21 Aug 2025

At Ficci's MASSMERIZE 2025, Reliance Retail President Ravi Gandhi called for reforms to India's outdated licensing framework for organised retail. He said the current store-by-store licensing model creates repetitive paperwork, delays, and slows expansion. Instead, Gandhi proposed a shift to entity-based unified licensing, where one license could cover multiple outlets under a company, simplifying compliance and improving ease of business. He also suggested moving inspections to after license approval, enabling faster store openings without reducing oversight. With organised retail expanding rapidly to meet evolving consumer demand, Gandhi stressed that modernising regulations is essential to support growth and efficiency in the sector.Read more

19 Aug 2025

The Delhi Development Authority has rolled out its revamped Special Licence Property framework, with Fleur Hotels, a subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels, securing the first project under this scheme. The company won the rights to develop a five-star hotel on a two-acre site in Nehru Place with an annual licence fee of INR 27.19 crore, significantly higher than the base rate. The 55-year contract is projected to generate INR 10,000 crore in revenue, while Aurika, the planned luxury property, will feature over 500 rooms and expansive facilities.Read more

18 Aug 2025

IKEA India has opened its first store in Delhi, a 15,000 sq ft city-format outlet at Pacific Mall in West Delhi. The launch, which features 2,000 home furnishing products and a Swedish café, marks a significant step in the company's expansion across North India. This new store is part of IKEA's "One Click, 30 Minutes Away" strategy, which aims to combine physical accessibility with online convenience. The company plans to open more stores in the Delhi-NCR region, with two larger-format stores already under construction in Gurgaon and Noida.Read more

18 Aug 2025

Miraj Cinemas, India's third-largest multiplex chain, expanded its Delhi NCR footprint with the opening of a new four-screen multiplex at KLJ Square Mall in Gurugram. The launch coincided with the release of War 2, adding to the excitement among cinema-goers. Designed with elegant interiors, gourmet food offerings, and state-of-the-art projection and sound systems, the property reflects Miraj's strategy of combining premium experiences with cutting-edge technology to attract audiences across metros and regional markets.Read more

14 Aug 2025

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) posted a larger consolidated net loss of INR 233.73 crore in the latest quarter, compared to INR 214.92 crore in the same period last year. Revenue from operations inched up to INR 1,831.46 crore from INR 1,674.22 crore, but higher expenses weighed on earnings. Pantaloons' revenue slipped marginally, while the Ethnic & Others segment saw a sharper drop. During the quarter, the company completed the demerger of its Madura business into a new listed entity, Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited, housing its key lifestyle and sportswear brands.Read more

14 Aug 2025

Brigade Hotel Ventures Ltd. has signed a pact with Marriott International, Inc. to manage six new hotels across four key markets in South India, adding 940 rooms to its portfolio. The hotels will be operated under five Marriott Bonvoy brands, including The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott. This agreement brings the company's total number of hotels managed by Marriott to eight, with a total of 1,388 keys. The pact reflects Brigade Enterprises' belief in the long-term potential of India's hospitality industry and its commitment to providing high-quality hotels to both business and leisure travelers.Read more

13 Aug 2025

Asia Healthcare Holdings (AHH) is set to invest INR 400 crore in Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) over the next four to five years. The investment aims to expand the urology and nephrology hospital chain from its current seven locations to 13 within the next three to four years, with a focus on Tier 2 towns. The planned outlay will bring AHH's total investment in AINU to INR 1,000 crore and reflects the company's strategic focus on the growth of single-specialty healthcare enterprises in smaller cities across India.Read more

12 Aug 2025

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels is set to claim 55 per cent of revenues from its upcoming luxury hotel and serviced-apartment development along Kolkata's EM Bypass. The 3.5-acre project, in partnership with Ambuja Neotia Group, will house a 250-key five-star hotel and 100 serviced residences. With most approvals in hand and municipal clearance expected soon, construction is slated to begin shortly. Residential units will launch around Diwali. The ambitious venture promises strong margins without additional capital and is expected to generate INR 600 crore in total revenues over three years.Read more

12 Aug 2025

The Tata Group's Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) has signed agreements to acquire 51 % stakes in ANK Hotels Pvt Ltd and Pride Hospitality Pvt Ltd, which operate 135 hotels under the Clarks Hotels & Resorts brand. The deal involves a cash investment of up to INR 110 crore for ANK Hotels and INR 94 crore for Pride Hospitality. IHCL has also entered a distribution and marketing agreement with Brij Hospitality, adding 19 more hotels to its network. The move aligns with IHCL's asset-light strategy and expands its reach in India's mid-scale segment.Read more

11 Aug 2025

ITC Hotels' Fortune brand is expanding in Uttar Pradesh with a new property in Lucknow through a tie-up with CEM Hospitality, bringing its operational presence in the state to seven hotels. Located on Lucknow-Kanpur Road, the 93-room hotel will feature a multi-cuisine restaurant, rooftop dining, a bar, banquet halls, a swimming pool, gym, and spa. CEM Hospitality Chairman Indermohan Singh said the partnership leverages Fortune's strong brand and operational expertise. The group already operates hotels in Lucknow, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, and Noida, with new developments underway in Ayodhya and other locations, reflecting its strategy to strengthen its presence in high-growth destinations.Read more