Reliance Retail, Mukesh Ambani, Isha Ambani led retailer, reported a 2.4x increase in the number of orders from its quick commerce and hyperlocal delivery services during the March quarter. To further expand its reach, the company is planning to establish dark stores to enhance its coverage area.

During an earnings call earlier this week, CFO Dinesh Taluja highlighted this substantial growth, emphasizing the significant scale-up achieved in the March quarter.

“And we are seeing very strong traction with a 2.4x quarter-over-quarter growth in daily exit orders. And this number will scale up substantially in the coming year as well. We are also starting to proactively market this proposition, our proposition of no hidden charges, quick delivery, and no delivery fees continues to resonate very well with the customers,” said Taluja.

Reliance Retail VS Zomato Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, Zepto

Reliance covers hyper-local deliveries, a sub-30-minute delivery, at 4,000 pin codes across the country through its network of existing stores, which has a much wider reach than any other quick commerce player in the country.

Through its JioMart app, Reliance Retail is offering quick and scheduled deliveries, which currently has three types of services.

There is an under-30-minute quick service, and second is a scheduled delivery, where the assortment is much wider, and then there is a subscription service, where a customer can subscribe and everyday goods are delivered at doorsteps early morning.

“All three are picking up very well. The average daily orders were up 62 per cent on a Y-o-Y basis,” he said, adding, “Specifically, our under 30-minute offering, which has the widest network reach. We have almost 2,000-plus stores which are on the network, covering more than 4,000 plus pin codes. So this is much wider reach than any other quick commerce player. We have kind of re-pivoted our model completely to under 30 minutes delivery.

There are already three major players currently in the quick commerce business like Deepinder Goyal’s Zomato Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart and Zepto. There are many other players with less market share like Tata’s Big Basket. If Reliance Retail becomes successful in its expansion plan in quick commerce it will be a challenge for these companies as once Reliance entered in any market it always disrupts it like it did with Jio in telecom sector.

According to Taluja, as part of the strategy, Reliance Retail is using its store network, delivering within a three-kilometre radius.

“There are some dark pockets where we will set up dark stores also, wherever there is a genuine requirement, there is enough volume and we cannot service it within 30 minutes, we may set up some dark stores as well. So that is on the quick commerce side of it.

“Our stores, purely on a standalone basis, are seeing double-digit like for like growth for last several quarters. So stores are also growing pretty rapidly. We are not seeing that impact either in metro or in any other city,” he said.

“So, we are increasing the speed at which we are able to deliver the products,” he said.

For the 2024-25 financial year, Reliance Retail had reported a gross revenue of Rs 3.30 lakh crore, up 7.85 per cent and profit after tax was up 11.33 per cent to Rs 12,388 crore.

Author Credits – Anirudha Yerunkar, India.com

Malaysia’s largest coffee chain, Zus Coffee, plans to launch 200 new outlets in Southeast Asia this year, according to CEO Venon Tian in an interview with Bloomberg.

Zuspresso, the operator of the Zus brand, is targeting at least 107 new stores in Malaysia, 80 in the Philippines, and six in Singapore. It also eyes to set up the first stores in Thailand and Indonesia this year.

Last year, Zus surpassed Starbucks as Malaysia’s top coffee chain after five years of operation, with 743 outlets compared to Starbucks’ 320.

It also manages 120 stores in the Philippines.

Zus reported a threefold increase in net income to RM37 million (US$8.4 million) in 2024, reflecting its rapid growth.

Tian attributed the company’s success to its market-specific flavors, such as palm sugar-flavored drinks in Malaysia and purple yam-flavored coffee in the Philippines.

Zus, which started out as a kiosk focusing on coffee delivery in 2019, now sees about 70% sales coming from online channels, including deliveries and pickups.

Its tech-driven approach and cost-efficient store construction have enabled it to offer coffee over 20%cheaper than Starbucks, boosting its widespread appeal in Malaysia.

Zus drinks are price in the mid-range in Malaysia, between the RM5 price tag of convenience stores and RM11 of premium stores.

“It’s about how we make quality coffee accessible to most people,” Tian said.

News Credits- Retail News Asia

Majid Al-Futtaim, a leading shopping malls, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, has announced the expansion of its lifestyle retail footprint in Saudi Arabia. As part of its continued commitment to the Saudi market, the group’s lifestyle business plans to open 13 new stores in 2025 — five already launched — bringing its total store count in the Kingdom to 31.

The expansion features a mix of global lifestyle and luxury brands across Riyadh and Jeddah. This includes the launch of the first Saudi stores for Italian smart luxury brand Eleventy and luxury menswear label Corneliani, both of which debuted this month at Solitaire Mall, Riyadh. In May, Poltrona Frau — the iconic Italian luxury furniture house — will open its first store outside the UAE at Centria Mall, further reinforcing Majid Al-Futtaim’s commitment to growing its luxury presence in the Kingdom.

Abercrombie and Fitch and lululemon also opened new stores in Solitaire Mall last month, marking an important step in their continued regional growth. The brands now operate six and nine stores respectively across the Kingdom, with new locations set to open in Jeddah later this year.

Fahed Ghanim, CEO of Majid Al-Futtaim Lifestyle, said: “Saudi Arabia continues to be a core focus for our business, and our retail expansion reflects both growing consumer demand and our confidence in the market. From fashion and wellness to home and design, our goal is to deliver more of the brands our customers love — while introducing fresh experiences through our exclusive global partnerships.”

“In a region where customers have an abundance of choice, our ambition is to curate a portfolio of global lifestyle and luxury brands that offer something truly distinctive in the Kingdom. 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.”

The launch of Eleventy in Solitaire Mall is part of an ambitious regional expansion for the brand with another four standalone Eleventy stores opening in key locations in 2025, including Mall of the Emirates, Marsa Al-Arab, Dubai Mall and The Grove in the UAE. 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.

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.”

Majid Al-Futtaim’s lifestyle portfolio will also welcome a new Crate and Barrel store at Sahara Mall, Riyadh, reinforcing the brand’s presence in the capital. Meanwhile, in Jeddah, five new stores will launch at Jawharat Mall, including lululemon, Hollister, Eleventy, Abercrombie and Fitch, and AllSaints — bringing some of the world’s most in-demand fashion and lifestyle brands even closer to Saudi customers.

Majid Al-Futtaim’s retail expansion in Saudi Arabia builds on a record-breaking 2024, which saw a 26 percent increase in revenue across its lifestyle portfolio and a 31 percent surge in digital sales — including a 22 percent uplift in Saudi Arabia alone. The year also saw the opening of 17 new stores across the region, five of which are in the Kingdom, as well as flagship locations for brands such as lululemon, Crate and Barrel, and CB2, alongside 27 e-commerce platforms.

News Credits- ARAB NEWS

Consumer products giant Unilever has reported its Q1 results and they show varying performances across its different divisions.

The Anglo-Dutch consumer products giant has operations ranging from foods to household goods, personal care and beauty. And it’s these last two units that we’ll focus on.

Overall turnover fell 0.9% to €14.8 billion although underlying sales growth (USG) was 3%. In Beauty & Wellbeing, turnover rose 2.9% to €3.3 billion and was up 4.1% on a USG basis. Meanwhile in Personal Care, turnover fell 4.4%, also to €3.3 billion, but was up 5.1% USG.

Beauty & Wellbeing accounted for 22% of Q1 group turnover and that 4.1% USG rise divided into 2.5% from volume and 1.5% from price. Growth was driven by a strong Wellbeing performance, that was partially offset by a slower Beauty market.

Hair Care was flat with low-single-digit price rises offset by a low-single-digit volume decline. Dove grew in mid-single-digits, supported by its relaunch with “cutting edge fibre repair technology, new packaging and design”.

Its largest haircare brand, Sunsilk, was flat as it lapped a strong double-digit growth comparator and faced some destocking in Brazil. Nexxus grew strongly in double-digits, which was supported by the launch of its HY-Volume range. Clear declined as market growth remained challenged in its primary market, China.

Core Skin Care grew in low-single-digits driven by low-single-digit volume expansion. Both Vaseline and Dove continued to grow in double-digits though, supported by the rollouts of Vaseline’s Pro Derma Ceramide range and Dove’s body serums across the Americas. Pond’s launched its new Ultra Light Biome range across Asia which uses its cera-hyamino technology to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier.

Prestige Beauty declined in low-single-digits “reflecting the slowdown in the beauty market”. But the group’s Hourglass and Tatcha brands continued to grow in double-digits as Paula’s Choice and Dermalogica declined. K18, a premium biotech haircare brand, grew in strong double-digits.

Personal Care also made up 22% of Q1 group turnover and its 5.1% USG growth divided into 2.7% from volume and 2.4% from price.

Dove, which represents around 40% of Personal Care’s turnover, grew in high-single-digits, boosted by both price and volume. This growth was driven by the continued success and rollout of Dove’s serum shower collection and whole-body deodorants. Its performance was also supported by its Super Bowl advertising campaign.

Skin Cleansing grew in low-single-digits and Dove led the charge again with strong performances in North America and Europe. The brand’s success was supported by Dove Men+Care, which introduced a new range of premium naturals and relaunched its core range with updated packaging and design.

Author Credits- Sandra Halliday, FASHION NETWORK

According to a new report from The Insight Partners, the global courier, express and parcel (CEP) market is seeing healthy growth, and is predicted to reach a value of US$595.32bn by 2031 with an expected CAGR of 8.5%.

According to the Courier Express and Parcel Market Overview, Growth, and Trends (2021-2031) report, key drivers include the booming e-commerce industry, growing demand for same day and express delivery, and the growing demand for last-mile delivery that caters to the call for quick commerce services at local levels. Retailers are increasingly partnering with CEP providers to offer seamless delivery experiences, and this has prompted significant investments in logistics infrastructure, particularly in emerging markets where e-commerce penetration is rapidly increasing.

Consumer demand

The report suggests that consumer expectations for delivery speed continue to escalate, with same-day and express delivery becoming standard in many markets. This trend, initially popularized by Amazon Prime, has now spread across the industry, forcing CEP providers to invest heavily in express delivery capabilities.

The willingness of consumers to pay premiums for expedited delivery has created lucrative segments within the CEP market. Businesses are increasingly using express delivery as a competitive advantage, particularly in sectors like food delivery, grocery, pharmaceuticals and high-value retail.

According to the report, this has fueled investments in dense urban delivery networks, micro-fulfillment centers and dark stores to enable faster delivery timeframes. The growth in express delivery has also driven changes in sorting technology, vehicle fleets and delivery scheduling to accommodate tighter delivery windows.

Convergence of B2C and B2B services

Traditionally distinct B2C and B2B delivery networks are increasingly converging as CEP companies, the report states, with B2B delivery expertise in areas like scheduled deliveries, specialized handling and time-definite services being adapted for premium B2C segments.

Simultaneously, B2C capabilities in last-mile optimization, customer communication and flexible delivery options are enhancing B2B service offerings. This convergence is enabling CEP companies to use assets more efficiently across business lines and throughout the day. It is also creating competitive advantages for integrated providers who can offer comprehensive solutions spanning both B2B and B2C needs.

According to The Insight Partners, this trend is particularly evident in urban operations where density and asset utilization are critical to profitability. The operational boundaries between business and consumer deliveries will continue to blur as companies optimize across their entire customer base.

Author Credits- HAZEL KING, Parcel and postal technology INTERNATIONAL

Zomato is reshuffling its leadership after facing several challenges over market share in recent times.

Rakesh Ranjan, CEO of food delivery at Eternal which is the parent company of Zomato has stepped down from his role. There is ongoing internal restructuring going on in Zomato. Founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal will oversee the food delivery segment until a new leader is appointed, reported Economic Times.

Zomato Leadership Reshuffle

Rakesh Ranjan, was appointed CEO of Zomato’s food delivery division in May 2023. After leaving the current role he will remain with the company and handle different segments. According to a media report the reshuffle is part of a broader internal reorganization.

“There’s an internal reshuffle underway, and as part of that, Ranjan is stepping down from his position as food delivery CEO. Deepinder (Goyal) will be overseeing the vertical until a permanent replacement is finalized,” one source told ET.

The company is finding candidates for the role internally as well as externally and new appointments expected in the coming months.

Competition From Zepto & Swiggy

Zomato is facing increased competition in the food delivery segment, from its largest rival, Swiggy, which has been gaining market share. As of the October–December quarter, Swiggy had 43% of the market, which is higher than 42% in the previous quarter. As more players are entering the 10 minute delivery app, Zomato may lose its market share further.

Zomato has started a quick delivery app Blinkit. However, their restaurant partners questioned operational feasibility and profitability.

Zomato’s Market Share

The leadership changes are done after a slowdown in the food delivery industry. Despite the festival season of October–December quarter, which is a high consumption period, Zomato’s growth was very less. Gross Order Value (GOV) for the quarter rose by only 2% to Rs 9,913 crore, with a 17% year-on-year increase.

Goyal acknowledged challenges in the food delivery sector in an interview with ET. “Food delivery has multiple systemic issues that need to be solved. Once we solve those, the interests of Zomato, restaurants, and customers will align toward growth. I’m hoping that we can launch some of these solutions in the next three months,” he said.

Author Credits- Anirudha Yerunkar, India.com

Europe’s parcel delivery industry is at a crossroads, with rising e-commerce demand, urban congestion and sustainability concerns requiring a new approach to last-mile delivery. The rise in parcel locker networks has been beneficial, but the trend for carrier-specific locker networks is creating inefficiencies. A new approach of open smart locker networks will combat this, enabling multiple carriers to share infrastructure, thereby reducing costs and improving logistics.

A fragmented delivery market

Consumer behavior is shifting toward more flexible delivery solutions. OOH deliveries are projected to grow from 15% in 2020 to 29% by 2025, with 39% of shoppers already receiving deliveries outside their homes and 48% using multiple delivery locations. As home delivery costs rise, 50% of consumers abandon purchases due to expensive shipping, increasing demand for cost-effective, convenient alternatives, according to the Tembi Delivery Index.

By opening the networks and investing in carrier-agnostic solutions, operators can consolidate deliveries into a single touchpoint

Currently, parcel logistics in Europe relies on closed, proprietary locker networks that force customers to collect packages from multiple locations, increasing costs and inefficiencies. For customers, this current method means wasted time; for carriers, it adds strain, missed deliveries and last-mile costs. By opening the networks and investing in carrier-agnostic solutions, operators can consolidate deliveries into a single touchpoint, improving efficiency for all.

Open networks as the new standard

One recent example of an open parcel locker network has come from DeinFach. In February, the company launched its carrier-agnostic, hardware-flexible network in Germany, enabling multiple logistics providers to share infrastructure, benefiting couriers, retailers and consumers.

To make open networks successful, parcel locker operators need to work with technology solutions providers to ensure the back-end software enables full interoperability between locker systems, allowing operators to scale without vendor lock-in. With plug-and-play deployment, different hardware providers and logistics companies can integrate their systems effortlessly, reducing infrastructural costs for business and delivering the ultimate delivery convenience to customers.

Overcoming industry barriers

Interoperability can be one of the biggest challenges in building an open network, as the logistics industry currently lacks standardization. Technology providers such as Bloq.it are now developing new universal protocols that allow different lockers to communicate and operate under a single system – without intermediaries. A key innovation in this area is self-healing technology, which detects and corrects locker inconsistencies for network reliability.

To enable open networks like DeinFach, a strong technology backbone is essential, and logistics providers must embrace multi-vendor interoperability to stay competitive in an evolving global delivery ecosystem.

Interoperability can be one of the biggest challenges in building an open network, as the logistics industry currently lacks standardization

Expansion and market adoption

The open network model simplifies parcel collection, optimizes deliveries and boosts foot traffic for location partners. Open networks are the future of European parcel logistics. Retailers, carriers and urban planners must move beyond isolated systems as demand for faster, more efficient delivery grows. Carrier-agnostic software will form the backbone of this expansion, enabling locker networks to function like IoT devices, seamlessly integrating with real-time logistics needs.

Data security remains a priority for the logistics industry, so the software at the heart of these open networks should be designed with security at its core, encrypting data both at rest and in transit, just like modern internet protocols. Lockers should be as secure as any connected device in an IoT ecosystem.

The shift to open smart locker networks is inevitable, not only in Europe but worldwide. Logistics providers must adapt or risk being left behind.

Author Credits- MARTA SILVA, Parcel and postal technology INTERNATIONAL

FedEx Express has launched its first direct flight from Singapore to Anchorage, Alaska, to provide enhanced supply chain efficiency and improved connectivity for businesses in Southeast Asia, especially in fast-growing economies such as Malaysia.

Operating six times a week with a dedicated Boeing 777 freighter, the flight departs from the FedEx South Pacific Regional Hub at Changi Airport in Singapore. According to FedEx, it is the only logistics provider offering a direct, non-stop connection from Singapore to the continental US.

With this enhanced connectivity, shipments from Malaysia will be consolidated in Penang and Kuala Lumpur before being transported to Singapore for the direct flight to Anchorage. There is also a direct return flight from Anchorage to Singapore once a week, with plans to expand to five flights per week in the summer.

According to FedEx, the flight improves transit times, allowing shipments picked up in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand on a Saturday to arrive in the US on a Monday – a day earlier than previously.

“With this new service, FedEx reaffirms its dedication to supporting Malaysian businesses in their pursuit of global success,” said Tien Long Woon, managing director of FedEx Malaysia. “By providing a more reliable link to the US, we are empowering businesses in key hubs like Kuala Lumpur and Penang to navigate the complexities of international trade with confidence.

“As Southeast Asia’s trade landscape evolves, FedEx remains committed to delivering innovative logistics solutions that help Malaysian businesses stay competitive and thrive in the global marketplace,” he added.

Author Credits- HAZEL KING, Parcel and postal technology INTERNATIONAL

The Body Shop plans to reduce many of its product prices in India by between 28% and 30% to boost customer acquisition and increase sales volume growth in the country’s increasingly competitive beauty market.

“This is not a seasonal or reactive move, it is a long term recalibration of The Body Shop’s approach at an omni-channel level,” Quest Retail’s group CEO Rahul Shanker told ET Retail. “The strategic decision to recalibrate prices has been taken after consulting the global team to speed up growth in the Indian market.”

The business will adjust prices for approximately 50% of its business, ET Bureau reported. This will cover around 60 products in 12 different categories.

“This decision has been taken without compromising the quality and packaging of the products,” said Shanker. “Going ahead, by increasing the volumes, we aim to bring economies of scale… This initiative will not impact the profitability as we will gain volumes. Even if the percentage moves a little bit downward, it will be covered by volumes.”

The Body Shop plans to double its India business in the coming five years. For the 2026 financial year, the business is targeting between 30% and 40% volume growth and 20% to 25% growth in value terms.

Author Credits- Isabelle Crossley, FASHION NETWORK