Chinese fast fashion giant Shein is reportedly re-evaluating its global sourcing partnership with Reliance Retail in India, amid renewed geopolitical tensions between China and the United States. The partnership, which was announced in 2023, aimed to establish India as a key manufacturing base in Shein’s global supply chain. However, the collaboration is now under review, as Beijing urges Chinese firms to limit overseas manufacturing...

India’s exports of cut and polished diamonds have hit their lowest point in nearly two decades, reflecting the industry’s vulnerability to slowing demand in key markets like the United States and China. According to data released by the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) on Monday, polished diamond exports fell by 16.8 per cent year-on-year to $13.3 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year,...

The luxury industry must urgently adopt climate-conscious business models to remain resilient in the face of escalating environmental challenges, according to industry experts and entrepreneurs. Speaking at 'Sasmrti – The Responsible Luxury Roundtable' held recently in New Delhi, panelists emphasized that sustainability is no longer optional but essential for the survival and credibility of luxury brands. The event was organised by Shweta Thakur Nanda and...

India's quick commerce sector recorded a significant milestone in 2024, accounting for more than two-thirds of all e-grocery orders, according to a new report by Bain & Company and Flipkart. The segment’s gross merchandise value surged to $6–7 billion—five times higher than its market share in 2022—demonstrating rapid adoption among Indian consumers. Platforms offering near-instant deliveries, such as Blinkit, Flipkart Minutes, and BB Now, are...

India’s e-retail sector is poised for significant expansion, with gross merchandise value (GMV) projected to reach $170–$190 billion by 2030, according to a report by Bain & Company and Flipkart. While the market currently stands at $60 billion, growth has temporarily slowed to 10–12 per cent in 2024 due to macroeconomic pressures and subdued discretionary spending. However, the report forecasts an acceleration in the coming...

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has launched a major crackdown on the sale of unsafe, non-certified products through leading e-commerce platforms, including Amazon and Flipkart. In a series of search and seizure operations, BIS raided warehouses in Lucknow, Gurugram, and Delhi, confiscating thousands of products that lacked mandatory BIS certification. Massive Seizures and Legal Action During a recent raid at an Amazon warehouse in Lucknow,...

Salesforce has announced a strategic partnership with Ather Energy Limited, a leading Indian electric two-wheeler (E2W) manufacturer, to revolutionize dealership operations and customer experience. The collaboration aims to streamline sales, support services, and dealer operations through a unified, AI-powered platform. Ather Dealer Central: A New Era of Digital Dealerships With Ather Energy’s expansion plans in motion, the company has introduced Ather Dealer Central, a next-generation Dealer...

Singapore’s state investment firm Temasek has acquired a nearly 10% stake in Haldiram’s, one of India’s most well-known snack brands, for $1 billion, valuing the company at approximately $10 billion, according to sources familiar with the deal. A Strategic Move into India’s Booming FMCG Sector The deal, signed after months of negotiation, is seen as a major bet on India’s $6.2 billion savoury snacks market, which...

India’s retail market is projected to surpass ₹190 trillion by 2034, driven by economic expansion, rising affluence, and evolving consumer preferences, according to a joint report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the Retailers Association of India (RAI). The report, titled “Winning in Bharat & India: The Retail Kaleidoscope”, highlights how retailers that successfully navigate India’s diverse demographics and consumer behaviors will emerge as market...

Cambodia’s e-commerce sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by digital payment adoption, rising internet penetration, and shifting consumer behavior. However, despite the boom in online shopping, a new report by PROFITENCE highlights key challenges that could slow the sector’s expansion if not addressed. The report paints a picture of a thriving yet fragmented market, where logistics inefficiencies, regulatory gaps, and low consumer trust in online...