ETRetail

IKEA is foraying in North India with online delivery across Delhi-NCR and 9 satellite cities including Agra, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Ludhiana, and Varanasi starting March 1, Susanne Pulverer, CEO & chief sustainability officer, IKEA India told ETRetail. Read more at: https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/home-and-decor/furniture-and-decor/ikea-sets-sight-on-north-india-online-deliveries-begin-march-1-mega-stores-to-follow/118597970?ag=wappchnl&utm_source=wappchnl

After an uptick during the first month since its public listing on November 13 2024 where it gained 58% from the offer price of ₹390, the stock has gradually sunk below this threshold. In 2025 so far, it has lost 37%. The stock may remain under pressure in the short term given rising fixed costs and drag on contribution margin due to the fast pace of store additions. Read more at: https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/food-services/swiggy-with-a-lot-in-store-also-needs-profit-on-menu/118344907?utm_source=top_story&utm_medium=homepage

Unilever faces challenges in selling its plant-based meat business due to changing consumer preferences and declining market valuations. Once promising brands like The Vegetarian Butcher struggle with profitability, as consumers lean towards less processed foods and traditional meats remain competitively priced. Read more at: https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/personal-care-pet-supplies-liquor/unilever-faces-battle-to-reduce-plant-based-meat-exposure/118549847?ag=wappchnl&utm_source=wappchnl

Amrut Distillers has launched Expedition, the oldest single malt whisky in India, matured for 15 years. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the company is releasing only 75 bottles of this rare whisky, each featuring unique packaging details and advanced authentication features. Read more at: https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/grocery/amrut-launches-its-10-lakh-marquee-indian-single-malt-whisky/118570917?ag=wappchnl&utm_source=wappchnl

Bajaj Consumer Care Ltd is set to acquire Vishal Personal Care, which owns Banjara's hair and skin care brand, for Rs 108.3 crore. The acquisition will happen in two stages. This deal will help Bajaj Consumer Care expand its presence in South India and introduce Banjara's products in Hindi-speaking markets. Read more at: https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/food-entertainment/personal-care-pet-supplies-liquor/bajaj-consumer-care-to-acquire-vishal-personal-care-at-rs-108-cr-enterprise-valuation/118327150?utm_source=top_story&utm_medium=homepage

Digital marketplace Solv, which is closing in on its merger with Jumbotail, is seeing senior leadership exits. Sharad Ajitsaria, CFO of the company is set to leave the organisation post-merger, two people aware of the development told ETRetail. Read more at: https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/e-commerce/e-tailing/solvs-cfo-ceo-to-exit-amid-jumbotail-merger/118306112?ag=wappchnl&utm_source=wappchnl

Blackstone Group-backed Nexus Select Trust has acquired a nearly 0.5 million sq ft Grade A retail property Vega City mall in affluent south Bengaluru locality for a total enterprise value of Rs 913 crore. This includes purchase consideration of nearly Rs 870 crore and balance towards planned capex including renewables and closing costs. Read more at: https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/blackstone-backed-nexus-select-acquires-vega-city-mall-in-bengaluru-for-913-cr/118204893?ag=wappchnl&utm_source=wappchnl

Jignanshu Gor, from Bernstein India, shares insights on retail and restaurant stocks, highlighting an outperform rating on D-Mart, Trent, Jubilant, and Devyani. He explains the need for continuous innovation in FMCG and the growing impact of quick commerce. Gor emphasizes evaluating brands versus channels and highlights the current growth in apparel, groceries, and beauty products. Read more at: https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/d-mart-and-trent-to-outperform-amidst-indias-changing-consumption-landscape-jignanshu-gor/118172162?ag=wappchnl&utm_source=wappchnl

Global brands are turning to Indian garment manufacturers due to political unrest in Bangladesh. This shift has led to increased inquiries and export orders from the US and Europe. Though India excels in cotton garments, the focus is now on man-made fibre apparel to align with global demand, especially ahead of the Bharat Tex event in February. Read more at: https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/apparel-fashion/apparel/global-clothing-brands-looking-up-to-india-amid-bangladesh-unrest/118162554?ag=wappchnl&utm_source=wappchnl

Sunil Kataria is stepping down as managing director of Raymond Lifestyle to pursue personal goals. The board has accepted his resignation and will seek a new CEO. Gautam Hari Singhania will lead the transition with the current senior management team. Kataria was praised for strengthening Raymond's market presence and leadership. Kataria expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Read more at: https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/apparel-fashion/apparel/raymond-lifestyles-md-sunil-kataria-steps-down/118140863?ag=wappchnl&utm_source=wappchnl