BERSHKA entered India earlier this year with a store at Mumbai’s Phoenix Palladium mall, and its own online platform. The launch, timed ahead of the festive season, will give BERSHKA access to Myntra’s 21 million Gen Z users, one of the largest bases of this demographic in the country.

Founded in 1998, BERSHKA has become a youth-first label across 68 markets, celebrated for its bold, trend-led fashion at accessible prices. Its debut collection on Myntra brings over 1,200 styles across women’s and men’s wear, including statement denims, oversized hoodies, cargos, and chic dresses — all designed to resonate with India’s fashion-forward youth.

Myntra, which counts over 70 million monthly active users, has been aggressively expanding its international brand portfolio, now boasting more than 450 global labels. Nearly 45% of the demand for these brands comes from non-metro cities, highlighting the growing appetite for global fashion beyond India’s top markets.

Also Read: 20 International Brands That Entered India in 2025

With tech-led innovations, AI-driven discovery, and a reach spanning 98% of India’s pin codes, Myntra has positioned itself as the go-to platform for global fashion in India.

The addition of BERSHKA further cements its dominance in catering to Gen Z and millennial shoppers who value trend-driven, expressive fashion.

1. Zara Began as a Manufacturer, Not a Retailer

Zara’s story began long before the name appeared on store façades. In 1963, founder Amancio Ortega launched Confecciones GOA, a modest business producing women’s clothing. The leap into retail came in 1975 with the opening of the first Zara store in A Coruña, Spain, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the world’s most influential fashion retailers.

2. The Brand Was Almost Called ‘Zorba’

The name “Zara” was reportedly a last-minute switch. Ortega initially planned to name the brand “Zorba” after the film Zorba the Greek, but upon discovering a bar with the same name nearby, he altered it to “Zara.” The name stuck—and made history.

3. From Galicia to Global, A Local Start

Before its global expansion, Zara scaled carefully across Galicia and Spain throughout the late ’70s and early ’80s, setting up stores in prime city locations and building a vertically integrated supply chain. By 1985, the formation of Inditex (Industria de Diseño Textil) as a holding company gave structure to its growing fashion empire.

4. Agility by Design: Zara’s Distribution Gamechanger

In 1984, Zara opened a cutting-edge logistics center in Arteixo, Spain. Designed for speed and flexibility, the system still serves as the brand’s backbone, enabling bi-weekly deliveries to stores and swift design-to-store execution, often in under three weeks—a model that disrupted the industry.

5. International Debut in Portugal and Beyond

Zara’s first international store opened in Porto, Portugal in 1988. This was followed by entries into major fashion capitals: New York (1989), Paris (1990), and Mexico City (1992). By the year 2000, Zara had stores in 21 new global markets, including the UK, Japan, UAE, Brazil, and Canada.

6. The Birth of the Inditex Empire

Zara was the launchpad for Inditex’s multi-brand strategy. Pull&Bear and Massimo Dutti joined the portfolio in 1991, followed by Bershka (1998), Stradivarius (1999), Oysho (2001), and Zara Home (2003). In 2001, Inditex went public on the Madrid Stock Exchange with an initial valuation of €9 billion.

7. Pioneering the Store-Online Integration

Zara launched its e-commerce site in 2010, initially in 16 European markets. Since then, the company has scaled to 214 online markets as of 2025. Zara’s integrated store and online platform enables customers to browse, check inventory, buy online, and pick up in-store—often within two hours.

8. Zacaffè: Fashion Meets Lifestyle

Recent flagship stores, including those in Madrid, Paris, Kuwait, and Nanjing, feature Zacaffè, a lifestyle café concept launched by Zara to elevate the in-store experience and encourage dwell time—a rare move in fast fashion.

9. A Global Network Rooted in Local Sourcing

Zara sources heavily from clusters near its base in Spain, including Portugal, Morocco, and Türkiye. This proximity allows for rapid turnarounds and better quality control, reinforcing its hallmark of just-in-time production.

10. Zara’s Sustainability Leap

Sustainability is now core to Zara’s operations. In 2024, 73% of its textiles came from lower-impact fibers, including recycled materials and organic cotton. Zara has introduced standout sustainable collections like Circ x Zara and even collaborated with BASF to produce a jacket made from 100% recycled polyamide.

11. Design Powerhouse

Zara’s in-house design team of 300+ professionals, organized by product families, analyzes real-time sales data to tweak collections weekly. Its model allows for continuous evolution, unlike seasonal drop-based approaches.

12. Creative Collaborations That Spark Conversation

Zara has quietly built a strong reputation for limited-edition designer collaborations, from Narciso Rodríguez and Ader Error to recent tie-ups with Kate Moss, Stefano Pilati, and Samuel Ross’s SR_A. In 2024, Zara launched livestream fashion events featuring icons Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber for the Chinese market.

From a small store in Spain to a global retail juggernaut with over 97 physical markets and 214 online markets, Zara’s journey reflects constant reinvention, fast adaptation, and customer obsession. As it celebrates 50 years, the brand continues to redefine what it means to be a global fashion leader—quietly but confidently.

The bold and ambitious retail brand for a young audience has brought all of its product lines to India – BERSHKA; BSK Teen – for 10-12 years old, a collection which is curious, social, natural, playful and imaginative. This line is deeply embedded in digital culture, especially through platforms like Tik Tok or YouTube; and BERSHKA Women & Men – collections that feel culturally relevant, whether through music, social media or activism and aimed at an audience which is empowered, confident and real.

Approach to Store Design

Bershka’s maiden India store at one of the country’s foremost shopping centres, Phoenix Palladium, Mumbai, features the brand’s latest image, redefining the retail space by giving unique prominence to the services offered and enhancing product display. This approach results in a fluid and attractive shopping experience, allowing customers to interact with the environment intuitively and efficiently.

The store has 472m² of retail space, characterised by its regular shape, which is interrupted by significant structural elements that introduce dynamism into the customer journey. These elements integrate with both perimeter and central furniture, establishing a dialogue between architecture and interior design. Additionally, the furniture arrangement responds to a commercial strategy that optimises product display and improves in-store navigation, offering very specific product messages.

The store consists of physical checkouts and self-checkout drop-off points, which, along with the fitting rooms, structure the user’s journey within the retail space. These
areas have been carefully measured within the natural flow of circulation, allowing visitors to enjoy an organic and efficient shopping experience.

One of the most notable aspects is the façade. With an imposing height of 10 metres, it is an iconic and recognizable element. Its finish in a square steel panel establishes an
aesthetic and material link with the interior finishes.

In terms of materials, a neutral palette has been maintained, reinforcing the brand’s globally projected image. Stone and steel cabinets provide robustness and durability, while fitting rooms lined with white tiles evoke a sense of cleanliness and spaciousness.

Through a combination of architectural design, spatial distribution, and material selection, the store is an innovative and sophisticated space that redefines the traditional shopping concept.

The E-Commerce Push

The brand has also launched its online commerce simultaneously to offer new customers a complete shopping experience. Its website, BERSHKA.COM offers a wide range of products from all the brand’s lines.

Shipping costs are ₹290.00, with free shipping for orders over ₹2,990 for non-discounted
items only and all orders with in-store pick-up. Additionally, users will receive 2% cashback on each physical or online purchase and 4% cashback on their first purchase through the brand’s app.

Their loyalty program, BERSHKA MMBRS also offers birthday gifts, early access to new releases, participation in exclusive giveaways, and invitations to special events, among other benefits.

About Bershka & Inditex

Bershka belongs to the Inditex Group, a global fashion company. Inditex also owns Zara,
Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Stradivarius, Oysho and Zara Home.

With a business model focused on constant innovation and customer service, Inditex operates an integrated platform of physical and online stores in over 200 markets and is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2040.

Inditex currently has 26 stores in India, including the new Bershka store. Zara, Massimo Dutti and Bershka also have their own online platforms in the country.

The store features the latest technological innovations from Zara’s integrated online and physical store platform. Its facade is built as per the updated Zara design concept, with the Infinity Stone texture finish and brushed stainless steel portal ceilings. 

The interior is predominantly white, clean, and neutral with hints of colour and warmth from wooden fixtures and the natural tones of the textiles. The space encompasses the Women’s, Men’s, and Kids’ sections offering products that elevate everyday living and inspire new avenues of self-expression. This store has a new ‘boutique’  space for Zara’s baby collection.

This store has internal wall surfaces which are combinations of plain and textured white surfaces with wooden paneling for payment areas in kids and men sections. There are 13 self-checkout counters in all the sections combined, along with 6 normal cash counters.  

Some of the services include: 

•  Self-checkout with the cash option 
• Fitting room reservation  
• In-store pick-up (order online and pick up in two hours) 
• Check store availability  
• Location of product on the floor (through the Zara app) 
• Dedicated return counters for both online and store purchases  
• Smart fitting rooms (Women and Men sections) 

Sustainability

As part of Zara’s commitment to efficient store design, construction and management, the store has advanced energy-efficiency systems available.  

The measures taken to reduce environmental impact include efficient heating and cooling systems, energy-saving LED lighting and the use of lower-impact materials.  

The store is connected to Inditex’s internal Inergy platform, which monitors the efficient consumption of the  store’s air conditioning and electricity installations to enhance their management, identify the most efficient  systems, improve maintenance and help define strategies to reduce energy demand.  

Zara works continuously to reduce the environmental impact of its teams’ daily decision-making thanks to its  holistic vision roadmap and milestones for the whole value chain. It also develops reuse and recycling programs  to promote the circular economy and to reduce waste and the first-time consumption of raw materials.  

About the Brand 

Zara is part of the Inditex Group, a global fashion company, together with Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka,  Stradivarius, Oysho and Zara Home. With a business model focused on constant innovation and customer  service, Inditex operates an integrated platform of physical and online stores in over 200 markets and is  committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2040. 

The store’s interior features a clean, neutral design with warm accents from wooden furniture and textiles. It houses the Women’s, Men’s, and Kids’ collections across two floors, connected by escalators and a lift. The Women’s and Kids’ sections are located on the ground floor, while the Men’s section occupies the first floor, which also includes a dedicated shoe display area.

Zara’s latest concept for larger stores is implemented at this location, incorporating technology to offer a seamless experience integrated with the brand’s online platform. Key features include fitting room reservations via the Zara app, a special area for online order collection, and the ability to search for items online and have them available in-store within two hours. The store also includes three self-checkout areas.

In line with Zara’s commitment to sustainability, the store has been designed to reduce energy and water usage compared to conventional retail spaces. The store is connected to a centralised system that controls lighting, heating, and air conditioning to optimise energy consumption and minimise CO2 emissions. Additionally, all wood and paper products used in the store, including bags and labels, carry PEFC or FSC certifications, ensuring sustainable sourcing.

Zara and its parent company, Inditex, are committed to reducing environmental impact through a holistic approach that spans the entire value chain. The group is also focused on reuse and recycling programs to promote a circular economy and reduce waste, to achieve climate neutrality by 2040.

The newly launched store embodies Inditex and Zara’s commitment to providing customers with a cutting-edge fashion experience within a spacious, innovative, and sustainable environment. The three-floor space seamlessly integrates Women’s, Men’s & Kid’s collections, connected through escalators and lifts. The women’s section spans the ground and part of the first floor, while the second floor is dedicated to the men’s collection.

Zara’s Palladium Ahmedabad store introduces the brand’s latest concept for larger outlets, incorporating state-of-the-art technological tools to enhance the customer experience, seamlessly blending physical and online platforms. Notable features include a fitting room reservation service, a designated area for online order collection, online item search within the store, order and collect within 2 hours, and two self-checkout areas.

Aligned with Zara’s commitment to sustainable practices, the store has been meticulously designed, constructed, and managed to minimize energy and water consumption compared to traditional retail spaces. The store is integrated into a centralized system, enabling dynamic control of lighting, heating, and air conditioning to optimize energy usage and reduce CO2 emissions.

Moreover, the store’s use of wood and paper products, including bags and labels, adheres to sustainability standards with PEFC or FSC seals, ensuring responsible forest-sourced materials management.

Zara’s dedication to environmental responsibility extends beyond store operations, with a holistic vision roadmap across the value chain. The brand actively pursues reuse and recycling programs, supporting the circular economy, waste reduction, and minimizing first-time consumption of raw materials. Zara and its parent company, Inditex, aim to achieve climate neutrality by 2040.

Zara, a flagship brand of the Inditex Group, stands alongside other global fashion labels like Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, and Zara Home. With a business model centered on innovation and customer service, Inditex operates an integrated platform of physical and online stores in over 200 markets. The company is steadfast in its commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2040, with a current total of 23 Zara stores in India, including the newly inaugurated Ahmedabad outlet.

This week, IMAGES Business of Fashion delves into the extraordinary life and achievements of Bobby Arora, Director & co-founder of Status Quo.

Education
Bobby Arora, Director and co-founder of Status Quo, holds a Bachelors of Commerce (B.Com) degree from Narsee Monjee College, Mumbai, underscoring his commitment to excellence in the field.

Career History and Experience
Arora embarked on a remarkable career trajectory. Beginning with ownership and management of a multi-brand apparel retail store at the age of 20, his journey has evolved into steering a thriving fashion clothing brand in India 25 years later. This trajectory underscores not only the challenges he has navigated but also the profound fulfillment derived from his impactful career in the dynamic realm of fashion.

Role and Responsibilities
As the creative mastermind behind the brand, Arora plays a critical role in decision-making, spanning from design and sales to marketing and overall business development. His influence permeates every aspect of the brand’s operations, ensuring a cohesive blend of creative vision and strategic growth.

Strengths

• Inclusivity and Teamwork: Actively seeking diverse opinions, he values team collaboration for critical growth.
• Innovative Thinking: Adapting international trends for Indian consumers, Bobby’s innovation extends to both design and modern retail strategies.
• Knowledge Seeker: Embracing a perpetual learning mindset, he recognizes the importance of staying informed in an ever-changing industry.

Weaknesses
Arora recognizes two key areas for improvement:

• Delegation Challenges: He finds it difficult to let go of certain tasks and delegate them to his team.
• Time Management Struggles: Juggling active roles in various organizational departments makes time management a critical challenge for Arora.

Aspirations in Life
Arora aspires to elevate his brand, aiming for it to transcend borders and emerge as a distinguished global Indian fashion apparel brand.

Game-Changing Retail Technologies
According to Arora, pivotal trends in retail underscore the enduring impact of e-commerce and omnichannel strategies. The rise of Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Fashion has not only accelerated growth but also intensified competition in the digitally-driven retail landscape. Recognizing the preferences of Gen Z and millennials, who are increasingly drawn to online channels, Arora highlights the transformative potential of AI-driven technologies such as Geo-Fencing, Smart Shopping Mirrors, and Visual Searches. These innovations empower brands with enhanced customer data access, facilitating meaningful engagement and fostering improved brand loyalty.

Skills That Helped Him Succeed
Arora’s success in the industry is attributed to:

• Consistency: Emphasizing the value of persistence and discipline for long-term impact.
• Adaptability: Recognizing the need to adapt to evolving fashion trends for continued success.
• Ethical Business Approach: Believing in mutually beneficial partnerships, rejecting a zero-sum game mentality.

Lessons Learned Over the Years
Arora’s seasoned wisdom imparts crucial lessons: be an attentive listener and embrace feedback, stay attuned to dynamic trends, foster a relentless pursuit of knowledge, and seize every opportunity for growth.

Future of the Industry
Arora envisions a shifting dynamic in the fashion industry, noting a transition from addressing customer ‘needs’ to fulfilling their ‘wants.’ The sector is poised for continuous growth amid new market entrants and evolving consumer preferences. While online commerce is entrenched, the sustained viability of the pure online model is questioned due to aggressive markdowns. Arora sees the future favoring brands embracing an omnichannel approach, particularly for those rooted in traditional offline retailing. This strategic shift is deemed essential for navigating the evolving landscape of consumer demands and market dynamics.

Role Model in the Industry
Arora draws inspiration from Amancio Ortega, the visionary founder of the Inditex group.

Life Mantra
Arora’s life mantra encapsulates a powerful philosophy: continually push oneself forward without dwelling on the past. He firmly believes that discipline and unwavering commitment are the cornerstones of enduring success. Arora advocates authenticity, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself, maintaining honesty in relationships with others, in business, and, most importantly, with oneself.

According to Trent’s annual report, Inditex Trent Retail India Private Ltd – a JV with Tata which is engaged in the operation of Zara stores in India – Zara India witnessed revenue increase to Rs 2,562.5 crore for FY 2023.

The report states that Zara India’s profit was also up 77.66 per cent to Rs. 264.30 crore for the financial year ended on 31st March 2023. Zara, which competes with the likes of other foreign brands such as H&M and UNIQLO in India, operates 20 stores across 11 cities.

Meanwhile, Zara reopened its store at Phoenix Palladium Mall, Mumbai, in a new avatar, the brand announced in a press release. Read all about it here

The new store features the latest technological innovations from Zara’s integrated online and physical store platform. It reflects Inditex and Zara’s current strategy of opening stores in a bigger format that is equipped with efficient technological tools for customer experience.

New spaces called ‘boutique’ areas have been created for two verticals – Beauty as well the Zara Origins in the men’s section. This will be the first store not only in Mumbai but also in the western region of India to house these sections.

The space integrates the women’s, men’s, and kids’ collections across three floors – lower ground, ground, and the first floor. It displays the entire beauty range and offers the customers a chance to experience the products before buying. These spaces mimic ‘concept’ spaces and appear like ‘mini boutiques’ with special furniture and designs for the products on display.

Some of the services integrated with the brand’s app include a fitting room reservation service, the ability to search online for items in the store, order and collect them within two hours, and check available stock. The store also boasts an advanced self-checkout area and a special area for collecting online orders.

The store claims to have advanced eco-efficiency systems including efficient heating and cooling systems, energy-saving LED lighting, and the use of more environmentally friendly materials.

At the store, Zara has debuted its first comprehensive beauty collection, with an ambition to create an inclusive collection of products for all — regardless of skin colour, gender, age, or personal style.

The store also includes the concept of Zara Origins, which is a project focused on building a contemporary wardrobe. The aim is to conceive, create and offer garments, which are newly refined archetypes of their kind.

Zara is part of the Inditex Group, a global fashion company, together with Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho and Zara Home. With a business model focused on constant innovation and customer service, Inditex operates an integrated platform of physical and online stores in over 200 markets and is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2040. Inditex currently has 25 stores in India and of that 22 stores belong to Zara.