ITC Hotels announced the signing of definitive agreements with Silvercastle Holidays and Resorts for the launch of its boutique brand, Storii by ITC Hotels, in Wayanad. The upcoming 62-room property, named Storii by ITC Hotels Wayanad Silverwoods, will be situated alongside the Banasura Sagar Dam. The agreement strengthens ITC Hotels' presence in Kerala and expands the reach of its boutique offering, marking Storii's debut in the state.Read more

PVR INOX, India's largest cinema exhibition company, has signed a 15-year lease for a 10-screen megaplex at the new Sky City Mall in Borivali, Mumbai. The company will pay a monthly rent of INR 91.42 lakh or a 20% share of its revenue, whichever is higher, and has paid a security deposit of INR 10.97 crore. The megaplex, which is part of a larger mixed-use development by Oberoi Realty, aims to reinforce Mumbai's position as a cornerstone market for the company and create a "lifestyle-centric experience" for modern audiences.Read more

Amazon India has expanded its 'Project Ashray' by adding 40 new rest centres for delivery associates, taking the total to 65 across 13 cities, including 24 in Delhi-NCR. These centres offer air-conditioned seating, washrooms, mobile charging points, drinking water, and first-aid kits and are open to delivery partners across the e-commerce and logistics ecosystem. Operating daily from 9 AM to 9 PM with free access for up to 30 minutes, the initiative coincides with Amazon creating over 150,000 seasonal jobs across more than 400 cities, including positions for women and persons with disabilities, ahead of the festive season.Read more

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) is looking at strategic acquisitions to expand its presence in key markets and enter new destinations in Europe and Southeast Asia. With a strong, zero-debt balance sheet and a cash balance of INR 3,073 crore, the company is well-positioned to pursue these opportunities. This move is part of IHCL's 'Accelerate 2030' strategy, which has set a target of over 700 hotels in its portfolio by 2030. The company's focus is on acquiring controlling stakes in smaller firms and integrating them into its midscale and boutique luxury segments, strengthening its global footprint without acquiring physical assets for its premium brand, Taj.Read more

IHCL is investing up to INR 5 crore in the redevelopment of Chotelal Ki Ghat in Kolkata, a historic site along the Hooghly River built in the 1870s. Supported by INTACH, the project focuses on restoration, conservation, landscaping, and beautification, in line with the Namami Gange Programme and Swachhata initiatives. Executives from IHCL and Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port emphasized enhancing the ghat's cultural significance and community engagement. The collaboration is part of a larger effort to revive heritage sites through private-public partnerships, aiming to make Chotelal Ki Ghat a prominent cultural and tourist destination.Read more

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