MAM
Ecco shoes steps into India; to pump in Rs 10 million in marketing
MUMBAI: Danish major Ecco shoes launched its operations in Delhi with the introduction of its premium golf footwear priced at Rs 26,999.
The company also launched its formal and casual range for men and women. These shoes will initially be available in three cities – New Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh and will be retailed out of Shoetree outlets.
In the first year of operations, a budget of Rs 10 million will be allocated to support a very selective marketing effort focused at the concept stores.
The shoes will soon be available at other select high-end stores as well. The company also plans to open two “Concept” stores in its first year of operations, the first of which in New Delhi, will be announced within a fortnight. The initial likely investment of the franchisee is up to Rs 10 million in an Ecco Concept store by a franchisee.
The company’s distribution model will be very selective. Ecco shoes will be only available in a few hand picked outlets, in addition to the concept stores, in keeping with the premium positioning of the brand.
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
