Retail Sector

Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd. reported a modest rise in third-quarter profit, reflecting steady execution amid a mixed consumption environment. Net profit increased 2.7 percent year-on-year to Rs. 3,551 crore, supported by continued store expansion, resilient demand in essential categories, and disciplined cost management. While discretionary spending showed signs of pressure due to inflation and cautious consumer sentiment, the company benefited from scale efficiencies and an expanding omnichannel presence.

Trent Ltd., one of India’s leading retail chains, saw its shares decline 8% after releasing its latest revenue report, which fell short of market expectations. Analysts attribute the underperformance to slower same-store sales growth, muted consumer spending, and increased operational costs. Despite expansion in newer formats and digital channels, the revenue growth did not match investor forecasts, triggering a sharp market reaction.

India’s automobile retail sector delivered a solid performance in 2025, recording a 7.71% year-on-year growth, according to industry data from dealer bodies. The expansion reflects resilient consumer demand, improved supply chains, and sustained interest across passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and commercial segments. Easing inflation, better financing availability, and steady economic activity supported vehicle purchases throughout the year. While urban demand remained stable, rural markets showed renewed momentum, aided by improving incomes and infrastructure spending.

Avenue Supermarts, which operates the D-Mart retail chain, reported a 13 percent year-on-year rise in revenue for the December quarter, with topline reaching Rs 17,612 crore. The performance reflects steady consumer demand, higher store footfalls, and disciplined expansion despite a challenging consumption environment. Growth was supported by mature store performance and incremental contribution from new outlets, even as margins remained under pressure from inflation and competitive pricing.

Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL), the retail arm of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), has appointed seasoned e-commerce and technology veteran Jeyandran Venugopal as its President and Chief Executive Officer, signalling the start of a major strategic reshuffle. With over 25 years of experience spanning technology, retail and business transformation, Venugopal is tasked with accelerating omni-channel expansion, enhancing operational and technological efficiencies, and steering the company toward a planned public listing.

Air purifier sales in India surged 30% in 2025, reflecting a sharp rise in consumer demand as air quality across major cities deteriorated during the winter months. According to industry insights, heightened awareness about respiratory health, worsening pollution levels, and improved product availability drove record-breaking purchases. Retailers reported robust growth in both offline and online segments, with premium devices gaining noticeable traction.

India’s automobile retail sector reported steady growth in August, supported by early festive season purchases, improving rural demand, and sustained momentum in passenger vehicle sales. Two-wheelers, which had been under pressure for several quarters, showed signs of revival, while commercial vehicles maintained stable performance. The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) noted that positive monsoon progress, easing inflation, and renewed consumer sentiment contributed to the uptick. However, supply chain pressures and cautious financing trends remain areas of concern.

Reliance Retail is aiming to sustain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% over the next three years, signaling its confidence in India’s consumption story and expanding market potential. Speaking at a recent business forum, Isha Ambani, Director of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd., highlighted the company’s strategy to leverage technology, broaden its product offerings, and strengthen supply chains to consolidate its leadership in the sector.

Titan Company Ltd., a leading lifestyle conglomerate under the Tata Group, has strengthened its leadership framework by appointing Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL), to its Board of Directors. Chhatwal, a seasoned hospitality veteran with extensive global experience, brings a strategic blend of brand management expertise and operational insight.

The revival of HMT Watches, once a household name in India, has resurfaced in policy discussions as Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, chaired a review meeting on its future prospects. Once celebrated as “India’s Timekeeper,” HMT lost market dominance following intense competition from global brands and technological disruptions in the 1990s and early 2000s. The latest review reflects a broader government push to assess the viability of legacy public-sector enterprises and explore opportunities for modernization.