with Metro Brands for India entry- Report

Foot Locker, which retails popular footwear brands including Adidas and Nike Inc, is in discussions with four Indian players to appoint a franchise, ET Now tweeted. The details of the companies were not disclosed.

Lenskart focussing on India, Southeast Asia and Middle East: CEO

“Almost half of India needs spectacles and their number is growing to almost 70-80%. I do not get into market size etc. All I know is that half a billion plus people need glasses and that number is growing. We are largely focussing on India and we have Owndays. So we have a lot to do. Nothing more right now.”

TPG Global exits Campus Activewear; sells 7.6% via block deal

The company’s initial public offer (IPO) was entirely a secondary share sale worth Rs 1,400 crore. Ahead of the IPO, TPG Global held 5.32 crore shares in the company, or 17.19% stake in the company as on 31 March 2022. TPG sold 3 crore shares in the IPO.

LVMH becomes first European company to exceed $500-billion market value

The achievement comes less than two weeks after LVMH joined the ranks of the world's 10 biggest companies, powered by a surge in first-quarter sales. Rival Hermes International subsequently published its own strong numbers, reinforcing the view that China's reopening from pandemic lockdowns is fuelling growth across the industry.

Swiss watch makers clock record India exports in 2022

Swiss watch exports to India reached a new high in 2022, with sales worth '1,722.88 crore, representing a growth rate of 19.6%. Export momentum continued in the first two months of 2023, with sales worth '271.72 crore, a 27% surge from the corresponding period in the previous year. Despite the luxury industry's global and Indian surge in demand, Swiss watch exports to other countries like Thailand, Mexico, Austria and Turkey remain higher than those to India.

PM Mitra Park area likely to be expanded in Dhar

MPIDC has received 20 investment proposals from industries amounting to Rs 6,842 crore so far for the PM Mitra Park and 24 project proposals amounting to Rs 8,675 crore for other areas in the state.

Britain's M&S expects 'modest' revenue growth in 2023/24

For the year to April 2, M&S made a profit before tax and adjusting items of 482 million pounds ($608 million) - ahead of analysts' average forecast of 436 million pounds but down from the 523 million pounds made in 2021/22.

Tanishq bets big on gold exchange program to win consumers amid gold price volatility

As compared to the previous year, the brand has witnessed an 8 per cent jump in the average ticket price of gold jewellery exchange.

Retailers hit pause as small towns slow down

Sales of lifestyle, apparel and discretionary products moderated for the second consecutive month to 6% in April due to a high base a year ago. While retail sales grew in strong double digits consistently over the past year, the growth slowed down to 6% in both March and April, according to the Retailers Association of India (RAI), indicating slowest sales expansion in more than 14 months.

Lingerie brand Wacoal India appoints Hirokuni Nagamori as CEO

In his new role, Nagamori will help in brand expansion and accelerating the company’s growth across channels such as e-commerce and multi-brand outlets.

PVR founder's family office invests in Louis Stitch

The funding has been done via Bijli group's logistics arm, ATC Logistics, run by Bijli's son Aamer. Louis Stitch said it has raised ₹5 crore from the Bijli Family Office at a pre-money valuation of ₹100 crore.

Valentino sales up 10% in 2022 boosted by directly-owned shops

Controlled by Qatari investment vehicle Mayhoola, Valentino reported preliminary revenue of 1.42 billion euros ($1.56 billion) last year.

Luxury group LVMH's sales defy downturn as shoppers splurge

Sales at the world's biggest luxury group reached 22.7 billion euros ($24.65 billion) in the final three months of the year, with the 9% increase on an organic basis a touch above analyst expectations for 7% growth, based on a consensus cited by UBS.

Puma expects Q2 sales growth below full-year target after Q1 beat

However, the firm beat first-quarter revenue expectations, saying strong growth globally, including Greater China, helped offset its weaker performance in the over-inventoried U.S. market.

Grasim consolidated sales at all-time high in March quarter

The Aditya Birla group company's consolidated earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, though, grew only 5% on year at ₹4,873 crore, impacted by weaker realisations in some of its standalone businesses. Consolidated operating margins fell 200 basis points on year to 14%.

Jockey India licensee's Q4 profit slumps on weak demand

The company, known for manufacturing and distributing sports and athleisure wear, posted a profit of 783.5 million rupees ($9.5 million) for the fourth quarter ended March 31, compared to 1.91 billion rupees a year earlier.

Gap Inc posts surprise profit, shares jump 16% after hours

Gap's quarterly merchandise margin increased by 610 basis points on an adjusted basis due to lower air freight expenses and improved promotional activity.

Metro Brands enters into foot health, wellness and technology space with BioFoot

"Right now, for the next 12 months, we want to focus on getting the model right. We are targeting high-street locations as we feel this is not a traffic-led business. This is also a tier I city play, and it is not yet going to be part of​tier II," Nissan Joseph explained.

As cotton prices decline, ready-made clothes set to get 10% cheaper this Diwali

Cotton prices have seen a significant decline of approximately Rs 3,000 per candy in the past week. Market experts say lower cotton prices will stimulate demand in the domestic market and enhance the export competitiveness of Indian cotton yarn manufacturers. Additionally, the lower cotton prices will in turn reduce prices of ready-made garments, giving customers prices at least 10% lower than in the previous Diwali season.

Timex to increase manufacturing capacity by 25 pc in India, says Tobias Reiss-Schmidt, president and CEO, Timex Group

"Going ahead, we will be investing in the product. We will be bringing the parts of the global range to India now in a bigger way. We will also be looking at better price point coverage," he said.

Hermes settles Skechers patent lawsuit over shoe soles in NY

The filing said the two sides signed a confidential settlement agreement on Monday. Representatives for the companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment and additional details.

RetailTech Summit 2023: Instagram driving our customer engagement, says Nish Hair’s Parul Gulati

Talking about tech benefits Nish Hair is leveraging, the actor-turned-entrepreneur said that the brand recently incorporated chatbots and added product tracking links on its website. The hair extension brand is now attempting to add the feature of abandoned cart to its site.

Luxury firms race to fill top roles amid business boom

Companies across fashion, jewellery, realty and, what’s increasingly being referred to as ‘experiential luxury’, are scurrying to hire CXOs and niche talent as they scale up business following an escalation in growth. This has also resulted in skyrocketing salaries at CXO levels, executive search firms said.

CK Jaipuria Group enters into franchise deal with Adidas India

“In tier 2 and 3 markets, the Adidas stores we will set up exclusively by us,” CK Jaipuria said. The group plans to set up 100 Adidas footwear and sportswear stores by the end of 2024, he said. This will be Adidas’ biggest franchise partnership in the country.

Political stability helping drive investments to India: Chip Bergh, CEO, Levi Strauss

Levi Strauss & Co.'s CEO, Chip Bergh, has praised India's political stability as a driver of consumer demand and foreign investment. Bergh attributes the high degree of consumer optimism in India to a perception of political stability, creating an environment where investments feel safe. Bergh added that India will play a larger role in the global supply chain of Levi's, as Asian markets offer a bright future for the company, including continued investment in India. Despite inflation in India, lifestyle and discretionary segments have seen double-digit growth, driven by pent-up demand and continued casualisation at workplaces.

Campus Activewear posts similar Q4 PAT at Rs 22.94 crore as last fiscal

Campus Activewear's year-on-year (YoY) income slightly declined to Rs 348.33 crore in Q4 FY23 as compared to the total income of Rs 352.63 crore in the corresponding period of previous fiscal, as per the regulatory filing.

Campus Activewear appoints Sanjay Chhabra as CFO

A chartered accountant and company secretary, Chhabra (48) is a seasoned financial professional having more than 25 years of experience. Prior to taking a role in Campus Activewear Limited, he was vice president - finance at Whirlpool of India, a US multinational, manufacturing home appliances firm.

Infra work to start soon at PM MITRA Park

Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC) has floated tenders for basic infrastructure work in the area.

Montblanc eyes travel retail, smaller cities to fuel its expansion

"The sale of both writing instruments and other products such as bags, perfume and accessories have increased but share of other products in overall sale has also grown. We are targeting airport retail - both duty free and duty paid to grow as we get variety of customers, which we won't get in a traditional store," said Neeraj Walia, Managing Director & CEO, Montblanc India Retail Private Limited.

Nike sues Lululemon, says footwear infringes patents

Nike in a complaint filed in Manhattan federal court said it has suffered economic harm and irreparable injury from Lululemon's sale of its Blissfeel, Chargefeel Low, Chargefeel Mid and Strongfeel footwear.

Prada aims to hire over 400 workers in Italy this year

The investment plan, dedicated to the enlargement of its plants in central Italy as well as training and hiring new people, will give the group greater agility and a reduction of the time-to-market, Prada said.

30% decline in jewellery-making workforce in Ahmedabad

As gold prices went up by a significant 10% in less than three months in the Ahmedabad market, coupled with the end of the wedding season, the retail demand took a major plunge which came as a double whammy for jewellery making units.

'Extend implementation of quality control norms by 12 months for footwear; industry not ready yet'

According to the 'Footwear Made from Leather and Other Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2022', which will come into force from July 1, manufacturers have to modify their processes to comply with the new standards.

Apparel Brand Dockers ties up with Ace Turtle for India foray

"When we were revising the strategy for brand around three years ago, one of the pieces of the strategy was to grow internationally. And we do see Asia and particularly India as one of the key components of that. It may have taken a while but it is certainly the right time to enter India," said MacLennan.

Arvind Fashions' Q4 profit jumps on boost in sales

The Bengaluru-based company's consolidated net profit from continuing operations rose to 294.9 million rupees ($3.57 million) for the three months ended March 31, from 223.8 million rupees a year earlier.

Lux Industries' profit declines 59% at Rs 29.84 crore in Q4 FY23

The company's total income grew to Rs 725.11 crore in Q4 FY23 as compared to the total income of Rs 592.96 crore in the corresponding period of previous fiscal, as per the regulatory filing.

Prada to hire former Luxottica CEO Guerra to ease succession - source

Facing a family succession, like many other Italian business dynasties, Prada has been planning ahead and seeking a senior figure to work alongside Lorenzo while he gains experience in the field, another person close to the matter said.

D2C fashion brand Snitch records Rs 120 cr revenue in FY23

The company crossed the mark of one million orders in FY23 with 55 per cent of sales coming from its mobile application, it said. The brand is launching its first offline store in Bengaluru in July this year.