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.

Nykaa will manage Kiehl’s existing and upcoming exclusive brand outlets, the brand’s India D2C platform Kiehl’s.in, its entire digital ecosystem and multi-brand retail distribution. Anchored in Nykaa’s omnichannel ecosystem, Kiehl’s will have access to Nykaa’s 42 mn+ beauty consumer base, with presence across Nykaa’s nationwide retail network and its market-leading digital platforms. The partnership also enables faster, more seamless fulfilment through Nykaa Now in select cities, strengthening last-mile reach for premium skincare consumers. Together, these capabilities position Kiehl’s to scale meaningfully in India, reinforcing its authority in science-led luxury skincare while building long-term brand equity and leadership in the market.

This represents a strategic deepening of Nykaa’s decade-long partnership with L’Oréal and is a testament to the deep trust that global partners place in Nykaa’s capabilities. Nykaa along with L’Oréal have been instrumental in shaping India’s beauty landscape. From introducing globally iconic brands to building new categories and consumer habits, the partnership reflects a shared conviction in India’s long-term structural beauty opportunity.

India is among the fastest-growing beauty and personal care markets globally, representing a $40–45 billion opportunity by 2030. As consumers increasingly adopt more sophisticated, regimen-led routines, luxury beauty continues to accelerate, with substantial headroom for long-term, sustainable growth.

On the announcement, Anchit Nayar, Executive Director & CEO, Nykaa Beauty, said, “Nykaa and L’Oréal India have built a strong partnership over the past decade, grounded in execution, trust, and a shared vision. Together, we’ve played a meaningful role in establishing a foundation of a robust beauty ecosystem in India and this integration allows us to go much further, applying our combined strengths to take India to its next logical step in its beauty journey. As India enters a pivotal phase in its beauty journey, Nykaa and L’Oréal are aligned not just on growth, but on shaping the market itself, and we’re deeply committed to building the next chapter together for the benefit of our customers.”

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Nykaa through an exclusive distribution partnership for Kiehl’s in India, to bring our iconic formulas to a larger audience. This partnership allows us to integrate Kiehl’s seamlessly into India’s largest beauty discovery platform while continuing to deliver the ultimate in skincare education, consultation and service in our boutiques and on our DTC platform. This will deepen our engagement with skincare enthusiasts and further solidify our position in the luxury category,” said, Shreshta Jana, General Manager L’Oréal Luxe, L’Oréal India.

The L’Oréal Luxe division in India operates across three categories in luxury beauty – skincare, makeup, and fragrances, featuring iconic brands such as Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent, Kiehl’s distributed by L’Oreal India, as well as other iconic brands such as Armani, Prada, Valentino, Maison Margiela, Urban Decay, IT Cosmetics and Youth to the People by L’Oréal Groupe. During the transition, Kiehl’s stores and consumer touchpoints will continue to operate as usual, ensuring continuity for customers and partners.

Founded in 1851 as a New York apothecary, Kiehl’s Since 1851 combines pharmaceutical, herbal, and medicinal expertise to deliver skincare that is both efficacious and sensorial. Known for its community-first approach, personalised consultations, and commitment to sustainability, Kiehl’s continues to create meaningful, educational, and joyful skincare experiences for customers worldwide. In India, Kiehl’s has built a strong presence with immersive in-store experiences, local collaborations, and its customer-centric “Healthy Skin” philosophy.

The agreement sets out the framework, implementation and guidance of the ‘PRADA Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals’ project, which will celebrate Indian craftsmanship through a limited-edition collection of sandals. These will be manufactured in India in collaboration with skilled artisans from the Maharashtra and Karnataka regions, where the traditional Kolhapuri Chappals are handcrafted. Combining traditional techniques with Prada’s contemporary design and premium materials, the collection creates a unique dialogue between Indian heritage and modern luxury expression.

The traditional Kolhapuri Chappals are manufactured across eight districts: four in Maharashtra (Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur) and four in Karnataka (Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Bijapur). In 2019, Kolhapuri Chappals were granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, safeguarding their authenticity and highlighting their cultural significance.

Prerna Deshbhratar, I.A.S., Managing Director, LIDCOM commented, “The project is a result of a sustained dialogue and a shared commitment to honour generations of artisans who have preserved this traditional craft. The collaboration with Prada reflects an ethical partnership where a global brand works directly with artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka, recognising their expertise and giving them full credit. The Government of Maharashtra through LIDCOM is happy to support this initiative which highlights India’s vision of taking its rich cultural heritage to global platforms while celebrating the authenticity and legacy of Kolhapuri chappals.”

Dr. K.M. Vasundhara, Managing Director, LIDKAR, declared, “The heritage of Kolhapuri Chappals represents centuries of skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations of artisans across Karnataka and Maharashtra. Preserving this GI-tagged craft and appreciating our artisans is vital to protecting this cultural, traditional and economic legacy. Our collaboration with Prada opens new global opportunities for Karnataka’s artisans through LIDKAR, safeguarding tradition while empowering communities through training, job opportunities and sustainable livelihoods. We are proud to join hands with Prada in taking Indian craftsmanship to the global platform.”

This initiative is a new chapter in the “Made In…” project, which was launched by Prada over a decade ago to celebrate artisanal excellence globally. It aims to identify and collaborate with master craftspeople on contemporary, innovative designs that embody an unparalleled standard of quality transcending geographical boundaries. 

Through this initiative, Prada Group, in collaboration with LIDCOM and LIDKAR, will define and implement locally training programs aimed at helping artisans upscale their skills while preserving the traditional craftsmanship that inspired the project, following the model of the Prada Group Academy. The aim is to foster the exchange of skills and knowledge, ensuring that these techniques continue to thrive, while creating learning opportunities for young people within local communities.

Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, commented, “Our collaboration with LIDCOM and LIDKAR stems from a meaningful cultural exchange, where every voice contributed to creating not just a product, but a broader initiative. We are proud to announce the launch of this collection, and we are committed to develop training programs supporting Indian artisans and ensuring that their exceptional craftsmanship secures its place in today’s evolving industry.”

The collection will debut globally in February 2026 across 40 select Prada stores and on Prada’s official e-commerce platform.

The transaction follows a definitive agreement signed in April to purchase Versace from U.S.-based Capri Holdings. Capri’s earlier plan to sell itself to Tapestry collapsed over antitrust concerns, creating an opportunity for Prada to accelerate talks, Reuters reported.

Lorenzo Bertelli — son of Prada owners Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli — is set to take over as executive chairman of Versace once the integration is completed. He told Reuters in November that Prada’s interest in Versace dates back several years, with early discussions taking place even before Capri opened talks with Tapestry.

“There had already been contacts during the COVID period… When that deal fell through over antitrust issues, we came back and tried to speed things up,” Bertelli said, noting that the acquisition had “been in the works for a long time.”

Founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace and known for its bold, glamorous aesthetic, the Milan-based label now joins Prada’s portfolio alongside its flagship brand and the rapidly growing Miu Miu — signalling a strategic expansion for the group.

Reports indicate Bertelli championed the acquisition, viewing Versace as a strong global brand that met Prada’s financial and strategic benchmarks.

The leadership transition at Versace was already underway before the sale. Donatella Versace stepped down as creative chief earlier this year after nearly three decades at the helm and was succeeded by Dario Vitale, previously design director at Miu Miu.

Strategic Implications

This acquisition strengthens Prada’s position in the luxury fashion sector, allowing it to compete more effectively with French conglomerates like LVMH and Kering. ​

While Prada is known for its minimalist and intellectual designs, Versace brings a bold and glamorous aesthetic. The merger aims to leverage the strengths of both brands while maintaining their unique identities. ​

Prada reported a 17% increase in revenue in 2024, driven by strong sales from its Miu Miu line. In contrast, Versace faced a 15% decline in sales during the same period, as reported by ​The Guardian.

Industry Impact

This acquisition marks a significant consolidation in the luxury fashion industry, bringing Versace back under Italian ownership.

It reflects a strategic move by Prada to expand its brand portfolio and enhance its global competitiveness. The merger is anticipated to influence market dynamics and consumer preferences in the high-end fashion segment.

Luxury Beauty Comes to Chennai

Nykaa Luxe showcases top-tier brands across makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrances. Some of the brand available at Nykaa Luxe Chennai include Charlotte Tilbury, Huda Beauty, Nykaa Cosmetics, Kay Beauty, Urban Decay, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Lancôme, Murad, Obagi, Caudalie, Armani, Prada, Carolina Herrera, Rabanne, and GHD.

A High-End Beauty Experience

Key features of Nykaa Luxe at Express Avenue Mall include:

• Immersive Brand Zones: Dedicated spaces for brand storytelling.
• Expert Beauty Services: Consultations and makeovers with Nykaa Pro Artists.
• Luxury Gifting: Customized gift sets, engraving, and bespoke packaging.

Expanding the Luxe Presence

With its seamless blend of online and offline retail, Nykaa continues to redefine beauty shopping in India. The Chennai Luxe store reinforces its commitment to making luxury beauty more accessible nationwide.

This rapid evolution of the AI has in particular come as a boon for the fashion industry, a place where the biggest challenge has always been not just to understand the consumer psyche but also anticipate what they would desire next.

French luxury fashion houses Louis Vuitton (LVMH) and Christian Dior jumped onto the AI bandwagon as early as 2021, setting their sights on wealthy customers to give them a personalised experience while shopping online.

“This will help them understand the consumer better,” said Google Cloud CEO, Thomas Kurian after clinching the deal to tap its artificial intelligence to power up the fashion houses.

It was the pandemic that made the shopper, who in those distressing times was left with no choice, to switch aggressively to online platforms, and in the process became accustomed to buying even high-end products without seeing or touching them in a store. Personal luxury-goods market saw a return to profit during the pandemic, when most other sectors were struggling, largely due to a boost in online demand, says a report by Bain & Co. The share of online buys almost doubled to 23% in 2020 (when pandemic had reared its ugly head) from 12% the year before. The consultancy estimates the same to represent 30% of the market by 2025.

Over the next four years, generative AI has the potential to add up to $275 billion in operating profits for the apparel, fashion and luxury sectors, says an analysis by global management consultancy McKinsey.

Apart from Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, the big players in the industry which scripted fashion’s next chapter by channelising the AI are Gucci, Prada, Valentino, H&M, not to forget Levi’s.

Gucci stepped into the world of AI in collaboration with Christie’s. Their digital artists blended fashion, art and technology – a first of its kind – and created artworks using generative AI. These artworks were then put up for sale, and to everyone’s surprise fetched between $1,800 to $417,000 apiece. The creation made headlines across the world and generated never-seen-before consumer response. Here, the power of AI in fashion industry took its first step.

Prada powered it up further with the launch of an AI-generated campaign for its Prada Paradoxe fragrance range. And the luxury house didn’t stop there. It launched a collection of makeup products that had shades of foundation generated by AI, soon to hit the right cord with the shopper. With this, the fashion giant set an example of how the technology can captivate and increase the retention time of the shopper on the floor.

Valentino took the AI game to another game-changing level by amalgamating the human and the machine. It launched its ‘Essentials’ line accompanied by a campaign which was shot entirely using AI. Each image in the campaign was clicked using the text-to-image system with written prompts. Again, the made headlines globally.

Pushing it further, H&M opened a new frontier in the fashion industry where shoppers played the designer through its new AI platform. The shoppers expressed their design requirements through written prompts, and the fashion house later printed it onto fabrics, turning fiction into reality. The shopper just visualises, and the product is ready.

Levi’s is in fact beating all its peers in the fashion industry in the adoption of AI. The company plans to add a diverse range of new fashion models to its lineup using AI. The models that you would see donning a Levi’s, may soon well be AI-generated ones. The company says the move would increase diversity.

AI is not only helping the fashion powerhouses make targeted products but also playing the soothsayer by predicting future demand trends. And all this at a voice command, thanks to the AI algorithms that can process and optimise abysmal amounts of data, including videos, from social media, e-platforms and fashion events.

The AI has also made the job of the creative designer simpler and streamlined. They can now feed the mammoth data collected by the AI back to the AI along with their inputs on fabrics, colours and patterns; and the AI throws up an array of designs they can choose from. Rightly said in the context by YouTube chief executive officer Neal Mohan: “For the year 2024, AI should empower human creativity, not replace it. And everyone should have access to AI tools that will push the boundaries of creative expression.”

Supply chain management is another facet that is revitalising the entire fashion industry. AI platforms are capable of sifting through historical inventory levels and sales performance. This is helping businesses make well-informed decisions about what to stock and when, saving their time and cost.

Topping it all, the fathomless data processed by AI is making the fashion industry players understand and do away with the redundant. They now know what just won’t click with the shoppers, courtesy AI.

India is among the top 10 countries when we speak of tech advancements and funding in AI, according to The Brookings Institutions. However, the index on AI adaptability, according to Nasscom, the leading voice for the $245 billion technology industry in India, places India at 2.45 out of 4. This well implies that India is just getting introduced to AI.

“I think the economic data I’ve seen is if the Indian economy is going to be $5 trillion, the AI-driven part of it could be something like maybe 10% of it, maybe $500 billion of it,” said Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella in a recent interview to Network 18.

Given the population, and the data that tags along with it, the innovations and the funding that’s been happening in AI, India taking the helm of AI on a global stage is no doubt insinuated in a not-so-far future.

The Impact of Social Media on Consumer Behavior:

An article by business news website, entrepreneur.com reveals the profound impact of social media on consumer behavior:

Discovery of New Businesses: A significant 55% of consumers learn about new businesses through social media. This figure underscores the importance of establishing a strong online presence for brands looking to expand their reach.

Conversion Rates: A staggering 90% of shoppers are more likely to buy from brands they follow on social media. This statistic highlights the conversion potential that social media marketing offers to businesses.

Product Recommendations: Approximately 40% of buyers actively seek recommendations for products via social media. Social platforms are increasingly serving as hubs for customer reviews, testimonials, and product suggestions.

We delved into some successful social media campaigns by international fashion brands that highlighted the influence of social media on consumer behavior, and explored 5 iconic fashion brand campaigns that exemplify the power of social media marketing.

DKNY’s #DKNYStateofMind Campaign:

DKNY introduced the State of Mind campaign featuring limited edition hoodies in a video teaser on Instagram with the hashtag #DKNYSTATEOFMIND. They extended their offline promotion with hidden messages in New York and London, even projecting them onto landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge.

The campaign involved creative, passionate, New York-based influencers, each wearing custom-made #DKNYSTATEOFMIND hoodies with inspiring phrases. WATCH VIDEO HERE

Why it Worked:

– Micro-influencers from diverse backgrounds effectively reached the target audience.

– User-generated content mirrored the campaign style.

– Results: #DKNYStateOfMind garnered 100.7 million impressions with only 400 posts, boosting brand awareness and hoodie sales.

Prada’s Milan Fashion Week Success with TikTok Influencer

Prada teamed up with Charli D’Amelio, a TikTok sensation with 101.8 million followers, for Milan Fashion Week. Charli created 6-7 videos of herself dancing in Prada outfits, sharing them with her massive following. This collaboration exposed Prada to a younger, larger audience, boosting brand awareness and potentially driving sales. WATCH VIDEO HERE

Why it Worked:

– Utilized TikTok and a popular influencer to reach a younger demographic effectively.

– Charli promoted Prada authentically through her signature dance videos.

– Videos gained around 74 million views, leaving a strong impression on TikTok’s predominantly teenage female users.

Louis Vuitton’s #LVGifts Holiday Campaign

Louis Vuitton created a captivating holiday video featuring brand ambassador Alicia Vikander. Promoted on Instagram and the brand’s website, the campaign portrayed LV products as luxurious gift options. A visually-stunning video captured the essence of holiday joy, highlighting travel and gift-giving. WATCH VIDEO HERE

Why it Worked:

– Alicia Vikander’s partnership brought star power and resonance with a strong, accomplished woman.

– The campaign generated 4.4 million impressions and inspired 2.7K user-generated posts in under a month, enhancing brand visibility and driving engagement.

Michael Kors #WatchHungerStop: Fashion for a Cause

Michael Kors partnered with the World Food Programme, focusing on providing school meals to children affected by the pandemic. Colorful Instagram graphics and LOVE t-shirts were used to promote the cause, and all t-shirt proceeds went to WFP. WATCH VIDEO HERE

Why it Worked:

– Cause marketing, aligning with a charity’s values, boosts brand trust and loyalty.

– Michael Kors featured its employees, showcasing genuine commitment to the cause.

– The campaign resulted in 3.7K posts, mainly user-generated, reaching 894.5K impressions, demonstrating its success in raising awareness.

Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2: The Ultimate Sensation

The Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2 took Amazon Prime by storm by building anticipation through social media teasers and a star-studded trailer, featuring celebrities like Bad Bunny, Rosalia, and Lizzo. WATCH VIDEO HERE

Why It Worked:

– Created a month-long buzz with over 14,000 posts leading up to the show.

– Millions of impressions in a single day when it finally streamed.

– Showcased individual products using clips and images, offering direct purchase options.

What Made It Savage:

– Embraced diverse beauty and sexuality, challenging old lingerie norms.

– Celebrated unique sexual expressions and body positivity.

– Praised for casting influential figures of all genders, body types, and backgrounds.

– The #SavageXFentyShow hashtag trended on social media, exceeding all expectations and leaving a lasting impression.

Conclusion:

In a world where trends change rapidly, staying relevant is key. Social media marketing has emerged as the primary strategy for fashion brands looking to capture the attention of their audience and foster brand loyalty.

So, if you haven’t already invested in social media marketing for your brand, it might be time to reconsider your strategy and take advantage of this powerful tool for growth.

With a vision to capitalize on the upcoming, festive, gifting and wedding season, Shoppers Stop is prepared to treat its customers and guarantee an amazing shopping experience with ideal beauty essentials and fashion must-haves. 

Located at the Phoenix Mall of Millennium, a prime destination in Pune, the new store showcases an elegant interior that reflects the brand’s commitment to style and sophistication. With thoughtfully designed decor, Shoppers Stop creates a comfortable and luxurious shopping environment.

Customers may enjoy the full Shoppers Stop experience in Pune, including access to the Personal Shoppers Lounge and fit and sizing assistance from Personal Shoppers in-store.

Mr. Kavindra Mishra, Executive Director and CEO of Shoppers Stop said, “We are excited to introduce a new retail chapter in Pune with the launch of our new Shoppers Stop store. Just as Shoppers Stop aims to connect with local communities, our dedicated team envisions empowering our customers to explore their unique styles and aspirations.” 

Shoppers Stop has constantly evolved to serve the rapidly growing retail industry in India. Shoppers Stop store retails over 500 of the finest international, national, and exclusive brands spread across multiple categories all under one roof. A diverse selection of exclusive Private Brand collections, each tailored to resonate with your distinctive style preferences. First Citizen Club, Shoppers Stop’s premium membership program strives to nurture enduring customer loyalty, offering you entry into a world of exclusive benefits. The Pune store will offer beauty masterclasses, make-over services, skincare consultation, fragrance discovery stations, gifting, and personalization services. 

Fashion enthusiasts can look forward to exploring a curated selection of well-known brands, including Jack & Jones, Levi’s, Only, Vero Moda, W, Biba, UCB, Prada, Lancome, Colorbar, Mamaearth, Faces, Canada, Guess, Cerruti 1881, DW, Emporio Armani, and CK. Notably, the store introduces a range of international brands for the first time, expanding the choices available to shoppers.

Shoppers Stop has reinforced its commitment to giving customers an exceptional experience with the opening of its new outlet. So, visit the brand-new Shoppers Stop at Phoenix Mall of Millennium Pune to shop!

About Shoppers Stop Limited

Shoppers Stop Ltd. is the nation’s leading premier retailer of fashion and beauty brands, established in 1991. Spread across 101 department stores in 52 cities, the Company also operates 7 premium home concept stores under the name HomeStop, 89 Specialty Beauty stores of M.A.C, Estée Lauder, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Jo Malone, Too Faced, SSBeauty, and 22 Airport doors, 5 INTUNE Stores occupying an area of 3.9 M sq. ft. 

Shoppers Stop is home to one of the country’s longest-running and most coveted loyalty programs ‘First Citizen’. The Company’s one-of-a-kind shopping assistance service, ‘Personal Shopper’ is revolutionizing the way Indians shop, bringing more value, comfort, and convenience to customer experiences. The brand’s diversified Omni channel offers over 800+ recognized and trusted brands across an incomparable range of products that together serve our overarching objective of delivering customer delight.