Nordic postal service provider Posti has announced it will serve as a logistics partner in the Nordic and Baltic markets for Product as a Service (PaaS) provider Black Winch. The company will also provide solutions for in-house product maintenance and related services.

According to Posti, a PaaS model is truly viable only when equipment can be used by multiple users over its lifecycle, with the ability to maintain and rotate assets efficiently among customers the foundation of profitability. This makes logistics not just a support function, but a critical success factor for the entire business model.

“We’re excited to join forces with Black Winch to accelerate PaaS adoption. By combining their hands-on approach with our advanced logistics and fulfillment network, we’re helping businesses unlock new revenue streams while improving efficiency and sustainability,” explained Peter Ervasalo, who oversees Posti’s fulfillment and logistics services in Sweden.

The two companies will work together to offer companies in the Nordics and Baltics a clear roadmap, seamless logistics solutions and end-to-end support for the execution of the PaaS business model.

“Our customers want practical solutions to move from selling products to selling an outcome,” said Yann Toutant, CEO of Black Winch. “With Posti on board, we’re making that shift seamless, profitable and scalable.”

Author Credits- Hazel King, Parcel and postal technology INTERNATIONAL

Flipkart’s quick commerce arm Flipkart Minutes is targeting the launch of 800 dark stores across India by the end of 2025 to bolster its logistics network. The business sees adding more mini-warehouses as central to its expansion plans.

“We launched our own quick commerce product, Flipkart Minutes, nine months ago,” said Flipkart Group’s CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy during Walmart’s annual investor community meeting, Apparel Resources India reported. “We only had roughly 100 stores when we first opened. We have now nearly reached 300 stores. We’re likely to reach 800 stores by the end of this year.”

Flipkart Minutes operates in a competitive space dominated by established players such as Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and Blinkit, Zomato’s quick commerce platform. The service promises delivery within 15 to 20 minutes from strategically located dark stores in select metro locations.

Krishnamurthy emphasised the importance of infrastructure for growth and stated that customers in the target market for quick commerce have high standards. Naming the supply chain as the most crucial component to the success of Flipkart Minutes, Krishnamurthy noted that it must be scalable, technologically equipped, nimble, and dependable. Flipkart Minutes is designed to meet the growing demand for ultra-fast deliveries, with dark stores acting as localised hubs to ensure speed and efficiency across high-density urban markets.

Author Credits- Isabelle Crossley, FASHION NETWORK

Cricketer Virat Kohli has ended his Rs 110 crore deal with Puma to invest in Agilitas, an Indian sportswear startup founded by former Puma India managing director Abhishek Ganguly. The move is aimed at building a global sportswear brand from India, with Kohli backing the business both financially and strategically.

“Sports brand Puma confirms the end of its longtime partnership with cricketer and brand ambassador Virat Kohli,” said a spokesperson for Puma, ET Retail reported. “Puma wishes Virat the best for his future endeavours and said it was a wonderful association with him spanning over several years, many outstanding campaigns, and path-breaking product collaborations.”

Agilitas, launched in 2023, will now house and expand Kohli’s personal brand One8, which debuted in 2017, Apparel Resources India reported. The company will spearhead retail expansion for One8 across India and international markets. Kohli and Ganguly have worked closely since the cricketer first signed with Puma in 2017.

Agilitas has raised over Rs 530 crore from investors including Nexus Venture Partners and Convergent Finance. The company acquired sports footwear manufacturer Mochiko Shoes and holds a 40-year licence for Italian label Lotto across India, South Africa, and Australia, strengthening its manufacturing and distribution capabilities.

Author Credits- Isabelle Crossley, FASHION NETWORK

Quiqup, a UAE-based e-commerce logistics provider, has launched its core fulfillment and delivery services in Saudi Arabia, marking a major milestone in its regional expansion.

This move is backed by the strategic support of the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund, which has played a pivotal role in helping Quiqup expand its operations and double its business in the past two years.

The company’s expansion comes after its notable impact on the UAE’s e-commerce ecosystem and aligns with its strategy to offer integrated logistics solutions to businesses across the GCC.

Founded in the UAE in 2017, Quiqup provides comprehensive logistics services, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises. The company offers storage, sorting, packaging, and delivery services. With its expansion into Saudi Arabia, commercial clients in the Kingdom can now access Quiqup’s reliable and efficient fulfillment services.

Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, acting assistant undersecretary for the support services sector at UAE Ministry of Finance, and the ministry’s representative at MBRIF, said: “Supporting the success of high-potential innovators who contribute to economic growth is one of the core objectives of the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund. Quiqup’s journey exemplifies how strategic support, combined with innovation and market expertise, can drive a company’s growth and create a meaningful economic impact.”

She added: “Over the past few years, we have worked closely with Quiqup through our Guarantee Scheme and have seen the company’s outstanding potential in reshaping the e-commerce logistics sector in the UAE. Its expansion into Saudi Arabia is a testament to its ability to apply its expertise and innovative solutions in new markets. We look forward to supporting its continued growth across the region.”

Bassel El-Koussa, CEO of Quiqup, said: “Our expansion into Saudi Arabia is a natural next step, driven by our customers’ evolving needs.”

With the increasing demand for seamless cross-border logistics solutions, we are proud to extend our services to neighboring markets. We see the GCC as a connected e-commerce ecosystem where operational efficiencies in one market enhance the overall regional performance.”

“By building a robust and integrated platform, we are not only expanding our reach but also contributing to a more efficient and interconnected logistics network. Our strong track record in the UAE serves as a solid foundation for our operations in Saudi Arabia, and we look forward to working with e-commerce businesses in the Kingdom to support their growth and contribute to the local economy,” he added.

News Credits- ARAB NEWS

Isha Ambani says that through Reliance Retail, she wants to empower millions of Indian consumers, especially those in rural India.

Isha Ambani works on a broader vision for Reliance Retail, which she heads as executive director. She tells Fortune India that her role transcends the conventional boundaries of business leadership. Recently her mother Nita Ambani revealed that it was Isha who chose to lead Reliance Retail based on her personal interests. Isha says that through Reliance Retail, she wants to empower millions of Indian consumers, especially those in rural India.

“My role transcends the conventional boundaries of business leadership. It is my sacred duty to ensure that Reliance Retail’s growth is intrinsically linked to India’s growth story,” she says. The company’s success will be measured not just by the financial performance, but by the positive and lasting impact it has on the lives of millions, and the contribution it makes to the nation’s progress, she adds.

“Our mission is to bridge the urban-rural divide by democratising access to quality goods and services, empowering millions of Indian consumers, especially those in rural Bharat. This goes beyond mere commerce; it is about fostering inclusive growth and uplifting the aspirations of every Indian,” she sa​ys.

The retailer is committed to fuelling the nation’s economic engine by creating sustainable livelihoods, nurturing a vibrant ecosystem of micro, small, and medium enterprises, and ensuring affordable access to essential products, explains Isha.

At Reliance Retail, Isha was instrumental in boosting supply chain infrastructure and omni-channel capabilities. She is also building the FMCG business, introducing a bouquet of brands and strategic partnerships. She is also developing a designer label powerhouse for the apparel and lifestyle business. When she joined the business in FY15, Reliance Retail had 2,621 stores and it increased to 19,102 stores in December 2024. Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd posted gross revenue of ₹3,06,786 crore in FY24, a growth of 17.8% over FY23. The net profit increased 20.9% to ₹11,101 crore.

“In an era of rapid technological advancement, Reliance Retail is dedicated to pioneering Bharat-centric innovation. We are leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including AI-driven solutions, to tailor customer experiences to the unique needs and preferences of the Indian consumer,” she says.

The company is deeply invested in empowering farmers by building robust supply chains that ensure fair prices and market access, says Isha. “We are actively engaging with local communities, investing in their development, and fostering a culture of shared prosperity.”

Looking back, Isha says that if she ever got a chance to speak to her younger self, she would have said, “Trust yourself more”. “You do not need to have all the answers right away, but you should constantly back yourself and believe in your instincts. There will be moments of doubt. Allow them to fuel your growth, not your fear. Keep going. You are stronger than you think,” she says. “Never lose sight of the bigger picture and stay true to core values. Utilise obstacles and difficult moments as opportunities to grow. Never be scared of taking risks because it is the risk-taker who makes a difference in this world,” she says.

Author Credits- Nevin John, FORTUNE INDIA

Raymond Lifestyle Ltd has announced the resignation of Ravi Dhariwal as a director on the board of the company with effect April 11, 2025.

Earlier this year, the company had announced the departure of Sunil Kataria as managing director. Currently, the senior management team led by executive chairman Gautam Hari Singhania is overseeing the business operations at the company.

Commenting on his resignation, Gautam Hari Singhania, chairman Raymond Lifestyle Ltd in a statement said, “We are thankful for Ravi’s contribution to Raymond Lifestyle Limited during his tenure. He brought in a lot of insights especially from the consumer side during his tenure. We wish him the very best for his future assignments.”

Ravi Dhariwal added, “I would like to thank the Executive Chairman, other fellow members of the Board and the Executives of the Company I have worked with for making my stint meaningful to me. I shall always cherish the time I spent with you and carry fond memories of Raymond Lifestyle.”

Raymond Lifestyle Ltd’s portfolio of brands include Park Avenue, Colorplus, Parx, ‘Raymond Made to Measure, Raymond Ready to Wear, SleepZ by Raymond and Ethnix by Raymond amongst others. It has one of the largest retail networks with over 1,650 stores across 600 cities in India.

Author Credits- Maverick Martins, FASHION NETWORK

Global apparel retailer Uniqlo has launched its ‘Heart of Lifewear’ initiative in India through which it donates new clothing to communities in need around the world.

As part of this initiative, Uniqlo will provide summer relief to underprivileged children in New Delhi by donating 10,000 light, breathable Airism t-shirts.

The brand has partnered with Khushii Foundation which will facilitate the donation drive in schools across in Delhi NCR throughout April and the first week of May.

Commenting on the initiative, Kenji Inoue, chief operating officer at Uniqlo India in a statement said, “Uniqlo has always believed in making a difference – not just through its clothing, but by giving back to society, and improving everyday lives in meaningful ways. Through our global initiative, we are providing clothing support to the children of Khushii Foundation, keeping them cool and comfortable through the scorching summer season.”

“This initiative is a small way of expressing our gratitude to Indian society while reaffirming our commitment to creating a positive impact. We hope this initiative brings the children some much-needed comfort and joy,” he added.

Launched in celebration of Uniqlo’s 40th anniversary, the initiative aims to improve lives through quality clothing.

Author Credits- Maverick Martins, FASHION NETWORK

Magicpin, a hyperlocal e-commerce platform reported a 20 percent year-on-year growth in gross merchandise value to Rs 1,000 crore ($120 million) from its fashion vertical during the financial year 2025.

The company added 6,000 new stores in the fashion category to take its total count to 16,000 stores comprising of over 250 brands.

Magicpin plans to partner with more fashion stores offering Indian and international brands to further fuel its growth in the coming years.

Commenting on the growth, Naman Mawandia, chief experience officer enterprise brands at Magicpin in a statement said, “We are excited to witness the robust growth of our fashion business, which has been a core focus area for us. Adding 6000 fashion stores across 100 brands taking it to 16,000 fashion stores and 250+ brands live on the platform highlights the immense value Magicpin creates for offline retailers and brands.”

Founded by Anshoo Sharma and Brij Bhushan in 2016, Magicpin connects hyperlocal merchants and brands with consumers. It claims to have over 2.5 lakh merchants on the platform with a customer base of 50 lakh across 20 cities.

Author Credits- Maverick Martins, FASHION NETWORK

Rag & Bone is set to launch its first-ever watch collection.

The New York-based fashion brand, jointly owned by Guess and global brand management firm WHP Global, has announced a new five-year licensing agreement with Sequel, a division of Timex Group and longtime Guess watch partner, to create and distribute a premium line of watches under the Rag & Bone name.

The inaugural Rag & Bone watch collection is set to launch in Fall 2025 and will be available in premium department stores, specialty retailers, and Rag & Bone boutiques worldwide.

“As one of our first licensees, Guess has been partnering with Sequel for over 40 years in designing high quality fashion watches,” said Paul Marciano, Guess co-founder and chief creative officer.

“Since the acquisition of Rag & Bone, we believe this is another extension of the business from which Rag & Bone will benefit. With the expertise, knowledge, and attention to detail of the highly talented team, we are confident that it will be a great addition to the lifestyle of Rag & Bone.”

Founded in 2002, Rag & Bone has earned a loyal following for its modern take on American style, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern cultural references.

The upcoming watch collection marks the brand’s latest expansion into lifestyle categories. Last month, it announced a five-year licensing partnership with Signal Brands to develop and expand Rag & Bone’s handbags and small leather goods category.

“We’re incredibly proud to introduce the first-ever Rag & Bone watch collection to consumers around the world,” added Brett Gibson, Sequel president & chief commercial officer.

“This launch marks an exciting new chapter in our longstanding partnership with Guess now strengthened even further through our collaboration with WHP Global. The debut collection builds on the authenticity, quality, and craftsmanship that define Rag & Bone fusing its iconic aesthetic with our decades of watchmaking expertise.”

Author Credits- Jennifer Braun, FASHION NETWORK

Strategic partnerships with prestigious Italian brands Eleventy, Corneliani, and Poltrona Frau mark significant expansion of its luxury retail portfolio

Dubai, UAE: Majid Al Futtaim, a leading shopping malls, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, has announced an ambitious expansion of its luxury retail portfolio for 2025. Following a record-breaking 2024, which saw a 26% growth in its Lifestyle business, the expansion will be anchored by renowned Italian brands Eleventy, Corneliani, and Poltrona Frau, with a series of store openings planned across key locations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

As part of its strategic growth agenda, Majid Al Futtaim will launch over 30 new stores, spanning both luxury and High Street brands across the region. The expansion will include five standalone Eleventy stores, the regional debut of Corneliani, and the first Poltrona Frau store outside the UAE in Saudi Arabia, showcasing Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to strengthening its regional presence in the luxury retail segment.

Fahed Ghanim, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle, said: “In a region where customers have an abundance of choice, our ambition is to curate a portfolio of luxury brands that offer something truly distinctive. By introducing brands like Eleventy, Corneliani, and Poltrona Frau, we are bringing new dimensions to the luxury market—combining timeless craftsmanship with modern sensibilities that resonate with the refined tastes of our customers.”

“At Majid Al Futtaim, our work with luxury brands has been deeply rooted in THAT Concept Store, which has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing brands with the potential to thrive in this market. Eleventy’s journey, from its initial shop-in-shop to standalone stores, is a testament to how we test, scale, and grow global luxury brands. This strategic approach allows us to continuously evolve the luxury retail experience, delivering fresh, distinctive offerings that resonate with our customers.”

The five standalone Eleventy stores are set to open in key locations in 2025, including, Solitaire Mall in Saudi Arabia, Mall of the Emirates, Marsa Al Arab, which all opened this month, with Dubai Mall and The Grove in the UAE to follow later in the year. Known for its commitment to sustainable practices and premium materials, Eleventy reflects the growing consumer demand for quality and subtle sophistication, all under the ‘Made in Italy’ banner.  This growth builds on Eleventy’s successful presence in the region, which includes a shop-in-shop at THAT Concept Store, a pop-up at Mall of the Emirates, and its first standalone location in Marina Mall Abu Dhabi opened with Majid Al Futtaim in November 2024.

Majid Al Futtaim is further strengthening its partnership with Poltrona Frau, the iconic Italian luxury furniture brand, by introducing its first store in the region outside the UAE at Centria Mall, Riyadh, in May. Poltrona Frau, a key brand within Majid Al Futtaim’s portfolio,  achieved remarkable success in 2024, with its revenue increasing fivefold following the launch of its second UAE store at Mall of the Emirates

Italian luxury menswear brand Corneliani also made its regional store debut in April at Solitaire Mall, Saudi Arabia. Founded in 1930, Corneliani is one of Italy’s oldest independent luxury brands, renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and presence in over 70 countries. With the launch of its first standalone store in the Middle East, Majid Al Futtaim brings Corneliani’s timeless suits and sophisticated casualwear to even more customers across the region.

Marco Baldassari, Co-Founder and Menswear Creative Director at Eleventy said: “Eleventy’s philosophy of understated elegance and commitment to sustainability resonates strongly with the sophisticated Middle Eastern consumer. We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Majid Al Futtaim, whose visionary approach to luxury retail is shaping a new vision with a growing focus on customer needs. Together, we aim to redefine luxury retail by offering timeless craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and innovative experiences.”

Nicola Coropulis, CEO of Poltrona Frau said: “Since partnering with Majid Al Futtaim more than two years ago, we have focused on strategic growth and elevating the customer experience across the region. The revitalisation of our flagship store in Jumeirah and our successful debut at Mall of the Emirates have been key milestones in our journey. We are now excited to bring this momentum to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with our first store in Riyadh, further solidifying our presence in the GCC and expanding our reach in this dynamic market.”

Majid Al Futtaim’s expansion in luxury retail builds on a record-breaking 2024, which saw a 26% increase in revenue across its portfolio and a 31% surge in digital sales. The year also marked the opening of 17 new stores across the region, bringing the total to 87 stores, including flagship locations for brands such as lululemon, Psycho Bunny, Shiseido, Crate & Barrel, and CB2, alongside 27 e-commerce platforms. Looking ahead, 2025 is set to be another milestone year for its Lifestyle business, with plans to open 30 new stores across the region, including seven in Saudi Arabia—a key priority market for the Group.

About Majid Al Futtaim

Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is an Emirati-owned, diversified lifestyle conglomerate operating across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The Group started from one man’s vision to transform the face of shopping, entertainment, and leisure to ‘create great moments for everyone, every day’. It has since grown into one of the region’s most respected businesses, employing more than 43,000 people, with owned assets valued at US$19 billion and has the highest credit rating (BBB) among privately held corporates in the region. Majid Al Futtaim owns and operates 29 shopping malls, seven hotels and five mixed-use communities, welcoming more than 600 million customers through its doors every year.

It is the proud owner of the flagship Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, and Mall of Oman with the iconic City Centre shopping malls rounding out its portfolio across the region. As the developer of choice for the region, Majid Al Futtaim is the creator of mixed-use communities including Ghaf Woods and Tilal Al Ghaf in Dubai and Al Mouj in Muscat.

Majid Al Futtaim holds the exclusive rights to operate Carrefour across 12 markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, with a network of over 390 stores. In Egypt, it also owns and operates Supeco, a low-cost hybrid grocery retail concept while HyperMax is its newest grocery retail brand recently launched in Jordan and Oman.

The Group operates more than 600 VOX Cinemas screens as well as a portfolio of world-class leisure and entertainment experiences across the region. These include two ski locations in Dubai and Cairo, two snow parks in Abu Dhabi and Oman, as well as family entertainment centres such as Magic Planet, Little Explorers, Activate, Yalla! Bowling, Dreamscape and IFLY.

Majid Al Futtaim partners with world-class fashion, home, specialty retail and beauty brands, operating over 90 stores across the GCC and 27 e-commerce platforms. Its portfolio includes lululemon, LEGO, Crate and Barrel, Shiseido and THAT, a Majid Al Futtaim multi-brand concept store and app. These offerings are powered by the UAE’s fastest growing loyalty programme SHARE, which offers customers a more personalised and data driven experience.

About Eleventy

Eleventy is a Smart Luxury brand established in recent years among the leaders of the Made in Italy luxury clothing sector. Founded in 2007 in Milan by Marco Baldassari, Paolo Zuntini and Andrea Scuderi – current shareholders and managers of the brand, the Eleventy Group is today participated by institutional investors through the investment vehicle Fashion Cube, which holds 65% of the capital. In 2016, the brand entered the American market by founding Eleventy USA based in New York and subsequently expanded its presence in the world’s main luxury markets. Today, the Eleventy retail network counts around 75 shops in Europe, the United States and the Middle East. The Group’s turnover in 2024 amounts to approximately EUR 101 million.

News Credits- ZAWYA BY LSEG