The 25th edition of the India Fashion Forum (IFF) reached a defining moment with the conferment of the ‘Leader of Leaders in Indian Fashion Retail’ honour on B. S. Nagesh, recognising a lifetime dedicated to shaping modern fashion retail in India with purpose, people-centricity and integrity. Presented as part of the IMAGES Fashion Awards 2026, the honour celebrated not just a pioneering entrepreneur, but a rare institution-builder whose leadership has influenced generations of retailers, professionals and organisations across the country.
At the silver jubilee edition of IFF, the industry came together to acknowledge a leader whose impact transcends formats, brands and balance sheets—someone who has consistently demonstrated that retail, at its best, is a human enterprise built on trust, dignity and service.
A Life Anchored in Service
- S. Nagesh is not merely a towering figure in Indian retail; he is a leader who has built his life around a single, powerful idea—service. His philosophy is articulated in his book“SERVE: Business from the Heart – The Shoppers Stop Way”, which captures a rare form of leadership driven not by hierarchy or ambition, but by compassion, purpose and a relentless desire to elevate others.
From the very outset, Nagesh believed that business could—and must—be more than a commercial pursuit. In 1991, he became the first employee of Shoppers Stop, a brand that would go on to define the department store concept in India. Over the next three decades, he helped shape not just a company, but a culture—introducing customer-first practices, launching one of India’s earliest loyalty programmes, and fundamentally redefining how frontline retail workers were viewed and valued.
In a move that became emblematic of his values, he rechristened store staff as Customer Care Associates, reinforcing the belief that respect and dignity are central to exceptional retail. Today, Shoppers Stop stands as a ₹5,427-crore enterprise with 300+ stores across 70+ cities, employing over 6,000 people—a powerful testament to the institution he helped build.
Building the Retail Ecosystem
Nagesh’s influence extends far beyond a single organisation. In 2005, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Retailers Association of India (RAI) and served as its founding Chairman, creating a unified platform to modernise and strengthen the retail ecosystem. His early vision of organised, professional retail has helped shape an industry now poised to become a US$230-billion market by 2029.
As the first and only Indian member of the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS), Nagesh brought global best practices into the Indian market while simultaneously opening doors for international brands and institutions to engage meaningfully with India.
His association with IMAGES has been equally enduring. Since 1991, he has stood shoulder to shoulder with the IMAGES Group, and since the inception of the India Fashion Forum in 2000, he has been an unwavering presence—guiding conversations, mentoring leaders and shaping the thinking that has defined India’s fashion retail narrative for 25 years.
Choosing Purpose Over Position
Perhaps the most defining chapter of B. S. Nagesh’s journey began when, at the peak of his corporate success, he chose to step away—not to retire, but to serve.
At the age of 50, after 25 years of learning and earning, he entered what he calls the most meaningful phase of his life: returning. This decision led to the founding of TRRAIN (Trust for Retailers and Retail Associates of India)—a public charitable trust dedicated to building equity, inclusion and pride among India’s vast and often invisible retail workforce.
Through TRRAIN, Nagesh set out to empower those who serve others—especially individuals marginalised by disability, poverty or social circumstance. The impact has been profound and measurable.
- Pankh has trained and placed over 39,000 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) into formal retail employment
- TRRAINHer Ascent has empowered more than 16,000 young women from low-income backgrounds through skilling and livelihood support
- Retail Employees’ Day (RED), observed every December 12, is now recognised in 33 countries, honouring millions of retail workers worldwide
An independent impact study underscores the scale of transformation:
• 79% increase in employment among PwDs post-training
• Threefold rise in average salaries
• 69% increase in family income
• 52% of beneficiaries experiencing upward socio-economic mobility
These are not peripheral initiatives—they are grassroots engines of nation-building, strengthening families, communities and the retail economy itself.
Global Recognition, Grounded Values
Nagesh’s philosophy of servant leadership has earned him global recognition. In 2008, he became the first Asian inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame. He is a recipient of the Helen Keller Award and the Zero Project Award 2025 for his work in creating livelihoods for persons with disabilities, and an Ashoka Fellow, recognised for innovation in social entrepreneurship.
Yet, despite the accolades, his driving force remains unchanged. As he often reflects, success holds little meaning unless it uplifts others. To serve is to see potential where others see limitation; to choose inclusion over indifference; and to build businesses—and a nation—that reflect the best of humanity.
If Shoppers Stop represents his legacy in business, TRRAIN stands as his legacy in nation-building.
A Defining Moment at the 25th IFF
At the 25th anniversary edition of the India Fashion Forum, the presentation of the Leader of Leaders in Indian Fashion Retail honour was deeply symbolic. Visuals of B. S. Nagesh receiving the award on stage, alongside a curated collage capturing his presence at IFF over the past 25 years, reflected continuity, commitment and quiet leadership through every phase of India’s retail evolution.
IMAGES 25th Anniversary Honour: Leader of Leaders in Indian Fashion Retail Presented to B. S. Nagesh
Celebrating Excellence Across the Industry
The IMAGES Fashion Awards 2026 also recognised outstanding brands and retailers for innovation, creativity and execution excellence across marketing, digital engagement, store design, CRM, CSR and retail expansion. Among the awardees were Lacoste, Avantra, Campus Shoes, Spykar Lifestyle, U.S. Polo Assn., Max Fashion, Puma India, JadeBlue, Lifestyle, The Body Shop India, Pepe Jeans London, Vismay, Neo Stretch, Knockout, Technosport, Image Luxe, Easybuy, BAGLINE, Megamart, Tommy Hilfiger & Calvin Klein, and Valli Silks.
Get full awards coverage HERE: “IMAGES Fashion Awards 2026 honour India’s most admired fashion leaders & brands”
As the India Fashion Forum marks 25 years of influence, impact and innovation, one truth stands reaffirmed: trends will evolve, formats will change and technologies will disrupt—but leadership rooted in service endures.
And in that enduring continuum, B. S. Nagesh stands not just as a pioneer of Indian fashion retail, but as its moral compass—leading not from the front, but from the heart.
