MAM
Bata decides to walk with DDB Mudra
MUMBAI: Footwear retailer Bata has appointed DDB Mudra Delhi as its integrated marketing and communications agency to shoulder marketing communication responsibilities starting December.
The agency will be responsible for strengthening the Bata brand and highlighting its contemporary and youthful product range. The Delhi branch of the agency will be in charge of the account.
Bata India plans to maintain an aggressive momentum on retail expansion, having added 168 new stores so far this year and will be launching new styles for the entire family.
Group Managing Director Bata India Limited Rajeev Gopalakrishnan said, “DDB Mudra’s robust experience in media, OOH, retail and experiential lifestyle retail has positioned them as our preferred choice. Their understanding of our brand integrated seamlessly with our foreseeable plans. Given the complexities of the retail marketplace and our diverse portfolio of products, it was crucial to select a creative and passionate team to partner Bata in our growth endeavour.”
DDB Mudra Group group CEO and managing director Madhukar Kamath said, “I am elated about this new win for DDB Mudra Delhi. Bata, is one of the oldest and most respected brands in India and represents a very special addition to our list of clients. I am confident that our team in Delhi, consisting of Vandana Das, Talha Mohsin, Mahesh Parab, Xavi Bech and Radhika Das will do an excellent job partnering and building brand Bata.”
DDB Mudra Group president Vandana Das said, “Bata is one brand we all have grown up with. Needless to say that it’s a prestigious business and it delights us even more to win it particularly at a time when the brand is going through an evolution. There are a host of new offerings planned for the year ahead and we are all geared up and excited.”
Brands
Charlotte Tilbury opens first flagship store in India
Luxury beauty brand bets on immersive retail as India expansion gathers pace
NEW DELHI: Charlotte Tilbury has opened its first flagship Beauty Wonderland in India, planting a high-glamour marker in New Delhi as global beauty brands double down on the country’s fast-growing premium market.
Located at Nexus Select Citywalk in Saket, the store is operated end-to-end by Nykaa, deepening a partnership that began with the brand’s digital launch in India in 2020 and has since scaled across retail, marketing and distribution. The opening signals a shift from marketplace presence to standalone brand environments as companies chase long-term equity and consumer loyalty.
The launch was marked by an event on April 9 featuring actor Sobhita Dhulipala, the brand’s first beauty muse in India, underscoring Charlotte Tilbury’s growing cultural push in the market.
“Darlings, I am so excited to open my first-ever flagship Beauty Wonderland in India, in its vibrant and iconic capital, New Delhi,” said Charlotte Tilbury. “This is such a magical milestone for the brand as we continue to grow in one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting beauty markets.”
Tilbury highlighted the brand’s connection with Indian consumers. “India has always been a place of incredible beauty, celebration and transformation. I have been so inspired by the artistry, creativity and passion of our community here. They are true beauty connoisseurs that appreciate next-generation formulas,” she said.
The store is designed as an immersive retail experience, blending the brand’s Art Deco and old Hollywood aesthetic with local cues. A bespoke Royal Indian Arch anchors the space, alongside personalised makeup services tailored to Indian trends and occasions. A dedicated bridal looks wall nods to the country’s strong wedding-led beauty market, while interactive elements such as the Pillow Talk photowall and in-store masterclasses aim to drive engagement.
For the first time in India, the full Charlotte Tilbury portfolio is available under one roof, spanning makeup, skincare and fragrance, including the Fragrance Collection of Emotions and bestsellers such as Magic Cream, Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer and Pillow Talk products.
Nykaa, which operates 57 doors for the brand alongside its app and website, will now lead end-to-end management of Charlotte Tilbury’s exclusive boutiques in India, covering retail operations, staffing, supply chain, marketing and omnichannel integration.
“Charlotte Tilbury has been one of our most successful and strategic global partnerships,” said Anchit Nayar, executive director and chief executive officer, Nykaa Beauty. “The launch of the first exclusive boutique, fully operated by Nykaa, is a natural next step and reflects our shared long-term commitment to building the brand in India.”
Nykaa’s broader beauty playbook, built on digital-first entry followed by omnichannel scale, now reaches over 42 million consumers and has become a template for global brands entering India. The retailer currently serves 52 million customers through its platforms and runs 276 offline beauty destinations, reinforcing its position as a gateway for international labels.
Charlotte Tilbury, founded in 2013, now operates in over 50 markets with more than 3,000 employees and 500 products across categories, with over 3,000 distribution points globally.
A second standalone store is slated to open at Mall of India in Noida in May 2026, signalling an aggressive retail push.
In a market where beauty is fast turning from aspiration to everyday indulgence, Charlotte Tilbury is not just selling products. It is building theatre, and betting that Indian consumers are ready to buy into the spectacle.
