Retail leasing across India's top eight cities saw a minor 1% decline, totaling 1.63 million square feet in the July-September period, compared to the previous year. Main streets dominated leasing activity, accounting for 68% of the total leased space. The demand for retail space in cities like Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata led to a significant increase in rental rates, while malls faced quieter leasing due to limited supply. Despite e-commerce growth, physical stores continue to thrive, with a shift towards spaces offering a blend of shopping, lifestyle, and entertainment experiences.Read more

Chalet Hotels is expanding its portfolio with new acquisitions in Bengaluru, Goa, and Rajasthan, as part of its strategy to diversify and capture leisure market opportunities. Currently owning 10 hotels across six cities, the company plans to add over 1,000 rooms in new and existing properties. With sustained demand and projected growth in revenue per available room, Chalet remains committed to high returns. Recently, Chalet reported a 20 per cent rise in revenue but a quarterly net loss due to reversed tax benefits. The company remains financially strong, with internal accruals supporting growth and reduced debt levels.Read more

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is set to enter the UK market with a luxury property in London's Mayfair as part of Grosvenor's expansive South Molton development. With construction underway and full completion expected by 2027, this mixed-use development will feature the hotel alongside office, residential, and retail spaces. This project, marking a significant international step for Oberoi, aligns with the brand's ongoing expansion beyond its existing portfolio in India, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Mauritius.Read more

Guwahati, a rising retail hub in India recorded the highest year-over-year rental appreciation of 38% among high streets across 29 Indian cities in 2023. High street rents surged to INR 200-250 per sq ft per month driven by strong brand demand for prime locations. While Guwahati's high street growth is robust, its shopping center density remains low compared to other Tier 2 cities, presenting significant development opportunities. The city's 183 operational retail outlets, with 106 of Indian origin and 77 international, underscore its retail potential. Experts anticipate continued growth as Guwahati's retail offerings appeal to both domestic and global brands.Read more

Blackstone, the global asset manager, is reportedly seeking acquisitions in India's hotel sector, with the Chennai Hilton and a partially constructed Marriott near Bengaluru airport among its targets. Each property is valued between INR 300-400 crore, aligning with Blackstone's optimistic outlook on Indian hospitality. Ventive Hospitality, jointly promoted by Blackstone and Panchshil Group, recently filed for an IPO to raise INR 2,000 crore, strengthening its position. While the Chennai Hilton faces financial challenges, the Marriott property is awaiting final construction. Both hotels, if acquired, would strategically enhance Blackstone's hospitality portfolio in India.Read more

IHCL has acquired a majority stake in Rajscape Hotels, operator of Tree of Life Resorts & Hotels. This acquisition enhances IHCL�s position in the experiential travel market and supports its plan to expand Tree of Life to 100 properties by 2030. Known for luxury offerings, IHCL has previously partnered with the Ambuja Neotia Group on several projects. The move responds to rising demand for personalised travel experiences, with Tree of Life properties in offbeat destinations across India, attracting travellers seeking unique stays. This acquisition reflects IHCL�s commitment to diversifying its portfolio in the boutique leisure segment.Read more

Demand for dark store space in India is on the rise, driven by the growth of Q-commerce, which promises rapid delivery within 15 to 30 minutes. A joint study by JLL and Miebach Consulting reveals that dark store demand reached 24 million square feet in 2023, with projected growth to 37.6 million by 2027. Dark stores, often located in underutilized urban areas, help Q-commerce companies cut logistics costs by 10-30%. However, challenges exist, including regulatory compliance and hygiene standards. The expansion of Q-commerce into Tier-II and Tier-III cities offers substantial opportunities for real estate, introducing a promising new asset class.Read more

Brigade Hotel Ventures Ltd has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) with SEBI to raise INR 900 crore, aiming to enhance its financial position and expand in the competitive hospitality market. The IPO will consist solely of new equity shares, with funds allocated to debt reduction (INR 481 crore), corporate purposes (INR 412 crore), and support for its subsidiary (INR 69 crore). The company, a subsidiary of Brigade Enterprises Ltd, operates nine hotels across major Indian cities. As tourism rebounds post-pandemic, Brigade aims to capitalize on growth opportunities, with investors keenly observing this strategic move in the hospitality sector.Read more

JLL India reports a significant rise in leasing activity in the Indian retail market across the top seven cities-Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, and Hyderabad-during the first nine months of 2024. With gross leasing reaching 5.3 million sq. ft despite only 1 million sq. ft of new space, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai accounted for 59% of this activity. Domestic retailers dominated with a 78% share, while D2C brands are increasingly finding success in malls. International retailers also showed strong interest, with EMEA brands leading the way. JLL projects retail leasing to surpass 6.5 to 7 million sq. ft by year-end.Read more

ITC Limited, the Kolkata-based conglomerate, reported a strong second-quarter performance, exceeding market expectations with a 3.1% rise in standalone net profit to INR 5,078.34 crore. This growth was supported by a notable 16% increase in gross revenue, reaching INR 20,359.95 crore. The company faced challenges, including high inflation and input costs, yet demonstrated resilience, particularly in its agricultural and hotel sectors. The cigarette division saw a 6.78% revenue increase, while non-cigarette FMCG grew by 5.41%. Additionally, the agricultural business rose 47.05%. ITC's strategic initiatives position it well for future growth amid a challenging landscape.Read more