Established in 1992, Solar Group is one of India’s most experienced and diversified fashion and lifestyle retail franchise companies. With a portfolio of over 20 national and international brands and more than 75 operational stores across the country, the group has built a robust pan-India presence—with strongholds in the western region, particularly Mumbai and Pune. In Mumbai alone, Solar Group operates across key retail hotspots such as Linking Road, Colaba, Parel, and Saki Naka, with a mix of high street and mall formats.
Key Drivers Behind Success
Starting operations in 1992—when organized retail was still in its formative stages—meant there were no established frameworks or industry benchmarks. However, this initial challenge turned into a long-term strength, as it enabled the group to build robust operational systems from the ground up. Over the years, their understanding of ground realities and consumer dynamics has been key to their sustained success.
Onboarding & Setup Process: Being early movers allowed them to develop strong internal systems and retail expertise. Today, they observe that onboarding is far more streamlined and structured, thanks to the professionalization of the retail ecosystem and standard operating procedures introduced by most brands.
Backing from the Brand: Solar Group independently manages all retail operations with a workforce of over 400 employees across India, brand partners play a strong supporting role—particularly in the area of marketing. National campaigns, festive season promotions, and collaborative branding initiatives are typically driven by the brands. This division of roles has helped create a balanced and effective working relationship, where Solar focuses on execution while the brand drives consumer-facing visibility.
Training, Investment & Trust: Training is generally handled by the brand through periodic programs and refreshers. Solar Group has the operational maturity and financial discipline to handle investment alignment internally, thanks to its decades-long experience in the sector. Importantly, the group has built deep, trust-based relationships with most of its brand partners, which helps foster long-term collaboration. On the regulatory front, the group notes that challenges are manageable with the right planning and due diligence.
Revenue Insights
Solar Group views profitability as a long-term journey rather than a quick outcome. “With volume, consistency, and time, the numbers do mature well. We believe in being patient and in building for the long run. When the fundamentals are right, the business delivers,” said Ashok Mukhi, Managing Director, Solar Creations Pvt. Ltd.
Staying Ahead in a Crowded Market
As far as the competition in the market is concerned, Mukhi states, “We know each other and have been learning from each other. We’ve got our niches, in most locations, we’ve carved out a distinct identity, so competition hasn’t been a major concern. We focus building a good working relationship with the brand, understanding what their ask of the experience is, and aligning with their expectations.”
Understanding Customers, Strengthening Partnerships
The franchisee has observed a growing preference among customers for experiential shopping, especially within the mall environment. Weekends, in particular, have become high-traffic periods, often equating to nearly five days’ worth of sales. Shopping today is as much about family outings and the sensory experience as it is about purchasing products, reaffirming the emotional significance of physical retail. In terms of strengthening brand-franchisee relationships, the franchisee believes that human connection plays a vital role.
“Simple gestures like spending time together, sharing meals, and having open conversations about both successes and challenges; can go a long way in building trust. We emphasise that mutual willingness to engage and adapt keeps the partnership dynamic and resilient,” said Mukhi.
Expansion & Alignment
Solar Group maintains regular communication with the brand’s corporate team, interacting at least once a week, and more frequently during new product launches, seasonal rollouts, or while planning store expansions. This consistent engagement ensures alignment on strategy, execution, and customer experience. Looking ahead, the franchisee remains optimistic and growth-focused, expressing a strong interest in expanding with both the current brand and other fashion labels.
“Strategic expansion, is embedded in our business approach, and we remain ready to capitalise on emerging market opportunities,” conlcudes Mukhi.
Solar Group
| Field | Details |
| Store Name | 20+ Fashion & Lifestyle Brands |
| Location/City | Mumbai, Pune & Pan India |
| Total Store Size (sq. ft.) | ~90,000 sq. ft. |
| Year of Establishment | 1992 |
| Number of Stores (Franchising) | 75+ |
| Number of Employees | 400+ |
