The e-commerce giant Meesho, based in India, is gearing up for a significant leap with plans to initiate an Initial Public Offering (IPO) later this year. Reports from Moneycontrol suggest that the company is looking to raise a substantial amount of around $1 billion through this public offering. This move is set to mark a pivotal moment for the platform, highlighting its rapid growth and expanding influence in the Indian e-commerce sector.

Meesho, noted for being the third-largest horizontal e-commerce platform in India behind giants like Flipkart and Amazon, boasts an impressive 14.5 crore unique annual transacting users. The platform’s growth trajectory has been remarkable, with a threefold increase in order volume from January to December 2024, primarily driven by content commerce. This surge in business activity underscores Meesho’s successful strategy in leveraging content to boost e-commerce transactions. Furthermore, the company’s collaboration with over 21,000 creators highlights its commitment to supporting a wide array of vendors and content creators, enriching the e-commerce ecosystem.

In anticipation of this IPO, Meesho is considering adding JP Morgan to its IPO syndicate, aiming for a valuation of $10 billion. The decision to go public around Diwali, a period that typically sees a surge in consumer spending, reflects the company’s strategic planning. This timing could potentially maximise investor interest and capitalise on the festive season’s positive market sentiment.

Recent financial analyses reveal Meesho’s robust performance in the fiscal year 2024, with a 33% year-on-year increase in operating revenue, reaching Rs 7,615 crore compared to Rs 5,735 crore in the previous fiscal year. This growth is a testament to the platform’s strong market presence and operational efficiency. However, it’s noteworthy that earlier in the year, Meesho encountered a valuation dip during a secondary transaction, where its worth was pegged between $3.9–$4 billion, marking a 20% decrease from its former valuation of $4.9 billion.

Despite the earlier setback in valuation, Meesho’s ambitious IPO reflects the company’s confidence in its business model and growth prospects. By planning to file draft documents soon, with a listing target around the festive season, Meesho is positioning itself for a significant milestone. This IPO not only represents a critical growth phase for Meesho but also reinforces the vibrancy and potential of India’s e-commerce sector.

In conclusion, Meesho’s upcoming IPO signifies a major development in India’s e-commerce landscape. With a goal to raise about $1 billion at a valuation of $10 billion, the platform is set to embark on a new chapter of growth. Its remarkable increase in order volume and significant user base demonstrates its robust position in the market. As Meesho prepares for this next step, it stands as a testament to the dynamic nature of the e-commerce industry and the opportunities it holds for innovative platforms.

Author Credits: Rahul Das
Good Returns

The family-controlled company known for its Birkin bags named Bonnafé, the chief executive officer of France’s biggest bank, to replace Dominique Senequier, 71, the luxury company’s vice chairwoman who’s also CEO and founder of French private equity group Ardian. Also nominated is Bernard Emié, who led France’s external intelligence agency DGSE for close to seven years until January 2024, according to his LinkedIn profile.

The big-name board picks come even as key roles at Hermès are largely in the hands of descendants of the founding family behind the leather goods maker started by Thierry Hermès in 1837. These include Chairman Eric de Seynes and Executive Chairman Axel Dumas, a sixth generation heir who leads the company.

Also on the executive committee are Dumas’ cousins Pierre-Alexis Dumas and Guillaume de Seynes, respectively overseeing the artistic direction of the brand and the manufacturing operations. The family controls 67% of the share capital of Hermès.

The changes to the board, disclosed in a filing Monday, will be put to a vote at the company’s shareholders’ meeting on April 30 in Paris.

Emié, a former ambassador to Algeria, the UK as well as Turkey and Lebanon, will replace Alexandre Viros, the former head of Adecco Group AG in France. A third nominee is Cécile Béliot-Zind, the CEO of dairy company Bel Group, although the filing doesn’t say she’s replacing a current board member. Bonnafé is also a board member of Pierre Fabre SA, the owner of skincare brands such as Eau Thermale Avène. Béliot-Zind and Bonnafé will be appointed for three years while Emié’s mandate will run for two years.

Hermès, known for its silk scarves, is the second most-valuable stock on the French benchmark CAC40 index, behind rival LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, controlled by billionaire Bernard Arnault. Hermès has weathered the demand downturn for luxury goods better than some of its peers, riding the exclusivity of its coveted handbags.

LVMH has also tapped former state officials for its board. Hubert Védrine, a former French foreign affairs minister, has been a member of its board for more than two decades.

Author Credits: Fashion Network

MANILA, Philippines — E-commerce platform Lazada aims to sustain double-digit sales growth this year by expanding product assortment and using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the shopping experience.

Alvin Ching, head of seller operations at Lazada Philippines told reporters that the e-commerce platform, which has been enjoying double-digit growth in sales, aims to sustain this performance, with product assortment and AI as drivers.

“We are very, very deliberate in terms of bringing in quality assortment. We want to be able to have everything under the sun in Lazada, but also be very specific in terms of the quality of this assortment,” he said.

He said the platform has also been investing in AI to provide better product recommendations to consumers.

Through its generative AI chatbot LazzieChat, he said the platform is providing product recommendations to guide the consumers as they search for items.

“If we have that better strategy of pushing the right deals and the most relevant and smarter recommendations, we expect that would help us sustain (our growth),” he said.

While discounts and promotions are also expected to give a boost, he said relying on such is not a sustainable path for growth.

“We are going toward a different path of improving how we respond to the needs of the customers. So I think our bets this time would be really more of an internal way of operating, influencing the algorithm to respond better to the user. It’s quite invisible, but it will, over time, start giving us returns. And that would translate basically for us into more sales and more buyers,” he said.

He said electronics, along with women-focused categories like beauty, fashion, groceries and mother and baby products, which have been driving sales on the platform, are expected to continue to support growth this year.

“There’s a big push toward women’s categories because we are betting on that part of our demographic to be able to drive the sales, not just now, but in the future,” he said.

He also said LazMall, a curated section within Lazada featuring authorized sellers and distributors of authentic international and local brands, also continues to support the platform’s growth.

Lazada has a stringent screening process for sellers and an authenticity guarantee in place for products sold on LazMall.

In the event shoppers receive fake items, Ching said they would be given a refund twice the purchase amount.

He also said the Alibaba group, including Lazada, uses a portal, where brands register to protect their intellectual property.

“That would be the basis for enforcing any infringement that might come in,” he said.

Sellers on LazMall found selling fake items would not just face penalties, but also be taken down the platform.

Ching said the platform takes every single case of counterfeit items very seriously as LazMall has an authenticity proposition.

“I think because we have our own mechanism for enforcing it, it just becomes easy for us to work with regulators or agencies here who are working toward the same goal anyway. I think that we have a very robust system in place that allows us to operate very well within this space,” he said.

Lazada is part of an e-commerce memorandum of understanding facilitated by Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines for an efficient takedown mechanism to fight counterfeit products sold online.

The Department of Trade and Industry recently issued an order requiring online sellers of household appliances, electronics and other consumer goods to register with the agency.

Ching said Lazada is also working on how to comply with the government’s requirements.

To celebrate its 13 years of growing e-commerce across the country, Lazada is offering up to 90 percent off branded deals, up to P2,000 off campaign vouchers and 100 percent free shipping with no minimum spend from March 24 to March 29.

“We are extremely grateful for the continued trust and support of our community. Lazada’s journey has been fueled by a commitment to helping entrepreneurs, brands and partners thrive in the online marketplace,” Lazada CEO Carlos Barrera said.

Author Credits: Louella Desiderio
Phil Star Global

“Bringing Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger to our platform marks a significant milestone for Nykaa Fashion,” said Adwaita Nayar, chief executive officer and head of private labels at Nykaa, in a press release. “These iconic brands have set global style standards for decades—Tommy Hilfiger with its classic preppy flair and Calvin Klein with its sleek, minimalist designs. Offering their collections allows us to introduce both timeless style and modern appeal to Indian consumers.”

Calvin Klein will debut key pieces from its Spring/Summer 2025 collection, featuring underwear, denim, apparel, signature accessories and fragrances. Tommy Hilfiger, known for its quintessential American aesthetic, will showcase a curated range of denim, occasionwear and casual looks, including pieces from its Tommy Jeans line.

With this collaboration, Nykaa strengthens its portfolio of international brands, responding to India’s rising demand for global labels. The collections will be available on the Nykaa Fashion app and website starting March 22.

Author Credits: Isabelle Crossley
Fashion Network

Superfood and plant-based nutrition startup Nourish You has raised Rs 16 crore in its Series A funding round from Sidbi Venture Capital.

The Hyderabad-based company’s existing investors include Zerodha cofounder Nikhil Kamath, Darwinbox cofounder Rohit Chennamaneni, and actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu.

The funding follows Nourish You’s acquisition of plant-based dairy brand One Good in 2023.

The company plans to use the fresh capital to scale operations, enhance customer retention, and expand its market reach. It also aims to launch new products, grow its international presence in Australia, Europe, and the US, and integrate AI-driven technology to offer personalised consumer experiences.

“This investment marks a pivotal milestone in our journey to make sustainable superfoods a part of everyday nutrition. With Sidbi Venture’s support, we are set to scale rapidly, drive product innovation, and solidify our position as a global superfoods leader,” said Krishna Reddy, cofounder of Nourish You.

Founded in 2015 by Reddy, Rakesh Kilaru, and Sowmya Reddy, Nourish You offers a range of superfoods, including quinoa and chia seeds, edible seeds like flax, pumpkin, sunflower, and watermelon seeds, as well as breakfast and meal mixes such as millet muesli, nut mixes, and protein-rich cereals. In the plant-based dairy segment, its offerings include millet milk, cashew milk, vegan cheese, curd, ghee, and butter.

In 2022, the company raised $2 million in seed funding from investors including Kamath.

Nourish You’s products are available through its website, as well as on ecommerce and quick commerce platforms in India. The brand also has a presence in international markets such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Nepal, Kenya, Mongolia, and the Maldives.

“Investing in India’s superfoods sector presents a compelling opportunity at the intersection of sustainability, health, and scalability. With India’s deep agricultural heritage and the growing consumer shift toward nutrient-dense, plant-based diets, the sector is poised for significant growth,” said Arup Kumar, managing director, Sidbi Venture Capital.

Author Credits: MSN

With this partnership, Brand Concepts Ltd will oversee the design, manufacturing & distribution of the bags and accessories in India.

Juicy Couture products will be available through dedicated stores, Bagline website, outlets and e-commerce marketplaces.

Commenting on the partnership, Abhinav Kumar, co-founder CEO of Brand Concepts Ltd in a statement said, “We are excited to bring Juicy Couture’s iconic handbags, travel gear & lifestyle accessories collections to India. With our expertise in curating premium fashion pieces, this collaboration is a perfect match for Juicy Couture’s bold and trendy aesthetic.”

“This partnership marks an exciting milestone, and we are confident that Juicy Couture will strike a chord with fashion-forward Indian shoppers who value both sophistication and unique flair. Brand Concepts Ltd. will oversee the design, manufacturing, and distribution of the handbags and travel accessories,” he added.

Founded in 1995, Juicy Couture was acquired by Authentic Brands in 2013. The brand is available in stores and select department stores in 94 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.

Author Credits: Maverick Martins

The Spanish company has put in place more digital integration and spaces designed to encourage shoppers to spend more time in-store, with the new features to be trialled in China before it decides whether to expand them to other markets.

The need to revitalise Zara’s retail network has been particularly apparent in China. Multinational brands targeting the country’s middle-class consumers have been squeezed by a broader spending slowdown as well as increased competition from local brands with nimble domestic supply chains and strong digital presences.

At 2,500 sq m (26,909 sq ft) spanning two floors, the Zara store in Nanjing’s central business district of Xinjiekou includes a salon for private shopping experiences, complete with a lounge area and personal change rooms.

It also has a “fit check” studio with multiple cameras and lighting settings where customers can shoot their own video content and download it directly to their phones. Both are available to book via popular social messaging app WeChat.

The downstairs area also features the first Zacaffe coffee shop concept outside of Spain.
It is not the first time Zara has experimented with new concepts in China before exporting them to other markets. Its popular series of livestreamed shopping shows on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, last year led the brand to experiment with similar livestreams in Europe and the U.S.

Inditex has been shrinking its store footprint globally over the past few years, seeking to optimise its selling space by focusing on flagship outlets in prime locations and ramping up online sales.
As recently as 2019 Inditex had 570 stores in China, its biggest physical footprint after Spain. That number had fallen to 132 as of January 31 this year.

Author Credits: Fashion Network

Mohamad ElAnsari, CEO of Trendyol Gulf, discusses the factors behind the platform’s rapid growth, its commitment to empowering SMEs, and future expansion plans in the region

Since launching in the Gulf last year, Trendyol has rapidly expanded, with Saudi Arabia emerging as its second-largest market globally.

The e-commerce platform’s success is driven by strategic localisation, strong partnerships, and innovative technology, including AI-powered personalisation and seamless translation.

In this exclusive interview, Mohamad ElAnsari, CEO of Trendyol Gulf, discusses the factors behind the platform’s rapid growth, its commitment to empowering SMEs, and future expansion plans in the region.
Trendyol has experienced impressive growth in the Gulf since launching last year, with Saudi Arabia becoming your second-largest market globally. What factors do you attribute to this success in the region?

It’s been an exciting journey for us in the Gulf, and our growth reflects both the rapid evolution of the market and our ability to localise and integrate effectively. The regional retail sector, particularly in Saudi Arabia, has seen incredible growth in the past year, driven by economic diversification, urbanization, and a more digitally savvy consumer base. More people are shopping online and are increasingly expecting personalised experiences, a wide selection of relevant products, and competitive pricing.

On Trendyol, we have the best assortment of relevant, affordable and high-quality local and international products — this is ultimately what sets us apart and has contributed to quickly making us a preferred online destination for Gulf shoppers.

From the start, our key focus has been on understanding the market and tailoring our approach. Establishing offices in Riyadh and Dubai has allowed us to tap into local talent, while warehouses in Saudi Arabia and the UAE ensure we’re meeting customer expectations for fast and reliable deliveries.

Our partnerships have also been a big part of our success. Collaborating with the government and industry players like banks, telecoms, and retailers has helped us strengthen our presence and operational efficiency. On the tech side, we’ve introduced innovative solutions, like Türkiye’s first large language model, which simplifies communication between sellers and buyers by translating seamlessly into Arabic. AI personalisation has also enhanced the shopping experience, helping customers find what they need quickly and easily.

Moving forward, we’re focused on innovation, improving customer experiences, and empowering local SMEs which we believe will benefit the entire ecosystem. We see ourselves as more than just a marketplace — we want to enable two-way commerce — from and to the Gulf — ultimately contributing to the region’s economic growth.
Can you explain Trendyol’s marketplace model and how it benefits both consumers and brands, particularly in the Gulf market?

In simple terms, we are a commerce enabler. We connect consumers with retailers selling a wide selection of high-quality, affordable products across multiple categories, while providing our brand partners – from regional giants to local retailers – a scalable platform to reach millions of shoppers.

For customers, it’s about offering variety, relevance, and value. For sellers, it’s about visibility, growth, and access to tools like advanced logistics, seamless translation, and AI-powered insights that help them scale effectively. By bridging these needs, we’ve become an integral part of the Gulf’s retail ecosystem, creating opportunities and driving success for both sides.

Looking ahead, we’re focused on expanding our selection and bringing more local retailers and SMEs onto our platform to support their growth.

By doing so, we aim to contribute to the broader goals of fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic diversification in line with the national visions of Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The strategic partnership with Alshaya Group brings major international brands like American Eagle, Bath & Body Works, and H&M to Trendyol. What does this partnership mean for the future of e-commerce in the region?

Our partnership with Alshaya Group is a significant step forward for e-commerce in the Gulf. By bringing reputed international brands to our platform, we’re offering Gulf shoppers even more variety and accessibility. It’s not just about expanding our product mix — it’s about meeting customer demand for trusted global brands in one place, making online shopping more convenient and seamless. This brings the digital retail ecosystem closer together and sets the stage for more innovative collaborations in the future.
How important is the local partner ecosystem to Trendyol’s strategy, and what role does it play in expanding your platform’s reach and relevance in the Gulf?

The local partner ecosystem is crucial to our strategy in the Gulf. It’s not just about expanding our reach, it’s about becoming a true part of the regional fabric. Through our collaborations with local SMEs, government bodies like Monsha’at, and key industry players, we’re able to empower businesses with the tools they need to thrive in the digital space.

For us, it’s about building relationships and supporting the growth of local talent and entrepreneurs. By curating region-specific collections and enhancing our seller experience, we’re able to tailor our platform to the needs of the Gulf market. These collaborations deepen our connection to the region, making Trendyol a local ally in the Gulf’s digital transformation.
With over three million shoppers already on board, what do you believe has attracted such a large customer base to Trendyol in such a short time?

Several factors have contributed to our success, including our wide selection of products from over 250,000 Turkish and regional SMEs at affordable prices, with the core premise being our strategic localisation efforts.

From the outset, we’ve focused on creating a localised experience, designing our platform to align with the preferences and needs of Gulf consumers. Our innovative use of technology, such as AI-powered personalisation and seamless translation, has made the shopping experience intuitive and enjoyable.

Additionally, our commitment to quality and affordability has established trust and loyalty among our customers. Effective marketing campaigns and influencer collaborations have also played a significant role in boosting awareness and engagement, helping us attract millions of shoppers in a relatively short time.
Looking ahead, what are Trendyol’s key expansion plans for the Gulf, and which markets or initiatives are you most excited about?

Our focus remains on deepening our presence in the Gulf by onboarding more SMEs onto our marketplace to support their growth while also catering to local customer demands. This is what we’re most excited about as it not only positively impacts the local retailers but also contributes towards the growth of the overall economy.

We’re also continuously looking into new ways of enhancing the customer experience, including investments into AI-powered logistics and predictive analytics to optimise the supply chain, improve last-mile delivery, and further personalise the shopping experience for our Gulf shoppers.

Author Credits: Neesha Salian
Gulf Business

Retail giants Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart violated Indian quality control rules by stocking products that did not have the required standards certificate, India’s top government-run product certification agency said on Thursday.

Raids on warehouses operated by both firms, conducted on Wednesday by the Bureau of Indian Standards in the Tiruvallur district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, found that the firms had violated rules by storing, selling and exhibiting products that did not carry the BIS standard mark, a government statement said.

A spokesperson for Amazon India said the company was engaged closely with various stakeholders including regulators, while a Flipkart spokesperson said it worked with sellers to drive awareness and to comply with all applicable laws.

“The platform has several processes to review the listings sellers make on the marketplace, and also conducts regular audits to ensure compliance,” a spokesperson for Flipkart said in response to a request for comment.

The raids are the latest headache for the two firms, leading players in India’s e-commerce market which consultancy firm Bain estimated was worth US$57 billion-$60 billion in 2023 and set to top $160 billion in value by 2028.

At the Amazon warehouse, 3,376 products without the standard mark, including flasks, insulated food containers, toys and ceiling fans were seized, according to the statement, while officials seized diapers, casseroles and stainless steel water bottles from the Flipkart warehouse.

Last September, an anti-trust investigation found that both companies violated local competition laws by giving preference to select sellers on their shopping websites.

A few weeks later, in November, investigators raided a number of Amazon and Flipkart sellers following a 2021 Reuters investigation based on internal Amazon documents that showed the company had for years given preferential treatment to small groups of sellers, and used them to bypass Indian laws.

Amazon has denied wrongdoing.

Reporting by Shilpa Jamkhandikar; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Louise Heavens, of Reuters.

Author Credits: Inside Retail

(Bloomberg) — Seven & i Holdings Co. signed a confidentiality pact with Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., a step that will allow talks to advance on the Canadian retailer’s takeover approach.

But the non-disclosure agreement is limited to the potential divestment of the company’s US stores and not the entire operation of Seven & i, a spokesperson for the Japanese retailer said Wednesday.

The non-disclosure agreement will pave the way for discussions around antitrust issues in the US, Seven & i said, referring to a key point of contention that has held up negotiations.

The move comes after a management buyout plan led by Seven & i’s founding Ito family to keep the company in Japanese control failed. That’s piled pressure on the retailer to engage with Couche-Tard, which first made the takeover approach in August.

The Nikkei newspaper reported on the pact earlier Wednesday.

Seven & i appointed a new Chief Executive Officer Stephen Dacus earlier this month to overhaul the company’s business. It’s since agreed to sell its supermarkets and retail business for $5.4 billion and announced a ¥2 trillion ($13.4 billion) share buyback.

Author Credits: Kanoko Matsuyama
MSN