Indian express parcel delivery company Delhivery has taken a controlling stake in its rival Ecom Express Limited for Rs~1,400 Cr. (US$162m) in a bid to expand its customer base and boost its e-commerce delivery market share.

Commenting on the deal, which was announced on April 5 and is subject to approval from the Competition Commission of India, Sahil Barua, MD and CEO of Delhivery said, “The Indian economy requires continuous improvements in cost efficiency, speed and reach of logistics. We believe this acquisition will enable us to service customers of both companies better, through continued bold investments in infrastructure, technology, network and people.

“The founders and management of Ecom Express have established a high-quality network and team, creating a strong foundation to integrate into Delhivery’s operations.”

K Satyanarayana, founder of Ecom Express, added, “Delhivery is among India’s leading fully-integrated logistics service providers with significant scale advantages and will be the ideal shareholder for Ecom Express’s next phase of growth.

“With this acquisition and its inherent synergies, businesses across India as well as the logistics industry itself will benefit immensely through the combination of two like-minded players.”

Author Credits – Hazel King, Parcel and postal technology INTERNATIONAL

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has given Bluestone Jewellery and Lifestyle the go-ahead to raise funds through an initial public offering. Having received Sebi’s final observation, Bluestone can take the next steps towards launching its IPO.

Bluestone’s planned IPO will comprise a mix of a fresh issue of shares up to Rs 1,000 crore and an offer for sale of up to approximately 2.4 crore equity shares, ET Tech reported. The business had filed its IPO papers with Sebi on December 11 last year.

For the offer for sale portion of the IPO, company shareholder Kalaari Capital Partners II LLC will sell off up to 70.7 lakh shares, the Economic Times reported. On top of that, shareholder Saama Capital II Limited will sell off up to 41 lakh shares and Sunil Kant Munjal and other Hero Enterprise Partner Ventures partners will sell off up to 40 lakh shares.

The business plans to use up to Rs 750 crore of the proceeds from its fresh share issue towards general corporate purposes and meeting its working capital requirements. As the offer is being carried out through a book-building process, no less than 75% of the net offer will be allocated to qualified institutional buyers, no more than 15% is allocated to non-institutional buyers, and no more than 10% is allocated to retail individual investors.

Bluestone Jewellery and Lifestyle established its Bluestone jewellery brand in 2011, specialising in gold, diamond, and platinum jewellery with numerous customisation options available, according to its website. The business retails from its direct to customer e-commerce store, mobile app, and network of exclusive brand outlets across India.

Author Credits- Isabelle Crossley, FASHION NETWORK

Swiggy Instamart, a quick commerce platform has launched an in-app feature called ‘Maxxsaver’ to boost sales by offering savings to customers on large orders.

With this feature, Instamart allows customers to save up to Rs 500 after reaching a certain order value. The feature will be applicable across all categories that include daily essentials, electronics, smartphones, fashion, beauty, among others.

Commenting on the launch, Amitesh Jha, CEO of Swiggy Instamart in a statement said, “As more users turn to Swiggy Instamart for daily essentials, electronics, fashion, and more, we remain committed to delivering exceptional value. With Maxxsaver, we enhance our promise to make Swiggy Instamart the most affordable and convenient quick commerce destination.”

“By passing on the benefits of larger orders, we’re able to offer better pricing to our users. Whether it’s a top-up or a weekly haul, users can effortlessly unlock maximum savings on every order,” he added.

Swiggy Instamart offers 10-minute deliveries in 100 Indian cities after recently adding 32 cities to its network.

Author Credits- Maverick Martins, FASHION NETWORK

As inflationary pressures and rising grocery prices affect consumer spending in Australia, high-value retail megastores are gaining popularity now more than ever.

Costco’s latest store opening in Ardeer, Melbourne, marks a significant milestone in the retailer’s continued expansion throughout Australia. The new location signifies Costco’s ongoing commitment to making a vast range of high-value products available to Australians. It now has 15 warehouses in the country and $4.4 billion in annual revenue.

The Ardeer warehouse officially opened on April 9, replacing the US-based company’s first Australian site in Docklands. Comprising 16,000 square metres of floor area and 760 car parking spaces, the new retail megastore boasts the largest Costco fuel station in Australia, a tyre centre, optical centre and hearing aid centre.

Focusing on community engagement, Costco’s country manager, Chris Tingman, highlighted the Melbourne suburb, located about 15km west of the city centre, as “dynamic and fast-growing”. He expressed confidence that Costco “can deliver exceptional value through a diverse range of products and services to the local community.”

Costco’s role in a challenging economic landscape

The Ardeer warehouse signals a crucial shift in Australia’s grocery and retail landscape as Costco adapts to current economic pressures and the rising cost of living.

“The great thing about Costco is the items that go to market globally are the cheapest out of all of the retailers. We range a limited number of items on a pallet and bring items to market [in] the most efficient way, and because we save on those costs, we’re able to pass those savings on to our members,” Costco Australia and New Zealand marketing and e-commerce director, Megan Belanger, told Inside Retail.

Enabling customers to buy in bulk, access exclusive deals and take advantage of competitive prices across a range of products is Costco’s manifesto. Despite rising costs and inflation in the current economic climate in Australia, Costco has maintained its pricing strategy and incentivised loyal members rather than increasing margins.

Belanger pointed out that the current market conditions present a significant opportunity for growth. “We’re seeing, firstly, really good growth in both our membership numbers and also our sales numbers, and I think that’s reflective of the value that we’re offering to our members,” she said.

“Instead of looking for ways to increase margins, we’re trying to find a way to bring even more value in savings to our members. The more we save, the more loyal our members are, and they’ll [continue to] shop with us,” she added.

Costco is the only subscription-based warehouse chain in Australia. Customers must pay an annual fee of $65 to shop there.

The “wow” factor: exclusive items for members

One of the highlights of the Ardeer store’s grand opening is the unique and exclusive range of “wow” items that are available to members.

“Whenever we open a new warehouse, we love to put some ‘wow’ items in, and they’re limited just to this warehouse and normally a short run. If you see it and you love it, you should buy it, because it won’t be around forever,” Belanger said.

The new Ardeer warehouse offers a range of products for Costco members exclusively, including a two-person infrared sauna, a Segway Go Kart, and an outdoor igloo. Products for food lovers include a 2kg pistachio cheesecake, a 15kg tub of ghee and a selection of premium liquor.

A growing demand for high-value purchases

The retailer is also growing its online presence, providing members with the convenience of shopping from home while maintaining the distinctive warehouse experience it’s known for. Costco recently sealed a partnership with DoorDash, aiming to enhance its online delivery services with on-demand capabilities.

“Our Costco members can have fresh fruit and groceries delivered to them via DoorDash, and will deliver up to 60 minutes from a warehouse location,” Belanger said.

Since launching an e-commerce site in 2020, Costco has offered members access to a wide range of products online, except for food, grocery and fresh produce, which aren’t available. However, Costco’s distinctive in-store shopping journey remains well-preserved.

“Our members love the idea of coming to the warehouse and seeing what’s new, going through the treasure hunt experience and seeing what’s here. Shopping at Costco really is that kind of day-out experience,” Belanger said.

Driven by distinctive product offerings, e-commerce innovations and an unwavering commitment to value, Costco appears uniquely positioned to thrive in the current retail landscape as it continues to grow its footprint.

Author Credits- Tahlia Whitfield, inside FMCG

Global lifestyle brand Guess has launched its first dedicated e-commerce platform for India, expanding its digital retail presence in the country. The new website offers a wide selection of men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, handbags, children’s wear, and luggage.

The launch adds an online sales channel to Guess’ existing network of 21 brick-and-mortar stores across India, aiming to make the brand’s offerings more accessible via both mobile and desktop platforms, India Retailing reported. To enhance the shopping experience, the site is designed to feature user-friendly navigation, multiple payment options, weekday customer support from 9 am to 7 pm, and a 30-day return policy.

According to the brand, these features are designed to ensure convenience and reliability for Indian consumers. In the coming months, Guess plans to expand the product range on its e-commerce platform to include its signature fragrances, premium watches, designer eyewear, and footwear.

Founded in 1981 by the Marciano brothers, Guess today retails its denim and trend driven lifestyle collections globally. In India, the brand is operated by Guess? Inc through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Guess India Private Limited. The new platform is part of the company’s broader push to strengthen its omni-channel presence in the Indian market.

Author Credits- Isabelle Crossley, FASHION NETWORK

Tata Group plans to raise $1 billion for its multi-brand retail business BigBasket as part of a $1.3 billion fundraise which will also send funds to its online pharmacy company 1mg. Global investment banks Moelis and Citi have been mandated to raise the capital from external investors.

Tata Group is keen to level up BigBasket to enable it to compete in the high stakes quick commerce and e-commerce spaces, ET Bureau reported. Both BigBasket and 1mg are part of Tata Group’s Tata Digital arm and the fundraising round is expected to kick off by the end of this April.

“Tata Sons has invested significant funds into Tata Digital’s various businesses, and it feels it’s time to show results,” an anonymous executive close to the development told ET Retail. “While businesses like BigBasket are seen as mature enough to drive growth based on market realities, it has to move swiftly in spaces ignored earlier, and that needs big funds. Investors may not be too confident about the valuation expected by the management. Their comfort comes from the fact that it has the backing of Tata Sons.”

BigBasket’s last valuation was at around $3.2 billion in 2022. The business’ revenue makes up the majority of Tata Digital’s income and Tata Group owns more than 65% of BigBasket.

Author Credits- Isabelle Crossley, FASHION NETWORK

Tap Payments, a MENA-focused payment gateway, has received a Retail Payment Services licence from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE).

The new licence enables the Saudi-headquartered firm to offer its payments suite, which supports over 20 different payment methods, to businesses in the UAE. This offering also includes a billing application and API, checkout options, and local payouts to MENA banks.

It completes Tap Payments’ regulatory approvals across all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, adding to its existing permits in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.

Founded by CEO Ali Abulhasan in 2014, Tap Payments currently serves more than 120,000 enterprises, and maintains offices in Cairo, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, London, Manama, Muscat and Riyadh.

In November 2024, the fintech partnered with Mastercard to launch Click to Pay with Payment Passkey, claiming to be a “global first”. The solution enables online shoppers to select their Mastercard at checkout and authenticate payments using biometrics.

Author Credits- Cameron Emanuel-Burns, FINTECH FUTURES

American sports apparel label Malbon Golf has opened its first flagship store in the Philippines, at Shangri-la The Fort, its largest location worldwide.

The new store, announced at the end of last year, offers premium golf gear, lifestyle items, and a curated range of collaborations with worldwide brands such as Undefeated, F1, and Jimmy Choo.

According to the brand, the opening of Malbon’s largest store in the world in Manila demonstrates its continuous dedication to increasing its global reach, in addition to other markets such as Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Seoul.

The launch is in collaboration with retail distributor TKG Lifestyle, which is also behind bringing in brands like Gentle Monster, % Arabica, and a fitness chain Pretty Huge.

Malbon Golf, founded in 2017 by Stephen and Erica Malbon in Los Angeles, aims to make golf culture more accessible to the younger generation by combining the sport with street style.

Author Credits- Irene Dong, Inside Retail