The Swedish home furnishing giant IKEA is projecting a sales growth of over 10% for its India business in the financial year 2025. This robust forecast is part of a strategic shift by the company to accelerate its expansion after a period of slower growth during the pandemic. To achieve this, IKEA is adopting a new multi-format approach, which includes opening a mix of traditional large stores, city stores, and a new format of smaller outlets ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 square feet. The company's focus is on enhancing its presence and affordability in the Indian market by establishing low-cost fulfillment and logistics operations.Read more

The Deloitte FICCI report reveals that India's retail market, which stood at USD 1.06 trillion earlier this week, is expected to grow at a 10 percent annual rate to reach nearly USD 1.9 trillion by the end of the decade. Domestic demand, a vital buffer against global shocks combined with rising digital adoption, premiumisation, quick commerce, and D2C growth, is reshaping the landscape. Gen Z's spending power, preference for "Made in India", and strong performance beyond major metros are fueling confidence and innovation across retail and FMCG sectors.Read more

Ashar Group has announced the arrival of prominent brands like Lenskart and Clove Dental at its Ashar Arize project, marking a significant boost to Kalwa's retail and lifestyle ecosystem. The 600 sq. ft. outlets are part of a 20,000 sq. ft. high-street retail plaza, featuring units from 300 to 800 sq. ft., excellent frontage, and pedestrian-friendly design. With the retail section now certified for occupation, multiple brands can begin operations immediately. Supported by major infrastructure projects and redevelopment initiatives, Kalwa is evolving into a modern, self-sustaining micromarket, attracting both residents and premium retailers in MMR.Read more

At Ficci's MASSMERIZE 2025, Reliance Retail President Ravi Gandhi called for reforms to India's outdated licensing framework for organised retail. He said the current store-by-store licensing model creates repetitive paperwork, delays, and slows expansion. Instead, Gandhi proposed a shift to entity-based unified licensing, where one license could cover multiple outlets under a company, simplifying compliance and improving ease of business. He also suggested moving inspections to after license approval, enabling faster store openings without reducing oversight. With organised retail expanding rapidly to meet evolving consumer demand, Gandhi stressed that modernising regulations is essential to support growth and efficiency in the sector.Read more

The Delhi Development Authority has rolled out its revamped Special Licence Property framework, with Fleur Hotels, a subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels, securing the first project under this scheme. The company won the rights to develop a five-star hotel on a two-acre site in Nehru Place with an annual licence fee of INR 27.19 crore, significantly higher than the base rate. The 55-year contract is projected to generate INR 10,000 crore in revenue, while Aurika, the planned luxury property, will feature over 500 rooms and expansive facilities.Read more

IKEA India has opened its first store in Delhi, a 15,000 sq ft city-format outlet at Pacific Mall in West Delhi. The launch, which features 2,000 home furnishing products and a Swedish café, marks a significant step in the company's expansion across North India. This new store is part of IKEA's "One Click, 30 Minutes Away" strategy, which aims to combine physical accessibility with online convenience. The company plans to open more stores in the Delhi-NCR region, with two larger-format stores already under construction in Gurgaon and Noida.Read more

Miraj Cinemas, India's third-largest multiplex chain, expanded its Delhi NCR footprint with the opening of a new four-screen multiplex at KLJ Square Mall in Gurugram. The launch coincided with the release of War 2, adding to the excitement among cinema-goers. Designed with elegant interiors, gourmet food offerings, and state-of-the-art projection and sound systems, the property reflects Miraj's strategy of combining premium experiences with cutting-edge technology to attract audiences across metros and regional markets.Read more

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) posted a larger consolidated net loss of INR 233.73 crore in the latest quarter, compared to INR 214.92 crore in the same period last year. Revenue from operations inched up to INR 1,831.46 crore from INR 1,674.22 crore, but higher expenses weighed on earnings. Pantaloons' revenue slipped marginally, while the Ethnic & Others segment saw a sharper drop. During the quarter, the company completed the demerger of its Madura business into a new listed entity, Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited, housing its key lifestyle and sportswear brands.Read more

Brigade Hotel Ventures Ltd. has signed a pact with Marriott International, Inc. to manage six new hotels across four key markets in South India, adding 940 rooms to its portfolio. The hotels will be operated under five Marriott Bonvoy brands, including The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott. This agreement brings the company's total number of hotels managed by Marriott to eight, with a total of 1,388 keys. The pact reflects Brigade Enterprises' belief in the long-term potential of India's hospitality industry and its commitment to providing high-quality hotels to both business and leisure travelers.Read more

Asia Healthcare Holdings (AHH) is set to invest INR 400 crore in Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) over the next four to five years. The investment aims to expand the urology and nephrology hospital chain from its current seven locations to 13 within the next three to four years, with a focus on Tier 2 towns. The planned outlay will bring AHH's total investment in AINU to INR 1,000 crore and reflects the company's strategic focus on the growth of single-specialty healthcare enterprises in smaller cities across India.Read more