Explore the list of brands that made their Indian debut in 2023 or are expected to debut in 2024, becoming an integral part of the Reliance Retail family
Bengaluru: In the dynamic landscape of retail, Reliance Retail has emerged as a key player, continually shaping the way Indians experience shopping. The year 2023 witnessed a remarkable expansion as Reliance welcomed several international brands into the Indian market, through its subsidiary Reliance Brands Ltd. (RBL).
RBL began operations in 2007 with a mandate to launch and build global brands in the luxury to premium segments across fashion and lifestyle.
The company has forged long-term exclusive partnerships across multiple sectors with global and Indian brands such as Ritu Kumar, Bottega Veneta, Tiffany & Co., Valentino, Versace, Rahul Mishra, Armani, Balenciaga, Boss, and Zegna among others.
Reliance Retail and other subsidiaries and affiliates of RRVL, operate an integrated omni-channel network of over 18,650 stores and digital commerce platforms across grocery, consumer electronics, fashion and lifestyle and pharma consumption baskets.
Explore the list of brands that made their Indian debut in 2023 (arranged in the ascending order of launch date) or are expected to debut in 2024, becoming an integral part of the Reliance Brands family.
Pret A Manger
After announcing its India partnership with RBL in 2022, Pret A Manger, the UK-based freshly made food and organic coffee chain, launched its first shop in the country, at Maker Maxity in Mumbai in April 2023.
Currently, it has nine operational stores in India, out of which four are situated in Mumbai, two in Gurugram and three in Delhi.
The brand aims to open 100 stores in India in a span of five years out of which 10 are planned to open this year, according to the website World Coffee Portal.
The café chain began its journey in London in 1986. Currently, Pret A Manger operates around 550 cafes in various markets including the UK, US, Hong Kong, France, Dubai, Switzerland, Brussels, Singapore and Germany.
Rimowa
German luxury luggage brand Rimowa entered India with RBL and launched its first retail store in the country at India’s largest luxury mall Jio World Plaza in October 2023.
The boutique showcases Rimowa latest collections, known for distinctive aluminium grooved design and features tailored to meet the needs of modern travellers.
Rimowa is known for its luxury products like travel bags, suitcases, trolley bags and other accessories. Incorporated in 1898 in Cologne, Germany the company has more than 170 stores across the world as of today.
Balenciaga
Reliance Brands entered into an exclusive agreement with the French luxury brand Balenciaga to introduce its couture offerings to the Indian market.
The first Balenciaga store in India was unveiled at the Jio World Plaza at BKC, Mumbai in November 2023. The store showcases the brand’s latest collections, featuring ready-to-wear attire, footwear, handbags, accessories, eyewear, and jewellery, providing a comprehensive range of luxury offerings.
Balenciaga was founded by the Spanish-born designer Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1917 and officially established in Paris in 1937. Owned by the French corporation Kering it is present in over 32 countries worldwide.
Pottery Barn Kids
American kids furniture and décor brand Pottery Barn Kids has marked its foray into the Indian market with RBL and opened its flagship store at Jio World Plaza in Mumbai in November 2023.
The store offers nursery collections, bedroom sets, storage solutions, personalised décor and accessories including custom bedding and wall art along with other furniture. The Mumbai store draws inspiration from Pottery Barn Kids’ flagship store in New York City, which offers an immersive experience for families.
Pottery Barn Kids was founded in 1999 by two moms who knew firsthand the challenges of designing kids’ bedrooms. Currently, the company has over 90 stores throughout the US and abroad, as per its official website.
Giorgio Armani Cafe
Reliance has been in talks with Milan-based luxury company Giorgio Armani Café to bring its outlet to India since 2020.
The cafe chain will be making its debut in India through Reliance’s Jio World Plaza in the near future. IndiaRetailing reported in November 2022 that he mall has earmarked about 1,000 sq. ft. in the shopping centre for the high-end café.
The Armani Café is owned by the Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani. His fashion label has been associated with the Ambani family for several years. Reliance Brands, led by Isha Ambani’s firm, acquired the retail rights for Emporio Armani and Armani Exchange in India almost a decade ago.
Currently, Armani cafes are present in the US, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, UAE and Qatar.
EL&N Café
EL&N Café, a boutique café group based in the UK, has entered into a franchise partnership with Reliance Brands to establish outlets in India. This collaboration marks EL&N Café’s expansion into its eighth market globally.
The first EL&N cafe in India is slated to launch in 2024 on level two of the Jio World Plaza in Mumbai.
EL&N cafe was founded by Alexandra Miller in August 2017 with its first outlet opening in Mayfair, London. The food and beverage retail brand has established a notable presence in France, Italy, London, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Sandro and Maje by SMCP Group
Reliance Brands introduced two luxury fashion brands Sandro and Maje to the Indian market in November 2023. Both brands are owned by SMCP Group, a French holding company specialising in accessible luxury ready-to-wear that has a global network of over 1,600 stores.
The partnership illustrates the pursuit of SMCP expansion, currently in 47 countries. Sandro and Maje will open their first stores in the country in 2024.
Sandro is a premium luxury label that caters to men and women, while Maje is a cult favourite brand that offers ready-to-wear and accessories collections for women.
Brands through Ajio
Apart from these brands, Reliance will also bring 10 global luxury brands to the Indian market through Ajio’s luxury sub-brand, Ajio Luxe; Farm Rio from Brazil; Zimmermann from Australia and Adidas x Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto’s Y-3.
