Global brands numbers, likely to set up shop in India surges post-covid
12 Jun 2023 CW Team
According to property consultants, around 24 international brands are expected to enter the Indian market this year, marking the highest number in a decade. This surge is attributed to the post-Covid increase in consumption and demand. In 2020, only one global brand entered India, followed by three in 2021 and 11 in 2022. Prior to the pandemic, approximately 12-15 brands would enter the Indian market annually. Notable brands like Roberto Cavalli, Dunhill, and Foot Locker are currently in talks to establish their presence in India.
Additionally, chains like Lavazza, Armani Caffe, Jamba, and The Coffee Club are also likely to enter India this year. Anshuman Magazine, chairman and CEO of CBRE for India, Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Africa, stated that they expect food and beverage as well as entertainment brands to establish themselves in the Indian market in 2023. Several established international brands have already entered India this year after a hiatus caused by the Covid pandemic, including Valentino, McLaren, Balenciaga, Pottery Barn, Pret A Manger, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes.
CBRE predicts that retail leasing in India will reach 5.5-6 million square feet in 2023, the second-highest figure after the peak of 6.8 million square feet in 2019. The fashion sector is witnessing periodic store openings, particularly through partnerships with larger groups such as Reliance and Aditya Birla. In the home interiors retail segment, West Elm and Pottery Barn have shown interest and opened stores in India in partnership with Reliance.
Experts anticipate that around 30-35 international brands will open stores in India between 2021 and 2023. Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) recently formed a partnership with Galeries Lafayette to introduce luxury department stores and a dedicated e-commerce platform in India. Reliance Retail is also planning to bring back the Chinese fashion brand Shein through a partnership. H&M has launched its home line in some flagship stores across India, and experts believe that in the coming years, one to two brands from the beauty, fashion, and F&B sectors could open stores in India every month or year, primarily through collaborations with existing major players.