Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), which acquired the India franchise rights for premium eyewear retailer Sunglass Hut in 2022, has marked a major milestone with the opening of the brand’s 100th store in India at Model Town, Jalandhar. The launch reflects Reliance Brands’ ongoing strategy to scale global fashion and lifestyle labels in the country while expanding the reach of premium accessories retail beyond metro markets.
Under the franchise arrangement, Reliance Brands manages Sunglass Hut’s retail operations, store expansion strategy and e-commerce platform in India, while the global brand continues to be owned by Italian eyewear major Luxottica Group SpA. Since taking over the network from DLF Brands — which then comprised approximately 85 stores — RBL has accelerated the brand’s growth through new store openings and premium retail placements, including presence at high-profile destinations such as Jio World Plaza in Mumbai.
A Long-Term Retail Vision Realised
Sunglass Hut’s India journey dates back to November 4, 2008, when Luxottica Group SpA partnered with the DLF Group to establish the brand’s presence in the country. The partnership aimed to develop a network of 100 Sunglass Hut stores across high-end malls and premium locations, introducing Indian consumers to a dedicated multi-brand retail format for premium eyewear.
Over the years, the brand built its footprint across major shopping centres, airports and high-street locations, catering to a growing base of aspirational and fashion-conscious consumers. The opening of the 100th store represents the culmination of this long-term expansion vision while signalling a new growth phase under Reliance Brands’ leadership.
Multi-Brand Premium Eyewear Destination
Sunglass Hut operates as a multi-brand premium eyewear retailer offering a curated assortment of global luxury, fashion and performance labels. Its portfolio includes internationally recognised brands such as Ray-Ban, Prada, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana and Oakley, among others.
The retail format emphasises curated merchandising, personalised service and trend-led collections, positioning sunglasses as both functional eyewear and fashion accessories within India’s expanding premium lifestyle market.
Expanding Into Emerging Markets
The choice of Jalandhar for the milestone store underscores the rising importance of non-metro markets in India’s premium retail growth story. Increasing disposable incomes, growing exposure to global fashion trends and the expansion of organised retail infrastructure are driving demand for premium brands across Tier II and emerging urban centres.
Categories such as eyewear — positioned at the intersection of fashion, lifestyle and utility — are witnessing strong adoption in these markets, encouraging brands to broaden their geographic footprint.
Strengthening India’s Premium Accessories Landscape
The expansion of Sunglass Hut’s store network reflects broader momentum in India’s premium fashion and accessories segment, supported by rising brand consciousness, greater awareness of eye health and increasing adoption of global fashion trends.
With Reliance Brands strengthening distribution and consumer experience while expanding omnichannel capabilities, the 100-store milestone marks a significant step in Sunglass Hut’s India journey, reinforcing the market’s strategic importance and laying the foundation for continued growth.
