Images Retail Magazine - August 2024

In this issue

O2O Crossovers
About 90% of the Indian retail market will remain offline even as it scales to $2.2 trillion in size by 2030, according to a joint report by Accel, Fireside Ventures, and market research firm Redseer.

Offline, thus presents a large opportunity for online-first businesses—and this criticality is not lost on them as they are busy raising funds for their offline expansion.

Lenskart, Mamaearth, and Nykaa are shining examples of an online-to-offline (O2O) strategy done right. Hundreds of such success stories are being written as we speak. As the convergence of online and offline retail channels continues to shape the future of commerce, we dedicate the issue to businesses that have successfully made the transition, emerging as omnichannel players, enriching retail as well as the lives of consumers offering them a shopping experience without barriers.

Ghazal and Varun Alagh of Honasa Consumer Ltd., who grace the cover of IMAGES Retail, exemplify the successful integration of online and offline strategies. Their leadership reflects findings from a recent Harvard Business Review study, which indicates that companies with a unified omnichannel approach experience 30% higher customer retention rates and a 20% increase in revenue. Honasa’s strategic expansion from a robust digital presence to physical retail spaces aligns with this research, highlighting the effectiveness of a cohesive, integrated strategy.

Chai Sutta Bar Opens Outlet in Hyderabad

Quick service restaurant (QSR) chain Chai Sutta Bar (CSB) has opened its latest outlet in Hyderabad, three years after the launch of its first store in the city, the company said in a press release.

1 min

Reliance Consolidated Balance Sheet, Ready for Next Level of Growth

Reliance Industries Ltd. has consolidated its balance sheet after the previous round of capex and is ready for the next level of growth, its chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani said outlining plans from net zero to roll-out of True5G telecom network and retail.

1 min

Lulu Mall Kozhikode, Kerala to Open Soon

UAE-based multinational conglomerate company Lulu Group will soon open its latest mall in Kozhikode, Kerala, a social media post by the retail conglomerate.

1 min

Elan Group Partners with CBRE to Manage its Gurugram Malls

Real estate developer Elan Group has announced the appointment of CBRE, a global real estate consulting and services firm, for the comprehensive facilities management of its four malls in Gurugram.

1 min

Thanjavur to Get its First Mall in August

The historic city of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu is about to get a taste of modern retail through its first mall, which will open on 3 August, a top executive involved closely in the mall's development told Shopping Centre News Bureau.

1 min

Snitch to Come Up with a New Mobile App, Launched UGC SnitchIt

Bengaluru-based Snitch which operates 17 stores in India plans to launch a new mobile application with a new user-generated content feature.

1 min

Amazon Partners with 45 Govt Emporiums, NGOs, Trade Bodies to Empower Local Artisans

E-commerce major Amazon India has partnered with over 45 government emporiums, NGOs, and trade bodies in India to bridge the gap between artisans and customers, providing economic opportunities for marginalized weaving communities.

1 min

Zomato Customers to Get Cash Delivery Balance Added to Accounts

Zomato customers can now ask for the balance amount, if any, of cash on delivery orders to be added to their 'Zomato Money' account and utilise it for placing future orders or dining out, said CEO Deepinder Goyal. He thanked Tata Group firm BigBasket for the inspiration behind the solution.

1 min

'We Have a Strong Brand-building Muscle'

Ghazal and Varun Alagh, co-founders of Mamaearth parent Honasa Consumer Ltd., open up about the ingredients of their success and the strategies they follow while sharing their growth and expansion plans.

6 mins

DaMensch: Designs on Offline

For the digital-first brand DaMensch, a physical presence is crucial for its next phase of growth

2 mins

Supertails: Growling Growth

The Bengaluru-based pet care player is rapidly expanding its product and service offerings and will soon be seen opening offline stores

3 mins

'If it is a Pin Code in India, Safexpress Delivers There'

Rubal Jain, Managing Director, Safexpress on the logistics player's strengths, focus areas and future plans.

6 mins

DHL: The Critical Link

How leaders like DHL are playing their part by helping build sustainable supply chains.

3 mins

'We are Seeing a Huge Surge in Demand for Pleasure Products'

Arjun Siva, Head of Digital & E-commerce at TTK Healthcare, on consumption trends of sexual wellness products in the country, and more.

5 mins

Budget 2024-2025: What's in it for Retail?

An overview of all the retail ecosystem-related measures in the Budget 2024-2025 revealed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her 7th budget speech.

10+ mins

"The State of Non-Compliance in the QSR Industry"

The report by recruitment and human resources services company TeamLease, elaborates on the compliance issues faced by QSR industry in India which affect employee satisfaction and performance.

4 mins

Gujarat gets its First IMAX at Palladium Ahmedabad

Mumbai-based PVR Cinemas opened a new theatre at Palladium Ahmedabad, a social media post by a company official.

1 min

Tanishq Opens a New Showroom at Omaxe Chowk

Jewellery retailer Tanishq has expanded its retail footprint by opening a new showroom in Delhi's Omaxe Chowk, the company announced in a press release.

1 min

Details by KAZO Expands Retail Footprint with New Store at Nexus Celebration Mall, Udaipur

KAZO, the women's fast fashion brand announced the launch of of its sister brand 'Details by KAZO's at Nexus Celebration Mall in Udaipur.

1 min

Lulu Mall Bengaluru Welcomes 5 New Brands

Lulu Mall, Bengaluru, operated by the multinational developer Lulu Group, has expanded its portfolio by welcoming five new retail brands, the company wrote on social media.

1 min

Wooden Street Opens 98th store in Chennai at Marina Mall

Jaipur-based home decor and furnishing brand Wooden Street has launched its 98th retail store, located at Marina Mall in Chennai, the company said in a press release.

1 min

The Rise of Luxury Furniture e-Commerce in India

Industry experts are bullish about the luxury market's prospects in India for the coming decade, citing robust demand as a primary driver.

3 mins

October Soft Launch for Borivali's New Oberoi Mall

Codenamed Sky City Mall, the million-and-a-half square feet mall is expected to generate rental of ₹350 crore.

3 mins

Vicky Kaushal, Tripti Dimri, and Ammy Virk Celebrate 'Bad Newz at Gaur City Mall

Gaur City Mall kick-started the milestone celebrations of its 5th anniversary with the star cast of 'Bad Newz, Vicky Kaushal, Tripti Dimri, and Ammy Virk, turning the day into a memorable evening.

1 min

Vegas Mall Hosts Exciting Chess Tournament Showcasing Brilliance and Competitive Spirit

Vegas Mall hosted an exhilarating chess tournament in collaboration with Bal Bhavan International School on July 19th.

1 min

Vegas Mall Celebrates Nature Conservation Day with School Kids

Vegas Mall hosted a special event in honour of Nature Conservation Day, engaging school children in activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness and instilling a caring instinct in children.

1 min

Pacific Mall NSP Pitampura Celebrates the Success of Game-A-Thon: Champions' Home Ground

Pacific Mall NSP Pitampura celebrated 'Game-AThon: Champions' Home Ground', which took place from July 26th to 28th, 2024.

1 min

Retail Sector Records Strongest Hi Leasing in 5 years: CBRE

Leasing in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi-NCR accounted for 59% share during Jan-June 2024.

5 mins

'Technology Has Been a Game-changer for Snitch in Key Areas'

Maruthy Ramgandhi, Chief Technology Officer, Snitch sheds light on the new-age brand's tech journey and much more.

5 mins

'Digital is the Key to Bridging the Generation Gap'

Ulhas K Udayakumar, E-commerce Head, Seiko India, shares how the heritage brand that introduced quart watches to the world is attracting new-age customers while maintaining its legacy

6 mins

'Customers Do Not See Shoppers Stop.com as Just Another e-commerce Site'

Sreekanth Chetlur, Chief e-commerce Officer, Shoppers Stop speaks about the three-decadeold physical-first department store chain's e-commerce journey, goals and strategies

6 mins

How to Improve Customer Engagement with Generative AI

Ways in which retail businesses can embrace generative AI to create hyper-personalised, seamless conversations to secure a lasting competitive edge in the marketplace.

4 mins

Elevating Experience Through Omnichannel Retail Strategies

Here's how retailers are blending online and offline to offer seamless and personalised customer experience.

4 mins

What Innovation Means for Different Leaders

A look at how representatives of different retail categories define innovation and how they approach and implement it in their businesses.

3 mins

6 Ways in Which D2C Brands are Redefining Physical Stores

From quirky fixtures to restageable elements, D2C brands do it differently when they open brick-and-mortar stores

4 mins

Identity As a Service (IDAAS) Simplified

An explainer on Identity and Access Management-As-A-Service (IDaaS) in the context of retail.

2 mins

Read all stories from Images Retail

Images Retail Magazine Description:

Launched in 2003, IMAGES Retail magazine took on the task of analysing the emerging organised retail industry at a time when the industry itself had little data to work on. The magazine covers the gamut of Indian and International movements in retail technology, logistics and supply chain, store formats, store design, retail real estate, franchising and human resource, besides reporting on significant directions within India’s sunrise industry.

The magazine is widely acknowledged India’s leading retail intelligence publication for decades now, providing news, insights, research & analysis, intelligence and data covering retail operations across all Indian markets.

The mission of the monthly B2B magazine – published exclusively for the retail industry – is to bring industry leaders and brand owners up to date with the latest in retail technology & innovations, provide them with in-depth research, studies and analytical, insightful features which help them grow their businesses in India. The magazine aims to spark ideas and shape agendas for decision makers in India’s competitive retail industry.