India's retail sector saw a strong festive boost, with sales rising 11% during the 87-day GST Bachat Mahotsav period from August to October, according to the Retailers Association of India. Value-driven categories performed best, with apparel and footwear under INR 2,500-taxed at 12%-showing higher demand, while premium apparel above INR 2,500 in the 18% GST slab saw softer momentum. Food & Grocery, Jewellery and Footwear grew 12%, followed by Sports Goods at 11%. West India led regional growth at 13%. Quick Service Restaurants and furniture also performed well. RAI said the initiative improved price awareness and helped retailers better plan inventory, pricing and customer strategies.Read more

IHCL is expanding its presence in Jaipur with a new 161-key Gateway Mahapura hotel, catering to the city's growing business travel demand driven by infrastructural growth. This will bring IHCL's total hotels in Jaipur to 16, including five under development. Meanwhile, Airtel Payments Bank has secured rights from IHMCL to implement a multi-lane free flow tolling system at Daulatpura Toll Plaza. The barrier-less ETC system, using RFID and ANPR technology, is expected to reduce congestion, save travel time, improve fuel efficiency, and provide a smoother commute, supporting Jaipur's development as a commercial and transport hub.Read more

Lulu Group International has revived its long-stalled shopping mall project in Visakhapatnam after signing a fresh MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government. The 13.43-acre site at Harbour Park on RK Beach Road was recently handed back to APIIC, removing the final obstacle to construction. The plan features an international-standard mall with a Lulu Hypermarket, global retail brands, an eight-screen IMAX multiplex, a food court, fine-dining options and a Funtura amusement zone. Lulu Group has reiterated its earlier requests for a 99-year lease and a three-year rent-free period. The INR 1,066-crore project is expected to generate about 5,000 direct and 12,000 indirect jobs and will also support upcoming food-processing and export facilities in the state.Read more

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts has decided to enter the leisure hospitality business through a new luxury brand, Mahindra Signature Resorts, to be operated by its wholly owned subsidiary, Mahindra Hotels and Residences India Limited. The move, approved by the board this week, aims to diversify the company's portfolio beyond vacation ownership. The firm plans to add around 2,000 keys under the new brand by FY30 and has earmarked nearly INR 1,000 crore as initial investment. Alongside this, the company has revealed a broader growth plan, including rebranding Club Mahindra to Club M and expanding total inventory to 10,000 keys by FY30.Read more

Saya Piazza, Saya Group's flagship high-street mall in Jaypee Wishtown, Noida, has received its Occupancy Certificate, marking the project ready for handover. Spread across 2 lakh sq. ft., it features 1.5 lakh sq. ft. of premium retail, 50,000 sq. ft. of dining and entertainment zones, and nearly 350 shops including over 100 international brands. Positioned opposite the Jaypee Golf Course, the mall is set to become the township's first organised lifestyle hub. Leading brands are already starting fit-outs, with operations expected to begin soon.Read more

Khan Market in Delhi has dropped one place to 24th globally in Cushman & Wakefield's list of the world's most expensive high streets, though it remains India's priciest. London's New Bond Street leads globally, followed by Milan and New York. India's high streets, including Connaught Place and Galleria Market, continue attracting domestic and international brands due to rising affluence and limited mall supply. Rental growth in Tier 1 cities averaged 6% year-on-year, with Gurugram seeing the highest increase. Chennai's Anna Nagar 2nd Avenue is the most affordable APAC street, at USD 25 per sq ft.Read more

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) recently announced that it had finalised an agreement to develop a new 90-key greenfield Ginger hotel in Dimapur, marking its first venture in Nagaland. The company indicated that Dimapur serves as a major commercial and cultural centre in the state and said the project aligns with its broader strategy to strengthen its footprint in the Northeast, where tourism and infrastructure have seen steady improvement. The hotel, developed in partnership with T K Enterprises, adds to IHCL's growing regional presence.Read more

Fly91, the Goa-based regional airline, plans to induct three more ATR 72-600 aircraft and launch new routes by March next year, taking its fleet to seven. The digital-native carrier, which began operations earlier this year, currently flies four aircraft and runs over 120 weekly flights, including services under the government's regional connectivity scheme. Fly91 now connects eight cities-Goa, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Sindhudurg, Solapur, Agatti and Jalgaon-and aims to expand further. Backed by INR 250 crore in funding, the airline has already carried 1.7 lakh passengers on more than 3,500 flights. Over the next five years, it plans to scale up to 30 aircraft and operate from multiple bases.Read more

Puravankara Limited has signed an Agreement to Lease with IKEA India for two retail floors at Purva Zentech Park, its mixed-use commercial project on Kanakapura Road in Bengaluru. The development spans 9.6 lakh sq ft with flexible floor plates and IGBC Gold-rated features, and is scheduled for completion by early 2026. IKEA will occupy over 1.2 lakh sq ft across the first and second floors, with handover expected in early 2026. Puravankara said the deal highlights the project's strong location and rising demand in South Bengaluru. With a 3.2 million sq ft commercial pipeline, the company expects projects like Zentech Park and Aerocity to support significant future value creation.Read more

Oberoi Mall ushered in the festive season earlier this week by hosting a lively cake-mixing celebration in collaboration with The Westin Mumbai Garden City. Organised on Children's Day, the event witnessed strong participation from families and shoppers who joined the traditional pre-Christmas fruit-and-spice mixing ritual. The mall complemented the activity with engaging experiences tailored for children, creating a cheerful afternoon atmosphere. Executives from Oberoi Realty and The Westin Mumbai Garden City noted that the initiative aimed to bring the community together while setting a warm and celebratory tone for the forthcoming Christmas season.Read more